Natural Resources Specialist II - IV (Watershed Conservation Ecologist)

• NOTE: FLEXIBLE OFFICE LOCATION WITH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOCUSED ON RIVERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED WATERSHEDS IN THE EDWARDS PLATEAU ECOREGION OF CENTRAL TEXAS. TRAVEL 10% - 30 % REQUIRED.
• Position Title: Natural Resources Specialist II - IV (Watershed Conservation Ecologist)
• Posting Number: 12-07-046
• Posted: October 20, 2011
• Closes: Open Until Further Notice
• Class/Salary Group: 2683,2684,2685/B17,B19, B21
• Salary: $3,529.09, $4,073.21, $4,751.79/Mo.
• Division: Inland Fisheries
• Position Location: Flexible options, such as Austin HQ, San Marcos or Central Texas.
• Hiring Contact: Gary Garrett
• Phone: 830/866-3356 x212
• Fax: 512/389-8053
• E-Mail: Gary.Garrett@tpwd.state.tx.us
• General Position Description: This position is responsible for developing and implementing watershed conservation projects to provide healthy habitats, which benefits the natural resources of the state. Conducts outreach efforts to local communities, private landowners and other potential partners to identify watershed conservation opportunities. Provides technical guidance to community-based organizations in the identification, design, review, planning, implementation and monitoring of watershed conservation projects. Serves as the primary lead for technical coordination and oversight of selected watershed conservation projects, incorporating expertise from throughout TPWD divisions, other state and federal agencies, NGOs, academia and other partners. Ensures that TPWD-funded watershed conservation projects meet the necessary regulatory and permitting requirements and remain on schedule and within budget. Collaborates with TPWD biologists and partners to monitor and evaluate project effectiveness and assess ecosystem response. Analyzes and interprets data and prepares technical reports and scientific publications. Monitors and evaluates natural resource status, trends and needs in Texas. Represents the Watershed Policy and Management Program on Division task forces, workgroups and review panels as needed. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. Note: Flexible office location with primary responsibilities focused on rivers and their associated watersheds in the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion of Central Texas.
• Working Conditions: (1) Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; (2) Required to travel in-state or out-of-state with possible overnight stays; (3) Required to operate a State vehicle; (4) Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's of Science degree in biology, ecology, natural resource conservation or closely related field. Preferred Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a natural resource management field.
  • Experience: (1) NRS II: Two years relevant experience; (2) NRS III: Six years relevant experience; (3) NRS IV: Four years as a TPWD NRS III. Acceptable Substitution: (1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience; (2) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in biology, ecology, natural resources management or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in working with private landowners and agency staff to implement natural resource projects.
  • License/Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class "C" Texas driver's license. Note: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: NRS II; (1) Knowledge of the flora and fauna of Texas and their ecosystems; (2) Knowledge of riparian ecology and natural resource management; (3) Skill in the using standard office equipment; (4) Skill in effective verbal and written communication; (5) Skill in managing several projects simultaneously; (6) Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information; (7) Ability to work as a member of a team; (8) Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities; (9) Ability to plan and perform fieldwork, including habitat assessments and measuring ecological outcomes; NRS III: Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS; (10) Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat; (11) Knowledge of threats to ecological integrity and appropriate management and policy approaches to address them; (12) Skill in interpreting, analyzing and explaining technical documents; (13) Skill in planning and preparing project budgets; (14) Skill in developing goals and objectives; (15) Ability to work independently with little or no supervision; NRS IV: Knowledge of NRS III, PLUS; (16) Knowledge of current scientific trends and practices in relevant disciplines; (17) Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations; (18) Skill in managing grants, contracts and writing requests for proposals; (19) Ability to initiate, build and develop public support and involvement for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conservation programs.
  • Additional Requirements: (1) Resumes are accepted, but will not serve in lieu of a completed State of Texas Application for Employment; (2) Skills demonstration may be requested at time of interview; (3) Miscellaneous information such as training certificates and copy of driver's license are NOT required; (4) A PHOTOCOPY of an official college transcript(s) issued from the registrar MUST be submitted with application. The transcript may be "issued to student" and does not need to be sealed and sent to TPWD. The transcript may be faxed, scanned, or mailed with application (if applicable); (5) Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Consent for criminal background check form from all applicants completed at time of application. The form may be found on our website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/jobs.
• FORWARD APPLICATION TO: Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, 5103 Junction Highway, Mountain Home, TX 78058. Attn: Gary Garrett.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
Employment, Recruitment and Retention Branch
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 512-389-4545; Fax: 512-389-4861; Internet: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/