Manager IV (Texas Freshwater Fisheries Visitor Center Manager)

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

HIRING CONTACT: Neil Pugliese, 940-779-2301, neil.pugliese@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TFFC, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752

GENERAL description:

Under the direction of the Inland Fisheries Division Hatchery Program Director, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Visitor Center Manager performs highly complex (senior level) managerial work overseeing operations of the Visitor Center, including recruiting, hiring, training, supervision, and leadership of employees and volunteers, administration of a substantial operating budget, sales and marketing, customer service, customer experience, visitation forecasting, revenue generation, and financial management. Oversees maintenance and repair of facilities, grounds, and equipment including 300,000 gallons of public display aquariums, an aquatic quarantine facility, dive theater, educational displays and exhibits, recreational fishing ponds, angler pavilion, hiking trails, tram tours, and visitor gift shop. Supervises subject matter experts, specialists, and team leaders who plan and implement educational programming and exhibits, admissions, customer services, planning and hosting of special events, volunteer recruitment and coordination, community outreach, facility maintenance, safety, security, and administration. Promotes employee development, teamwork, and morale, and leads the team to fulfill the mission in a manner that embodies the department’s core values. Serves as the Division staff liaison to the Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, an official non-profit partner. Also serves as the Division staff liaison to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Committee. Collaborates with the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Hatchery Manager, the Inland Fisheries Division Angler Engagement Program Manager, and the Tyler District Fisheries Supervisor to ensure a quality visitor experience to the Center and the efficient and effective delivery of onsite programs. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations and procedures. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

education: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

Three years of experience in (1) natural resource management; or (2) interpretation or education; or (3) general maintenance; or (4) public safety; or (5) promotions or public relations or marketing; or (6) financial management, budgeting and business development. 

One year of experience as a supervisor or a team leader. 

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.

Licensure:        

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.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Hospitality Management, or Business Management may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Hospitality Management, or Business Management may substitute for one year of the required experience may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:       

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Hospitality Management, Business Management, or other fields related to the management of natural resources, outdoor recreation, or visitor services. 

Experience: 

• Four years of experience leading and supervising teams to deliver environmental education, outdoor education, or outdoor recreation at a nature center, zoo, aquarium, park, or other outreach recreation or nature-based facility.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Experience with marketing and outreach.
• Experience in hiring, recruiting and training staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of large facilities, operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge in the operation of large-scale aquariums and fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and habitats.
• Knowledge of freshwater fish and plant species likely to be found in Texas.
• Knowledge freshwater fisheries management principles and strategies.
• Knowledge of recreational sport fish industry and angler dynamics.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies regarding aquatic systems in Texas.
• Knowledge of all phases of park and nature center operations, administration and hospitality service.
• Knowledge of marketing, marketplace positioning and promotions.
• Knowledge of customer service/satisfaction practices.
• Knowledge of accounting/accountability of revenue collection.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Skill in interacting and communicating orally and in writing on technical issues to various groups.
• Skill in reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, and commenting on educational materials.
• Skill in using graphics, statistical and analytical programs.
• Skill in planning and tracking budgets.
• Skill in designing, planning, and conducting large or complex facility and equipment maintenance and repair projects.
• Skill in developing and administering educational programs for a various audiences.
• Skill in personnel management with ability to effectively supervise and train employees.
• Skill in conflict resolution while fostering a team environment.
• Skill in public relations and partnership development.
• Skill in managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions.
• Ability to schedule and organize multiple work groups.
• Ability to set direction and vision for a team of self-driven professionals.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships and interact with agency partners.
• Ability to conduct evaluations to improve program delivery.
• Ability to speak/communicate comfortably in front of crowds and in written platforms.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.
• Ability to schedule and organize programmatic communications.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Ability to develop and maintain financial systems, accountability of budgets, and oversee purchasing, revenue, and inventories of agency property.
• Ability to develop and market special events and activities.
• Ability to carry out public and employee safety programs.
• Ability to coordinate maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment to ensure upkeep of grounds.
• Ability to identify, initiate and manage minor and capital projects.
• Ability to conduct activities in accordance with TPWD work rules and safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Required to work overtime, as necessary.
• Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as necessary.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
• Required to operate a State vehicle.
• Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• ‘N/A’ may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway.
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the ‘Create a Résumé’ link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your Application will be considered incomplete.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ 

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER