Natural Resources Specialist I – II – III – IV (Assistant Fisheries Biologist) (00058233)

TPWD – Natural Resources Specialist I – II – III – IV (Assistant Fisheries Biologist)  (00058233) 

Organization: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 

Primary Location: Texas-Mathis 

Work Locations: 

IF-DO-Corpus Christi 

23198 Park Rd. 25

 Mathis 78368

Job: Management 

Employee Status: Regular 

Schedule: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time 

State Job Code: 2682 2683, 2684, 2685 

Salary Admin Plan: B 

Grade: 16 18, 20, 22 

Salary (Pay Basis): 4,504.18 – 6,776.85 (Monthly) 

Number of Openings: 1 

Overtime Status: Exempt 

Job Posting: May 6, 2026, 11:01:07 AM 

Closing Date: May 20, 2026, 11:59:00 PM 

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

• Job Title
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor description of duties performed
• Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements.
• Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields.
• College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview.
• Applications with “See attached” or “See resume” will not be accepted in lieu of a completed Application.
• Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility
• Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Army

92W

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Navy

AG, 180X, 680X

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Coast Guard

MST, MSSR, OAR15

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Marine Corps

6842, 6862, 6802, 8831

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Air Force

1W0X1, 9S100, 15WX

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*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

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.

HIRING CONTACT: Dusty McDonald, (361) 547-9712, Email: dusty.mcdonald@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Inland Fisheries District Office, 23198 Park Rd. 25, Mathis, TX 78368

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position will assist the district supervisor in managing the freshwater fisheries of all designated public waters in a large area of south Texas, including important resources down to the Rio Grande valley.  This position plays an important role in the development of statewide fisheries initiatives, specific to recreational sport fish management and conservation of their habitat and ecological communities. This position relies heavily on the ability to relate with recreational anglers and all constituents that benefit from aquatic resources. This is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to join a great team to have a positive impact on a significant portion of our Texas population by providing the best recreational fishing opportunities and conservation, set as our Inland Fisheries’ mission.

Under the direction of the Project Leader, this position performs natural resources work including conducting surveys on freshwater impoundments and rivers, analyzing and interpreting survey data, implementing applied fisheries management activities, planning and conducting management related research, writing technical reports and scientific publications on significant results and findings, organizing and conducting public outreach programs, and working directly with controlling authorities and municipalities.  Assists in directing a team of permanent technicians and seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers. Assists the Project Leader in various administrative duties, including purchasing, activity reporting, and budget planning. Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Science or related Biological Science with major coursework in Fish Culture and Fisheries Management.

Experience:

• Natural Resources Specialist (NRS) I: No experience required.
• NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.
• NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.
• NRS IV: Ten years of relevant experience.

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:

NRS II-III-IV ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries Science, Natural Science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

NRS II-III-IV ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries Science, Natural Science or closely related field 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 or biological science.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

NRS I:

• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of Texas and their ecosystems.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances and laws.

NRS II: Knowledge of NRS I, PLUS:

• Knowledge of riparian ecology and natural resource management.

NRS III: Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:

• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat.
• Knowledge of threats to ecological integrity and appropriate management and policy approaches to address them.
• NRS IV: Knowledge of NRS III, PLUS:
• Knowledge of current scientific trends and practices in relevant disciplines.

NRS I:

• Skill in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory and environmental equipment.

NRS II: Skills of a NRS I, PLUS:

• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information.

NRS III: Skills of a NRS II, PLUS:

• Skill in interpreting, analyzing and explaining technical documents.
• Skill in planning and preparing project budgets.
• Skill in developing goals and objectives.

NRS IV: Skills of a NRS III, PLUS:

• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations.
• Skill in managing grants, contracts and writing requests for proposals.

NRS I:

• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.
• Ability to conduct inspections, surveys, investigative research, and studies.
• Ability to analyze environmental and natural resource samples; to prepare reports.
• Ability to provide expert testimony.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS II: Ability of a NRS I, PLUS:

• Ability to plan and perform fieldwork, including habitat assessments and measuring ecological outcomes.
• Ability to provide guidance to others.
• Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS III: Ability of a NRS II, PLUS:

• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS IV: Ability of a NRS III, PLUS:

• Ability to initiate, build and develop public support and involvement for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conservation programs.
• Ability to perform advanced (senior-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Required to work overtime, as necessary.
• Required to travel 35% with possible overnight stays.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
• Required to operate a State vehicle.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER