Natural Resources Specialist II – III – IV (Conservation Ecologist) (00057100)

TPWD – Natural Resources Specialist II – III – IV (jobshiringnearme.org Ecologist) (00057100) 

Organization: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 

Primary Location: Texas-Austin 

Work Locations: 

DW-TPWD Headquarters 

4200 Smith School Road 

 Austin 78744

Job: Management 

Employee Status: Regular 

Schedule: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time 

State Job Code: 2683 2684, 2685 

Salary Admin Plan: B 

Grade: 18 20, 22 

Salary (Pay Basis): 5,350.97 – 6,776.85 (Monthly) 

Number of Openings: 1 

Overtime Status: Exempt 

Job Posting: Mar 31, 2026, 11:19:29 AM 

Closing Date: Apr 28, 2026, 11:59:00 PM 

description

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: Beth Bendik, (512) 389-8521, Email: beth.bendik@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Aquatic Resources Permitting and Consultation Program Leader, the jobshiringnearme.org Ecologist is responsible for implementation of Department Sand and Gravel permitting and for the review of other permitting and regulatory actions impacting aquatic ecosystems in Texas. Guides applicants through the Sand and Gravel permitting process; uses knowledge and creative problem solving to help resolve violations; and coordinates site visits and meetings with landowners and Department law enforcement. Provides recommendations to minimize impacts to riparian, stream, wetland and occasionally coastal species and habitats. Uses desktop tools such as GIS, Google Earth, and other available existing data to determine impacts of development projects on aquatic resources. Supports the development of Department databases and maintains existing databases. Participates as a Department representative in statewide or regional interagency groups and committees related to aquatic resources. Attends site visits in the field with landowners, mitigation bankers, law enforcement, elected officials, and regulated entities. Coordinates with other Divisions within the Department and other agencies on projects and reviews. Hosts public meetings; presents information in outreach and education regarding water regulations; and finds or creates resources to share with landowners and the public. Reviews and develops comments on proposed grants for recreational facilities, hazard mitigation and planning. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Department and Division rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation.

Experience:

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 is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

NRS II – IV: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation may substitute for one year of the required experience.

NRS II – IV: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation may substitute two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or PhD in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation.

Experience:

Four years of experience in habitat and natural resource impact assessment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

NRS II:

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances and laws; chemical and biological analysis techniques and procedures; botany, ecology, taxonomy, and hydrology.
• Knowledge of General ecology.
• Knowledge of freshwater and riparian flora and fauna, taxonomy, and associated habitat and environmental needs including hydrology.
• Knowledge of biological analysis techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances, laws, legislation, statutes, and regulations related to conservation of streams, wetlands, fish, and wildlife.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory and permitting programs related to water, sand and gravel, hydropower, and wetlands.
• Knowledge of advanced riverine and wetland ecology.
• Knowledge of fluvial geomorphology.
• Knowledge of advanced techniques and procedures.

NRS III:

• Knowledge of NRS II plus:
• Knowledge of environmental threats and techniques to minimize and avoid impacts.
• Knowledge of field methods, equipment, and analyses for assessing ecosystem values, impacts, and compensation e.g. TXRAM (Texas Rapid Assessment Method) and SDAMs (Streamflow Duration Assessment Method).

NRS IV:

• Knowledge of NRS III plus:
• Knowledge of institutional, legal and public policy issues related to natural resource conservation, regulatory, and permitting programs.

NRS II:

• Skill in operating and maintaining environmental equipment including survey equipment and geographic positioning systems.
• Skill in operating computer hardware and software including word processing, data management and analysis, and mapping and geographic information systems.
• Skill in interacting and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, on technical issues to many groups including TPWD staff, the public, and scientific audiences.
• Skill in basic statistical methods used for analyzing and interpreting natural resource data.
• Skill in reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, and commenting on technical documents.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.
• Managing several projects simultaneously.

NRS III:

• Skills of NRS II plus:
• Skill in assessing potential impacts to natural resources including assessment and interpretation of complex concepts and project descriptions.

NRS IV:

• Skills of NRS III plus:
• Skill in developing and refining procedures and processes for conservation, permitting and regulatory programs.

NRS II:

• Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to conduct surveys, studies, research, and write technically and proficiently.
• Ability to contribute effectively and professionally as a member of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the public, project sponsors, consultants, and state and federal agencies.
• Ability to Work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to Accurately interpret and review project design and ecological management plans; aerial photography, satellite imagery, topographic and ecological maps; and natural resources data/modeling inputs and outputs.
• Ability to critically review engineering design plans for environmental impacts.
• Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS III:

• Abilities of NRS II plus:
• Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.
• Ability to Effectively participate in alternatives analysis and conflict resolution negotiations.
• Ability to participate independently in multi-agency review processes.
• Ability to lead public comment hearings for Sand and Gravel permits.
• Ability to coordinate site visits with TPWD staff, landowners, and other agencies.
• Ability to ork under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS IV:

• Abilities of NRS III plus:
• 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.
• Ability to coordinate project reviews, studies, and research related to conservation, regulatory and permitting programs.
• Ability to work effectively under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to coordinate with TPWD Legislative Liaison and be in direct contact with legislative staff as needed.
• Ability to review high profile projects and coordinate with upper management.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Required to work overtime as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors in rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to fully participate in water-based survey activities, including ability to swim.
• Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
• Must conform to Department 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