Natural Resources Specialist IV (Environmental Review Biologist)

Apply through the Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).

HIRING CONTACT: Rachel Lange, 979-732-4213, Email: rachel.lange@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Tyler Regional Office- 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707

GENERAL description:
Under the direction of the Environmental Review Team Leader, this position performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. This position is responsible for reviewing environmental documents related to development projects. Performs desktop and field investigations to determine impacts of development and infrastructure on natural resources. Prepares and communicates technical guidance for both terrestrial and aquatic biota, including federal and state listed species. Coordinates and collaborates with federal, state, and private entities concerning development projects and impact minimization measures. Attends meetings and hearings as a Department representative. Participates in and facilitates regional, state, and national initiatives and discussions regarding conservation tools and resources that assist with the development of guidance communicated by the Environmental Review Team. Collaborates with the Texas Natural Diversity Database, Landscape Ecology Program, and other Department programs. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

NOTE: Both a cover letter and official education transcripts are required at time of Application submittal.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Major coursework from Bachelor’s or post-Bachelor’s degree programs must include 24 hours minimum in Wildlife/Habitat jobshiringnearme.org, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university. 

experience:
Five years of experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology.

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 Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may substitute for one year of the required experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may substitute for two years of the required experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:       
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, jobshiringnearme.org Biology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Engineering, Environmental Law, or closely related field.

Experience: 
At least two years of professional experience related to assessing environmental impacts from development and communicating or negotiating implementation of beneficial management practices or conservation measures. 

Professional experience using GIS and/or experience interpreting biological data and models.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and understanding of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of development on wildlife and habitat.
• Knowledge of Texas wildlife and plants (particularly nongame and rare species), ecology, ecosystem functions, and natural history and associated conservation and management issues or concerns.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to environmental impacts, including but not limited to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Parks and Wildlife Code, Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, and the Sikes Act.
• Skill in using standard office technology and software.
• Skill in applying varied scientific skills and experience in ecology, hydrology, biology and geology in assessing project impacts and identifying opportunities for impact avoidance and minimization.
• Skill in developing and maintaining cooperative and collaborative relationships.
• Skill in observation and synthesis of competing information and positions.
• Skill in coordinating with members of the public, elected officials, advisory boards, media representatives, Department personnel, and other governmental agencies.
• Skill in synthesizing complex information and data and summarizing clearly to various audiences.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in generating creative solutions to problems.
• Skill in navigating evolving work priorities to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Ability to understand the impacts of proposed projects on ecosystem functions, including the ability to differentiate between short and long term impacts, identify restoration potential, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ability to understand a wide variety of scenarios for project alternatives, the means and methods for project construction, and the differential impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to communicate and work with multiple organizations to minimizing project impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to perform field surveys across uneven terrain and in potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate impacts of development projects (e.g., transportation, energy development, urban infrastructure) on natural resources.
• Ability to research findings and policy to develop recommendations or beneficial practices to avoid or minimize impacts on natural resources.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively work independently with little supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to comply with the 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 HEREto 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