HIRING CONTACT: Amie Treuer-Kuehn, (512) 389-8169

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Ecological and Environmental Planning Program, Austin Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position uniquely combines remote sensing data analysis with field-based ecological surveys, contributing to significant conservation initiatives like the Texas Ecological Mapping Systems Project and the Conservation Opportunity Areas Project.

Under the direction of the Landscape Ecology Program Leader and other senior-level staff, this position performs natural resource work and GIS analysis to support the Landscape Ecology Program. This position will support senior level GIS specialists and a field ecologist. This position will process and analyze remote sensing data (e.g., LiDAR, satellite imagery) to develop high-quality land cover and habitat maps including the Texas Ecological Mapping Systems Project. Conducts GIS analysis and data mining to support the Conservation Opportunity Areas Project including editing/updating data subsets, exporting, and modifying geospatial datasets. This position will also provide field support and ecological interpretation by conducting field-based ecological surveys utilizing their knowledge of GPS, remote-sensing, and mobile data collection systems to gather and verify geospatial data. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Program rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree preferably in Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Geography, Biology, Environmental Science, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.

Experience:
NRS I: No experience required.
NRS II: Two years of relevant experience in the field of GIS, remote-sensing, or ecology required.

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 and certification.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

NRS II: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Botany, Landscape Ecology, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may substitute for one year of the required experience; OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in the same disciplines 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 Ecology or Landscape Ecology.

Experience:

NRS I:

• Experience with field data collection in plant communities.
• Experience with landscape level spatial data analysis.
• Experience working independently.
• Experience with GIS analysis.
• One year of experience in the field of Natural Resources related GIS work, Ecology, or Landscape Ecology.

NRS II:

• Same preferred experience as NRS I plus:
• Two additional years of experience in the field of Natural Resources related GIS work, Ecology, or Landscape Ecology.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

NRS I:

• Knowledge of the ecology of Texas flora and fauna and ecosystem functions.
• Knowledge of Ecological Classifications.
• Knowledge of GIS.
• Knowledge of remote sensing.

NRS II: Knowledge of NRS I; PLUS:

• Knowledge of Ecological Modeling.
• Knowledge of experimental research planning, design, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to natural resources.
• Knowledge of experimental design.

NRS I:

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in using ArcGIS, Excel, and Access.
• Skill in operating GIS/GPS systems and other mobile applications.
• Skill in conducting scientific outreach.
• Skill in collecting scientific data including plant identification and ecosystem classification.

NRS II: Skills of NRS I; PLUS:

• Skill in spatial data analysis.
• Skill in GIS software (ArcGIS, Globalmapper, QGIS, or other software).
• Skill in applying varying scientific skills and experience in ecology, hydrology, biology and geology to GIS data collection and analysis.
• Skill in effective interaction and communication.

NRS I:

• Ability to gather data and facts.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to conduct conservation outreach.
• Ability to operate field equipment.
• Ability to communicate with the public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
• Ability to identify Texas’ flora and ecosystems.
• Ability to conduct work activities safely.
• Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.

NRS II: Abilities of NRS I; PLUS:

• Ability to analyze data and facts.
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures and to explain abstract concepts in concrete terms.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and solve complex problems.
• Ability to handle multiple projects.
• Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
• 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 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 travel 25% with possible overnight stays;
• May be required to operate State vehicle;
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS

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.

PLEASE NOTE:  
All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.  

Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements.  Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week.  Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications with “See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields. 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 SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:  Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en 
 
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*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.
 
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, telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.