HIRING CONTACT: Ryan Schoeneberg, (979) 942-0474

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Big Game Program, To be determined— to be located within Wildlife Region III

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the leadership of the Big Game Program Supervisor, the Regional Wildlife Health Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Will assist TPWD staff with all issues involving wildlife health, with a primary focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), within the primary region of responsibility and across the state. Works directly with the department's field staff within each region to aid in all efforts involved in surveillance and management of CWD as well as other wildlife health issues. Work includes but is not limited to overseeing the planning process following new CWD detections, annual evaluation of existing CWD zone rules and boundaries, hiring and supervising seasonal technician staff, overseeing CWD check station management and establishment, developing and disseminating relevant information regarding CWD, and assisting with sample collection. Additionally will assist Big Game Program staff in the implementation of Disposition Protocol for Confiscated White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management or closely related field in Natural Resource Management.

Experience:

Three years professional experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology or associated natural resource field.

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 the education fields may be substituted for one year of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology or associated natural resource field.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD degree in the education fields may be substituted for two years of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology or associated natural resource field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of wildlife physiology and ecology, wildlife management principles, program and project planning, wildlife population and habitat management techniques, scientific methods and research design, population dynamics and biometrics, especially for big game species;
• Knowledge of basic range, forestry, agricultural and habitat management practices commonly used in Texas;
• Knowledge of statistical computer software;
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations and rules related to big game species;
• Knowledge of applicable policies, administrative codes, and statutes;
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of wildlife diseases;
• Knowledge of chronic wasting disease;
• Knowledge of wildlife anesthetization techniques;
• Knowledge of wildlife damage issues relevant to Texas;
• Knowledge of GIS analysis and data management;
• Knowledge of urban deer management issues in Texas;
• Skill in operating personal computers and software commonly used by TPW, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations;
• Skill in implementing effective and efficient work protocols;
• Skill in technical writing;
• Skill in data entry, statistical analysis, and preparing reports;
• Skill in interpreting statues, budgets, proclamations, policies, procedures, statistics, and complex biological issues;
• Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others;
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;
• Skill in defusing constituent conflicts while conveying statutory or regulatory provisions and Department policy;
• Skill in leading large team through inherently dangerous and very physically and psychologically challenging operations;
• Skill in leading members of a team;
• Skill in humanely and efficiently dispatching wildlife with high-caliber rifle;
• Skill in humanely and efficiently anesthetizing wildlife;
• Ability to perceive and recognize problems and develop recommendations and implement solutions;
• Ability to lead special projects;
• Ability to effectively communicate with constituents, law enforcement personnel and personnel from other state, local or federal agencies and research institutions;
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to re-prioritize work activities as a result of short and changing deadlines and numerous interruptions;
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, and under stressful conditions;
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulations;
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to provide clear and concise oral and written instructions;
• Ability to work as a member of a team;
• Ability to oversee and manage a program budget;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary;
• Required to work overtime as necessary;
• Required to adjust to changing schedules;
• This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel 50% with possible overnight stays

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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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. 

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS

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
• Program Specialist I-VII | Army | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Navy | OS, YN,  YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X
• Program Specialist I-VII | Coast Guard | OS, YN, OSS, PERS,
• Program Specialist I-VII | Marine Corps | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Air Force | 8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63G0, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0

*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.