Natural Resources Job Board

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position is responsible for conducting environmental assessments on newly acquired State Park lands, including natural resource inventory and monitoring, evaluation of proposed development and public use initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance and permitting.
Under the direction of the Natural Resources Program Director, the Environmental Assessment Specialist (EAS) performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. This position is responsible for natural resources inventories, monitoring and environmental assessments on newly-acquired State Parks and Natural Areas.  The position is part of a multidisciplinary team to develop new lands for recreational use while protecting natural resources of each property.  EAS prepares recommendations that seek to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential negative impacts to fish and wildlife resources, park aesthetics, and visitor use.  EAS ensures compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and policies, Natural Resources Program guidelines, state and federal endangered species laws and other federal and state environmental regulations.  Manages budget and schedules/manages contracts and contractors.  The position develops short- and long-term natural resource planning and stewardship documents for assigned State Parks and Natural Areas and facilitates implementation.  Provides natural resources training, technical assistance, and staff support to regional and/or park staff and others, as assigned.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  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 in Wildlife Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

Experience:
NRS III:
Four years field experience in Natural Resources Assessment, Conservation, and/or Management.

NRS IV:
Six years field experience in Natural Resources Assessment, Conservation, and/or Management.

Licensure:
Applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license;
Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinator’s Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.
NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required certification and licenses.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFT II moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less).
NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Experience:
NRS III-IV
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience in natural resources assessment, conservation, and/or management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
NRS III-IV
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

Experience:
NRS III
Experience conducting environmental consultations, assessments or impact statements;
Experience developing resource management objectives and prescribing land management tools.

NRS IV:  Experience of NRS III, PLUS:
Experience in an interdisciplinary background, including cultural resource stewardship;
Experience managing projects, budgets and private contractors.

Licensure:
NRS III-IV
Current National Wildfire Coordinator’s Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
NRS III:
Knowledge of ecosystem-based natural resource management and restoration techniques;
Knowledge of Texas wildlife, plants, ecology, natural history, and habitats;
Knowledge of wildlife and habitat inventory and monitoring techniques relative to Texas environments;

NRS IV:  Knowledge of NRS III, PLUS:
Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements as related to land development projects;
Knowledge of best management practices and measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to sensitive natural resources;

NRS III:
Skill in technical writing and producing reports;
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook;
Skill in effective verbal and written communication with the public or staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife and habitat issues;
Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions;
Skill in conducting biological surveys, collecting and analyzing scientific data;
Skill in implementing habitat management and restoration techniques;

NRS IV:  Skills of NRS III, PLUS:
Skill in developing and supervising projects;
Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;
Skill in conducting environmental consultations, assessments or impact statements;
Skill in developing comprehensive natural resource management plans and reports;
Skill in identifying and developing potential solutions to resource-related issues;

NRS III:
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;
Ability to perform complex natural resource stewardship work;
Ability to manage multiple, changing priorities in a complex and dynamic environment;
Ability to work as a member of a team;
Ability to develop and provide effective training to staff and volunteers;
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program;

NRS IV:  Abilities of NRS III PLUS:
Ability to supervise the work of others;
Ability to collaborate with other TPWD Divisions, the public, local partners, non-governmental and governmental organizations;
Ability to perform highly complex to advanced natural resource stewardship work;
Ability to administer budgets, expenditures and contracts;
Ability to evaluate natural resources data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports of findings.


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 perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions and/or difficult environmental conditions;
Required to work in and around natural outdoor pests, such as insects, animals, and poisonous plants;
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures;
Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
May be required to operate a State vehicle;
Required to travel 15% with possible overnight stays;
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER