Texas Nature Trackers Biologist
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (State) | https://tpwd.texas.gov/
Details
Application Deadline:
07/01/2025
Published:
06/23/2025
Starting Date:
after 9/1/2025
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
starting at $5,824.14 per month
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 5 years
Location:
Boerne,TX or other TPWD office within 150 miles of Boerne and within the positions area of focus (Texas)
Description
TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist III (Texas Nature Trackers Biologist) (00050433)
Organization: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position provides an opportunity to work in the field and on a broad spectrum of nongame wildlife species and conservation research. The position also offers a great opportunity to engage the public, partners and peers through Texas Nature Trackers projects while also assisting with several community stewardship and engagement programs of the branch. The position provides opportunity for work across the state and in world-class conservation areas of Texas.
Organization: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position provides an opportunity to work in the field and on a broad spectrum of nongame wildlife species and conservation research. The position also offers a great opportunity to engage the public, partners and peers through Texas Nature Trackers projects while also assisting with several community stewardship and engagement programs of the branch. The position provides opportunity for work across the state and in world-class conservation areas of Texas.
Under the direction of the Community Stewardship and Engagement Programs Leader, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work. Responsible for developing and managing community science programs for species of concern and species of greatest conservation need in the south and west portions of the state, from the Trans-Pecos to South Texas and the Gulf Coast. Responsibilities include selection of species targeted for community science projects and designing strategies to detect and monitor wildlife targets; recruiting and training citizen/community scientists; recruiting, networking, and supporting experts to enhance citizen/community science programs; conducting training programs for volunteers, conservation organizations, and agency biologists; recruiting, training, and managing volunteers; conducting program publicity, and compilation, analysis and presentation of data. Engages the public, partners, agency employees, and Texas Master Naturalist volunteers to increase and expand participants in volunteer and crowd-sourced data collection and monitoring programs. Other duties may include creating programs that directly aid in the recovery of species of concern. Serves in a technical advisory capacity to conservation planning efforts and provides support to the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Works under limited 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.
Job: Management
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
State Job Code: 2684
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 20
Salary (Pay Basis): 5,824.14 - 5,824.14 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: Jun 17, 2025, 4:28:43 PM
Closing Date: Jul 1, 2025, 11:59:00 PM
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
State Job Code: 2684
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 20
Salary (Pay Basis): 5,824.14 - 5,824.14 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: Jun 17, 2025, 4:28:43 PM
Closing Date: Jul 1, 2025, 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.
HIRING CONTACT: Michelle Haggerty, (830) 896-2504 michelle.haggerty@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Boerne, TX or a TPWD office location within 150 miles of Boerne, TX and within the position’s area of focus being the south and west portions of the state, from the Trans-Pecos to South Texas and the Gulf Coast.
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.
HIRING CONTACT: Michelle Haggerty, (830) 896-2504 michelle.haggerty@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Boerne, TX or a TPWD office location within 150 miles of Boerne, TX and within the position’s area of focus being the south and west portions of the state, from the Trans-Pecos to South Texas and the Gulf Coast.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position provides an opportunity to work in the field and on a broad spectrum of nongame wildlife species and conservation research. The position also offers a great opportunity to engage the public, partners and peers through Texas Nature Trackers projects while also assisting with several community stewardship and engagement programs of the branch. The position provides opportunity for work across the state and in world-class conservation areas of Texas.
This position provides an opportunity to work in the field and on a broad spectrum of nongame wildlife species and conservation research. The position also offers a great opportunity to engage the public, partners and peers through Texas Nature Trackers projects while also assisting with several community stewardship and engagement programs of the branch. The position provides opportunity for work across the state and in world-class conservation areas of Texas.
Under the direction of the Community Stewardship and Engagement Programs Leader, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work. Responsible for developing and managing community science programs for species of concern and species of greatest conservation need in the south and west portions of the state, from the Trans-Pecos to South Texas and the Gulf Coast. Responsibilities include selection of species targeted for community science projects and designing strategies to detect and monitor wildlife targets; recruiting and training citizen/community scientists; recruiting, networking, and supporting experts to enhance citizen/community science programs; conducting training programs for volunteers, conservation organizations, and agency biologists; recruiting, training, and managing volunteers; conducting program publicity, and compilation, analysis and presentation of data. Engages the public, partners, agency employees, and Texas Master Naturalist volunteers to increase and expand participants in volunteer and crowd-sourced data collection and monitoring programs. Other duties may include creating programs that directly aid in the recovery of species of concern. Serves in a technical advisory capacity to conservation planning efforts and provides support to the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Works under limited 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.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science or closely related field such as Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management.
NOTE: Copies of transcripts issued from the registrar indicating conferred degree are required at time of application (Applications without transcripts indicating conferred degree attached will be subject to rejection).
Experience:
Six years of experience in natural resources work, with at least three years Field Biology experience.
Proficient experience with iNaturalist.
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite, especially tabular data analysis in Excel.
NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.
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 Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field with strong emphasis in Field Biology and sampling techniques AND/OR Environmental Education and Statistical Analysis.
Experience:
Five years field biology experience with broad experience in sampling vertebrate, invertebrate and plant populations. NOTE: Work experience should include teaching field techniques, presentation of data in both technical and popular settings and leading or working with volunteers.
Experience managing citizen/community science programs, projects and volunteers.
Experience with GIS Software.
Experience with Kaleidoscope Pro Analysis software, ArcGIS and Survey 123.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of Texas animals, plants and ecosystems especially species of concern/greatest conservation need.
Knowledge of conservation issues and conservation organizations in Texas.
Knowledge of the use of monitoring programs to detect issues of concern for plant and animal species.
Knowledge of principles of volunteer management.
Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques and population sampling analyses, with particular emphasis on abilities and limitations of citizen science data.
Knowledge of Texas and Federal laws affecting species conservation.
Knowledge of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department programs, policies, procedures, and operations.
Skill in application of various quantitative field sampling techniques to collect biological data.
Skill in participating in or leading citizen science/volunteer monitoring programs, projects, platforms and volunteers that crowd-source natural history observations, data collection and volunteer impacts.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in planning, conducting and evaluating conservation outreach programs/technical guidance.
Skill in collecting, analyzing and reporting advanced scientific data.
Skill in coordinating and communicating with the public, universities, department personnel, media representatives and other governmental agencies.
Skill in use of personal computers.
Skill in data management.
Skill in use of GIS and GPS to collect and compile biological data.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Skill in hosting meetings and presentations on virtual platforms such as Webex, Zoom and MS Teams.
Skill in working with and training others—especially adult learners.
Skill in analyzing population trends of rare, sensitive, or declining species.
Ability to establish highly effective relationships with scientific experts and naturalist communities to recruit and support curatorial partners.
Ability to conceive, plan, organize and develop new conservation programs and training with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with varied audiences including naturalists, educators, agency biologists, research scientists, and policy makers and in a way that engages and retains volunteers in meaningful conservation efforts.
Ability to use social media, videos, and mobile/web technology to engage new audiences.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to motivate others.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
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 pm as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to travel up to 25% with possible overnight stays.
Required to operate a state vehicle.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science or closely related field such as Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management.
NOTE: Copies of transcripts issued from the registrar indicating conferred degree are required at time of application (Applications without transcripts indicating conferred degree attached will be subject to rejection).
Experience:
Six years of experience in natural resources work, with at least three years Field Biology experience.
Proficient experience with iNaturalist.
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite, especially tabular data analysis in Excel.
NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.
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 Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management or other closely related field with strong emphasis in Field Biology and sampling techniques AND/OR Environmental Education and Statistical Analysis.
Experience:
Five years field biology experience with broad experience in sampling vertebrate, invertebrate and plant populations. NOTE: Work experience should include teaching field techniques, presentation of data in both technical and popular settings and leading or working with volunteers.
Experience managing citizen/community science programs, projects and volunteers.
Experience with GIS Software.
Experience with Kaleidoscope Pro Analysis software, ArcGIS and Survey 123.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of Texas animals, plants and ecosystems especially species of concern/greatest conservation need.
Knowledge of conservation issues and conservation organizations in Texas.
Knowledge of the use of monitoring programs to detect issues of concern for plant and animal species.
Knowledge of principles of volunteer management.
Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques and population sampling analyses, with particular emphasis on abilities and limitations of citizen science data.
Knowledge of Texas and Federal laws affecting species conservation.
Knowledge of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department programs, policies, procedures, and operations.
Skill in application of various quantitative field sampling techniques to collect biological data.
Skill in participating in or leading citizen science/volunteer monitoring programs, projects, platforms and volunteers that crowd-source natural history observations, data collection and volunteer impacts.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in planning, conducting and evaluating conservation outreach programs/technical guidance.
Skill in collecting, analyzing and reporting advanced scientific data.
Skill in coordinating and communicating with the public, universities, department personnel, media representatives and other governmental agencies.
Skill in use of personal computers.
Skill in data management.
Skill in use of GIS and GPS to collect and compile biological data.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Skill in hosting meetings and presentations on virtual platforms such as Webex, Zoom and MS Teams.
Skill in working with and training others—especially adult learners.
Skill in analyzing population trends of rare, sensitive, or declining species.
Ability to establish highly effective relationships with scientific experts and naturalist communities to recruit and support curatorial partners.
Ability to conceive, plan, organize and develop new conservation programs and training with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with varied audiences including naturalists, educators, agency biologists, research scientists, and policy makers and in a way that engages and retains volunteers in meaningful conservation efforts.
Ability to use social media, videos, and mobile/web technology to engage new audiences.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to motivate others.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
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 pm as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to travel up to 25% with possible overnight stays.
Required to operate a state vehicle.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
Contact
Michelle Haggerty
michelle.haggerty@tpwd.texas.gov (preferred contact method)