TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist II - III (Assessment and Restoration Biologist)

Job Description:

TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist II - III (Assessment and Restoration Biologist)

Description

Job 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: Angela Schrift, (512) 389-8755, Email: [email protected]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Headquarter, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Program Leader, this position performs natural resources work that includes working as a member of the Department's Natural Resources Damage Assessment Team, in cooperation with other state and federal natural resource trustee agencies. The NRS works as a principal scientist in natural resource damage investigations to evaluate potential injuries caused by oil spills and the release of hazardous substances, to pursue compensation for those injuries. As part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process, assists in the development and implementation of injury assessment studies for natural resources. The NRS assists in the development of damage assessment and restoration plans to quantify injuries and propose restoration alternatives to the public. Reviews ecological risk assessments, evaluating the analysis of the impacts of chemicals and other contaminants to natural resources, and assembling recommendations to minimize impacts to natural resources. Assists in the development and oversight of remediation plans. Plans and manages the implementation of habitat restoration and conservation projects supported through damage recoveries and settlements, including task and budget tracking. Performs additional duties as assigned and complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

NOTE (1): This position will assist in performing Natural Resource Damage Assessments: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/environconcerns/damage_assessment/

NOTE (2): Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates your writing abilities (e.g., thesis, publication, professional letter or report), where you were the primary/lead author.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology, or closely related field.

Experience :

NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.

NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.

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 Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology, or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology, or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a thesis based Master's degree or higher in Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology, or closely related field.

Experience :

Six years of relevant experience.

Experience in project management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of ecological, toxicological, and/or pollution assessment principles and techniques.

Knowledge of field methods for assessing environmental impacts.

Knowledge of the effects of water pollution and environmental contaminants on fish, benthics, wildlife, and their habitat.

Knowledge of Texas and U.S. laws, regulations, and policies regarding natural resource damage assessments (NRDA).

Knowledge of ecological functions in Texas.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in the operation of a variety of scientific and analytical equipment, including laboratory equipment, field sampling gear, and global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

Skill in coordinating and communicating with department personnel, other governmental agencies, public, universities, non-profits, private sector partners and contractors.

Skill in project management.

Skill in bringing individuals and groups together to accomplish common goals.

Skill in designing and conducting water quality, biological, and/or habitat studies.

Skill in research planning, design, and data analysis using statistics and statistical programs such as R.

NRS II:

Ability to interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Ability to review, interpret, summarize, and comment on technical documents in a professional manner.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to make independent evaluations and plan, organize, and accomplish multiple, simultaneous assignments without close supervision.

Ability to review financial documents for accuracy and compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to manage project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications.

Ability to monitor and manage project cost to ensure that project is completed within budget.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS III:

Abilities of NRS II; PLUS:

Ability to supervise, mentor, and train others.

Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Required to work overtime, as necessary.

Required to travel 30% with possible overnight stays.

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 operate a State vehicle.

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 HERE to 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

Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-07

Salary:

$5350.87 - 5824.14 Monthly