Park Ranger I, Resource Ranger

~ The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department' smission is 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. ~

In fulfilling our mission, we will:

Be a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs; Serve the state of Texas, its citizens, and our employees with the highest standards of service, professionalism, fairness, courtesy, and respect; Rely on the best available science to guide our conservation decisions; Responsibly manage agency finances and appropriations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of tax-payer and user fee resources; Attract and retain the best, brightest, and most talented workforce to successfully execute our mission. 

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, this position is responsible for resource management of Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. Work involves planning and carrying out various assignments of both natural and cultural resource management which may include, plant and animal analysis, inventory and management, research, restoration plans, prescribed burning, GIS/GPS mapping and sensitive site management.

Assists with educational programs and outreach opportunities. Conducts site promotion and marketing, volunteer recruitment, preparation of assigned reports, training of volunteers and assisting in other areas of the park. Assists with maintenance and operation of buildings, facilities, and equipment. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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 Number: 17-00563

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• 2 years experience in (1) natural/cultural resource management; or (2) interpretation or education; or (3) general maintenance; or (4) public safety; or (5) promotions or public relations;
• 2 years experience in facility, equipment or grounds maintenance experience; and
• Note: Experience may have occurred concurrently.

Licensure:

• If driving is required, 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 Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification;
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment, a Non-Commercial; and
• Political Pesticide Applicators license with Aquatic endorsement issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Note: Retention of position is contingent on obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFTII moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes or less).

Note: Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.

Acceptable Substitutions:

Education:

• One additional year of experience in (1) natural/cultural resource management; or (2) interpretation or education; or (3) general maintenance; or (4) public safety; or (5) promotions or public relations may substitute for 30 hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in one of the following areas: Park Administration, Recreation & Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Conservation, Range Management, Forestry, Biology or closely related fields, depending upon the park and the specific emphasis needed.

Experience:

• Experience in Natural and/or Cultural resource management;
• Experience in Park Interpretation and Education; and
• Experience in facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance/ repairs.

Licensure:

• Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Firefighter Type II (FFTII) certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of natural resource management, research techniques, and methodologies;
• Knowledge of species identification, field ecology, and natural history;
• Knowledge of habitat restoration, habitat improvement, landscape design, and maintenance;
• Knowledge of invasive plant species management in relation to plant community and habitat restoration;
• Knowledge of park operations and maintenance practices;
• Knowledge of building maintenance and repair techniques utilizing plumbing, electrical, carpentry and mechanical skills;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in using mapping software;
• Skill in training others;
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations;
• Skill in using hand and power tools, mowers, trimmers, chain saws, tractors, vehicles, generators and other mechanical equipment;
• Ability to develop a sound management program for the park's natural and cultural resources;
• Ability to use GPS unit and interface with personal computer;
• Ability to create and maintain partnerships with other nature related organizations;
• Ability to develop marketing and promotional activities and special events;
• Ability to develop and organize field study programs of local birds, insects or plants;
• Ability to work as a member of a team;
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to perform basic maintenance tasks to grounds, facilities, vehicles and equipment;
• Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.; and
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

Working Conditions:

• Required to work 40 hours per week, with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• May be required to work in non-climate controlled buildings;
• Required to work in and around natural outdoor pests such as insects, animals, and poisonous plants;
• 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 10% with possible overnight stays; and
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

Additional Requirements:

In order to be considered for this position, the following information is required:

• Submittal of a completed online application;
• Work history experience MUST be completed in the online application;
• A scanned copy of official college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be attached to the online application (if applicable); and
• Applicants must attach a DD214 or other supporting documentation to the online application to claim Veterans Preference.

Note: Resume and professional references may be attached to the online application, but not in place of the completed application. A skills test may be conducted at time of interview.

Additional Information

Closing: 8/28/2017 11:59 PM Central

Hiring Contact: Kelley Morris, (281) 456-2800