Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III (Lower Laguna Madre Ecosystem Biologist)

~ 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 bay Ecosystem Leader, this position is responsible for the coordination and field collection of biological, sociological and economic data pertaining to the fishery and ecosystem management in the Aransas Bay ecosystem and Gulf of Mexico. 

Responsibilities  

• Provides leadership to staff and program coordination.
• Assists with data analysis and report writing.
• Operates equipment safely and maintains fisheries specific gear, equipment and facilities.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

Qualifications

Education: 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.
• Major coursework from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree programs must include 24 hours minimum in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university. 

Experience: 

• NRS I: No experience required;
• NRS II: Two years relevant experience;
• NRS III: Six years 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 is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license. 

Acceptable Substiutions

Experience: 

• NRS II & III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.
• Major coursework from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree programs must include 24 hours minimum in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university. 

• NRS II & III: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.
• Major coursework from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree programs must include 24 hours minimum in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Education: 

• Graduations from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology, or closely related field. 

Experience: 

• Experience working with large databases, statistical data analysis software such as SAS, JMP, R or similar and GIS applications;
• Experience in fisheries management. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

NRS I: 

• Knowledge of biology, ecology and geography of Texas marine ecosystems and their associated fauna and flora;
• Knowledge of boats, outboard motors, trailers and vehicle operation and basic maintenance;
• Knowledge of basic of marine fisheries management concepts, management techniques and sampling methods. 

NRS II: 

• Knowledge of NRS I, PLUS:
• Knowledge of Texas commercial and recreational fisheries;
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and policies dealing with fish conservation.

NRS III: 

• Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:
• Knowledge of advanced of marine fisheries management concepts, management techniques, and sampling methods. 

NRS I: 

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook;
• Skill in collecting scientific data;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts. 

NRS II: 

• Skill of NRS I, PLUS:
• Skill in applying specific data handling software packages and data analysis;
• Skill in field work operations and logistics in coastal environments (boating, navigation, sea conditions, weather). 

NRS III: 

• Skill of NRS II, PLUS:
• Skill in use of large data bases, including extraction, summary, interpretations and applications in management;
• Skill in managing operations, facilities and workgroups all within a budget.

NRS I: 

• Ability to fully participate in field based sampling activities;
• Ability to function in a team environment and be an effective team member or leader;
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS II: 

• Ability of NRS I, PLUS:
• Ability to work independently with initiative and accomplish several tasks concurrently;
• Ability to schedule, organize, and coordinate outreach programs with public;
• Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

NRS III: 

• Ability of NRS II, PLUS:
• Ability to design scientific experiments, collect data and prepare scientific reports;
• Ability to provide leadership to a diverse group of individuals;
• Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Additional Information: 

Working Conditions: 

• Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturday, Sunday and holidays as needed;
• Required to respond to emergencies;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required to adjust to changing schedules;
• Required to work overtime as necessary;
• Required to perform work in water-based field activities, including work aboard seagoing vessels;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays;
• Non-smoking work 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);
• 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.