TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist IV (Regional Natural Resources Coordinator) (00058567)

General Description This position is responsible for planning and implementing natural resource stewardship activities within Central Texas State Parks and Natural Areas. Under the direction of the Natural Resources Program Director, the Regional Natural Resources Coordinator (RNRC) performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work and is responsible for planning and coordinating natural resources protection, restoration, management, monitoring, project review, and facilitating research activities within the assigned Region. The RNRC supervises one natural resources specialist, and serves as a member of regional, division, agency, and inter-agency project teams. Directs projects to implement natural resources protection, restoration, management, monitoring, and research activities on State Parks or as assigned. Develops long-term natural resources planning and stewardship documents for assigned State Parks and facilitates implementation. Conducts reviews for State Park infrastructure and operational developments and repairs, as well as proposed third-party developments affecting assigned state parklands. 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. Collaborates in natural resources assessments of all projects affecting State Park properties, and prepares recommendations that seek to avoid or mitigate potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources, park aesthetics, and visitor use. Participates in planning and execution of prescribed fires on State Park lands. Provides natural resources training, technical assistance, and staff support to regional and/or park staff and others as assigned. Works under minimal 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, Conservation Science, Biological Science, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, or closely related field. Experience: Six years field experience in natural resources management, conservation science, or closely related field; Experience in community/science-based natural resources management and stewardship; Experience with GIS/GPS tools and applications. Licensure: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license; Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Non-Commercial Political Pesticide/Herbicide Applicators license issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture; 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: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Biological Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience in natural resources management, conservation science, or closely related field; Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Biological Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience in natural resources management, conservation science, or closely related field. Preferred Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Biological Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field. Experience: Five years experience developing resource management objectives and prescribing land management tools, such as prescribed fire, forest or rangeland management, habitat restoration, or natural community maintenance; Three years experience working with GIS field mapping systems, GIS applications, and creating maps for planning documents; Experience in an interdisciplinary background including cultural resource stewardship; Experience implementing and managing projects; Experience in developing public and private partnerships to implement projects. Licensure: Current National Wildfire Coordinator’s Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification; Current Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators license issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of community-based natural resources management, research techniques, and methodologies; Knowledge of issues affecting natural and cultural resources; Knowledge of flora and fauna of assigned region; Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local environmental regulations; Knowledge of wildland fire behavior and fire management planning; Knowledge of fire ecology and fire effects in Texas vegetation communities; Skill in using MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook; Skill in effective written and verbal communication; Skill in public speaking; Skill in preparing technical reports and management plans; Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts; Skill in meeting deadlines; Skill in managing several projects simultaneously; Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions; Skill in using GPS field mapping systems; Skill in using GIS applications such as ARCGIS applications; Ability to manage and coordinate diverse program activities and accomplish program goals; Ability to exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions; Ability to communicate effectively with the public; Ability to work independently with little or no supervision; Ability to administer budgets, expenditures, and contracts; Ability to work as member of a team; Ability to develop and provide effective training to staff and volunteers; Ability to effectively motivate and guide staff and volunteers; Ability to supervise the work of others; Ability to prepare reports; Ability to manage and coordinate program goals in natural resource management; Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.; Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program. 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; 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; May be required to operate a State vehicle; Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays; Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Latortugaviva