TPWD - Seasonal Laboratory Technician I (Wildlife CWD Lab Technician)

TPWD - Seasonal Laboratory Technician I (Wildlife CWD Lab Technician)

Organization: Parks and Wildlife Department

Primary Location: Texas-College Station

Job: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Employee Status: Temporary

Schedule: Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Travel: No

State Job Code: 4142

Salary Admin Plan: A

Grade: 11

Salary (Pay Basis): $17.86-$20.35 (Hourly)

Number of Openings: 4

Overtime Status: Non-exempt

Job Posting: May 13, 2026

Closing Date: June 11, 2026

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. 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.

General Description: Under the direction of TPWD's Wildlife Health Specialist and the Assistant Section Head of Serology at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, this position performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) laboratory work. Responsible for processing tissues harvested from cervid species (e.g., deer and elk) for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) diagnostic testing. This position will be stationed at TVMDL in College Station and will work under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all rules, regulations and procedures of TPWD and TVMDL. Note: This position will be stationed at TVMDL in College Station under the direction of TPWD's Big Game Program Specialist while the immediate supervisor will be the Assistant Section Head of Serology. A rabies vaccination is required to work in this field, however, TPWD will help facilitate this after hire if the candidate does not already have one.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from High School or GED.
• Experience: Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier A: No experience required. Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier B: One season as a TPWD CWD seasonal field or lab technician. Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier C: Two seasons as a TPWD CWD seasonal field or lab technician.
• Licensure: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with or working towards a Bachelor's degree in Biological Science.
• Experience: Experience preparing diagnostic samples using sharp instruments. Experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.
• Knowledge of deer anatomy.
• Knowledge of deer-necropsy techniques.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory and research equipment.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.
• Skill in providing exceptional customer service.
• Skill in meeting deadlines.
• Ability to collate data and organize work environment.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to observe and record biological data.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written correspondence.
• Ability to be an effective and productive team member.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

Working Conditions

• Required to work 40 hours per week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Required to work overtime as necessary.
• Required to take a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; costs are covered by TPWD Wildlife Division.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD is an equal opportunity employer.