Career Opportunities

Program Specialist VI (Nongame and Rare Species Program Leader)

  • Employer: Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • Location: Austin Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
  • Salary: $4,681.67/Mo
  • Closes: 5 p.m. September 2, 2008
  • Job Posting Number: 08–47–549
General Position Description:

Responsible for administration and direction of the Nongame and Rare Species Program, including supervision and team building of 11 positions. Provides leadership and general program management including budget planning and oversight. Supervises research, monitoring, database and habitat enhancement activities for nongame and rare species on private lands under voluntary landowner agreements, and on department lands. Integrates biodiversity and ecosystem management concepts, training, and projects with department biologists. Improves science and data collection for priority species identified in the Texas Wildlife Action Plan (TWAP) and rare plants. Develops policies and incentive programs to address landscape threats and challenges as identified in the TWAP. Recommends regulatory, legislative, and other policy changes needed to protect and manage nongame and rare species in Texas. Prepares and reviews university research proposals, State Wildlife Grant, Conservation License Plate, and Landowner Incentive Program proposals, technical reports and management bulletins to support conservation of nongame and rare species. Coordinates trainings and research activities with department staff. Performs other duties as assigned. Reports directly to the Wildlife Diversity Program Director. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

Working Conditions:
  1. Required to work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, however, may be required to work on holidays, weekends, and hours other than 8:00am to 5:00pm, as necessary
  2. Required to work one weekend per year at the Annual Texas Wildlife Expo
  3. Required to travel in–state or out–of–state with possible overnight stays
  4. Required to drive state vehicle
  5. Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Conservation, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources or Natural Science with major coursework in Ecology and Conservation.
  • Experience:
    1. Five years professional experience as a wildlife biologist, ecologist, range scientist or as a closely related natural resource scientist
    2. Two years experience administering and managing a district, regional, or statewide conservation program. Preferred Experience: One year supervisory experience. Note: Experience may have occurred concurrently. Acceptable Substitution: Ph.D. from a regionally accredited college may be substituted for two years of the general qualifying experience.
  • License/Certifications: 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 license.
Selection Criteria
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
    1. Knowledge of the wildlife, plants, ecology and natural history of Texas and management issues associated with nongame and rare species
    2. Knowledge of database and GIS use and management
    3. Knowledge of agency budget, program planning, personnel and administrative procedures
    4. Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to nongame and endangered species
    5. Skill in administrative and budget management
    6. Skill in supervising biological and administrative staff
    7. Skill in conducting, directing and evaluating scientific studies and surveys
    8. Skill in analyzing data, reviewing and preparing reports
    9. Skill in communicating both verbally and in writing, on a broad range of fish, wildlife, rare plant, and habitat issues
    10. Skill in coordinating with members of the public, advisory boards, universities, media representatives, Department personnel, and other governmental agencies
    11. Skill in using personal computers with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
    12. Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently and as a team member.
  • Additional Requirements:
    1. Resume and professional references are accepted, but will not serve in lieu of a completed State of Texas Application for Employment
    2. A PHOTOCOPY of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar MUST be submitted with application. The transcript may be faxed, scanned or mailed with application
    3. Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Consent for Criminal Background check form from all applicants completed at time of application. The form may be found on our website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/.
How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to Human Resources:

  • Attn: Job Posting #08–47–549
  • TPWD – Human Resources
  • 4200 Smith School Road
  • Austin, TX 78744