TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III (Research Biologist)

  • TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
  • Palacios, Texas
  • May 04, 2024
Full Time Natural Resources Public Health Sciences and Laboratory

Job 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.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.

Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week. Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields. If education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting, a copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview.

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APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Army

92W

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Navy

AG, 180X, 680X

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Coast Guard

MST, MSSR, OAR15

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Marine Corps

6842, 6862, 6802, 8831

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Air Force

1W0X1, 9S100, 15WX

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must complete the Military Employment Preference Survey and attach this form and required documentation referenced on this form at the time your application is submitted .

If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:
Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge. Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation. Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active duty military orders. Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.
Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

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, telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

HIRING CONTACT: Joel Anderson, (361) 972-5483

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: P. R. Bass Research Station, 3864 FM 3280, Palacios, TX 77465

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

This position is unique in that the job functions are almost entirely research-related. The position will be responsible for conducting basic and applied research to answer experimental questions that will be used to inform marine resource policy for the state of Texas. Prior research experience will be prioritized in the hiring process.

Under the direction of the Facility Director this position is responsible for coordinating, implementing and reporting on fisheries and aquaculture research in Texas coastal waters. Conducts research related to all phases of fish biology including growth, maturation, spawning and general physiology. Maintains laboratory equipment in an aquaculture wet lab. Conducts field sampling of marine organisms from the Gulf of Mexico. Communicates and interacts with the general public, scientific community and peers to identify and design research projects that benefit fishery management, stock enhancement or other elements of marine resource conservation and management in Texas. Works as a member of a team addressing the research needs of the coastal fisheries division. 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 OR higher in Fisheries Science, Mariculture, Marine Biology or closely related field.

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.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS :

Experience :

NRS II and III only:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a Fisheries Sciences or Marine Biology may be substituted for one year of required experience;

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Fisheries or Marine Biology may be substituted for two years of required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Masters degree from accredited university in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology or closely related field.

Experience :

Experience in fisheries management;

Experience working with otoliths to determine age and/or residency in marine fishes;

Experience publishing research in multiple peer-reviewed journals;

Experience working with fisheries research in a laboratory or aquaculture setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Natural Resources Specialist I:

Knowledge of basic fisheries management concepts and techniques;

Knowledge of basic statistical concepts and analysis techniques;

Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures;

Knowledge of fisheries sampling methods;

Knowledge of marine organisms from the Gulf of Mexico;

Natural Resources Specialist II:

Knowledge of NRS I, PLUS:

Knowledge of age, growth, reproduction, and physiology marine fishes;

Knowledge of basic migration and movement of GOM organisms during all life stages;

Knowledge of applications of the scientific method in fisheries research;

Knowledge of basic aquaculture techniques;

Natural Resources Specialist III:

Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:

Knowledge of advanced aquaculture techniques;

Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis principles and how they apply to fisheries management;

Knowledge of all phases of marine fish life history including how fisheries management techniques can be applied at each phase

Knowledge of ecosystem-based management of Texas coastal fisheries and ecosystems;

Knowledge of fisheries-related issues currently faced by the State of Texas;

Natural Resources Specialist I:

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;

Skill in meeting deadlines;

Skill in problem solving;

Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions;

Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information;

Skill in general fish life history laboratory techniques such as fish ID, dissection, and sample preparation/preservation;

Skill in operating and maintaining basic laboratory equipment;

Skill in conducting field sampling of marine fishes using boats and standard fisheries sampling gear;

Natural Resources Specialist II:

Skill of NRS I, PLUS:

Skill in preparing technical scientific manuscripts;

Skill in implementing histological/physiological/biological study designs as directed;

Skill in conducting statistical analyses using software such as R, SAS, JMP, ArcMap or PRIMER;

Skill in cutting, measuring, and reading fish otoliths for age analysis;

Natural Resources Specialist III:

Skill of NRS II, PLUS:

Skill in operating and maintaining specialized laboratory equipment for image analysis, microscopy, and histology:

Skill in design of experimental aquaculture systems using water pumps, tanks, aquaria, biofilters and environmental chambers;

Skill in instructing other employees in fisheries sampling techniques and marine fish identification;

Skill in applying the scientific method to answer technical questions related to fisheries management;

Skill in designing fish life history, physiology or aquaculture studies;

Natural Resources Specialist I:

Ability to communicate effectively with the public;

Ability to accurately follow instructions;

Ability to work under stressful conditions;

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;

Ability to work as a member of a team;

Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

Ability to conduct detail-oriented tasks with efficiency and precision;

Ability to take on projects with minimal instruction;

Ability to quickly learn new technical skills;

Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety procedures;

Natural Resources Specialist II:

Ability of NRS I, PLUS:

Ability to work under direct supervision to complete assigned tasks;

Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement;

Natural Resources Specialist III:

Ability of NRS II, PLUS:

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;

This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval;

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather and/or difficult environmental conditions, extreme temperature and inclement weather;

Required to perform work in water-based field activities, including work aboard seagoing vessels, wading in water and deep mud, or over rough and uneven surfaces or bay bottom;

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;

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays;

Carrying heavy objects;

May be required to operate a State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in all State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


Closing Date: May 31, 2024, 11:59:00 PM

Job Address

Palacios, Texas United States View Map