Resource Specialist I

Texas A&M University System; Conroe (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie View A&M University is seeking a Resource Specialist to support District Operations and administer TFS programs in field settings. Responsibilities include maps, data collection, client interactions, and drafting management plans, with duties extending to disaster response and heavy equipment operation as required.

Qualifications emphasize a high school diploma, preferred natural resources training, and strong communication and GIS capabilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: 2-year natural resources technical degree.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities are essential.
• Knowledge of GIS/GPS tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support District Forester with field operation program delivery and data collection.
• Prepare tract/stand maps, interact with clientele, and assist with management plans.
• Operate or assist with heavy firefighting equipment and ground reconnaissance as needed.
• Perform routine tasks and other duties assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

GIS knowledge

PC-based software

Team collaboration

Safety conscious

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2-year natural resources technical degree (preferred)

Tools

GIS/GPS software

Job description

The Resource Specialist provides support to District Operations to ensure all programs offered by TFS are administered within the District.

Responsibilities:

• Supports District Forester with delivery of Field Operation programs. Tasks may include: preparation oftract and stand maps, collecting property and stand data, direct interaction with clientele, drafting of management plans, capacity building, conservation education (including teaching and working with children and adults in an outdoor classroom environment), fire prevention and special projects. Serve as a wildland firefighter and/or emergency responder on a statewide basis. Duties will include operation ofheavy firefighting equipment, use of hand firefighting tools and perform ground reconnaissance on wildfires.
• Employee must manage and account for assigned credit cards, vehicles, and equipment. Vehicles and equipment must be maintainedin good working order and properly serviced.
• Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard which includes successfully completing a two-mile walk in 30 minutes or less with a 25-pound pack and obtaining required NWCG training and Red Card Certification. Employee will carry a communication device to facilitate 24-hour availability. Willbe required to respond to dispatcher within 30 minutes of receiving an emergency call, notification, or alert.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: This is a field-related job Much of the work is performed in remote, forested locations under various geographic and climatic conditions.. Work may be strenuous or dirty and can be highly hazardous due to conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain, fire, adverse weather, temperature extremes, noise, chemical, vibrations and allergenic/irritants. Work may include out-of-town travel and overtime hours. Will require operating heavy equipment with related exposure to equipment vibrations and noise. Will require walking long distances, standing for extended periods, twisting, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Will require driving a motor vehicle for long distances. Will require operating computers with monitors for extended periods of time. Must meet annual physical fitness standard. May require working long hours with minimal rest in primitive conditions. May result in exposure to emotionally stressful situations for extended periods of time. Will become eligible for additional out-of-state duty in accordance with wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1) by meeting applicable fitness levels.

Benefits:

Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

Education and Experience:

Required Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Preferred Education: Graduate with a 2-year natural resources related technical degree
Required Experience: None

Preferred Experience: Similar position with company or agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required Knowledge: PC-based programs and software.
Required Skills: Good oral and written communication skills.

Required Ability: Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Ability: Ability to utilize GIS/GPS programs.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:ValidTexas CDL Class Aor ability to obtain one within 180 days of date of hire.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Prairie View A&M University is a prestigious public historically black land-grant university in Texas, established in 1876, and known for its commitment to education and research.