TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

Texas A&M International; Rockport (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Texas is seeking a Park Operations Trainee to support routine park activities and learn essential operations, administration, and resource management.

The role emphasizes customer service, fee collection, and compliance with safety procedures while gaining hands-on experience in maintenance, interpretation, and marketing programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• No prior experience required.
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class 'C' Texas driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Learn park operations and administration across multiple areas.
• Support maintenance tasks and facilities management.
• Assist with customer service, revenue control, and marketing activities.
• Participate in training programs and community engagement.

Skills

Park administration

Resource management

Maintenance knowledge

Customer service

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe

PowerBI

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Goose Island State Park Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) operations work in a state park and is designed to provide an avenue to obtain relevant experience to be competitive for future positions in park operations. Duties include but are not limited to performing a complete range of tasks to learn all aspects of park administration, operations and management; natural and cultural resource management; facility, grounds and equipment maintenance management; interpretation and education programming and management; customer service, fee collection, revenue control and fiscal accountability; marketing and promotional programming; park patrols to include visitor contact and law enforcement observation. Performs special projects/assignments and attends selected training programs to enhance the overall working knowledge and skills related to operational and management activities. May assist other State Parks in operations support and natural resource management. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NOTE: TPWD is an at-will employer, and acceptance of a trainee position does not create an employment contract or alter the nature of the at-will relationship.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Essential Job Duties by Category

45%

Resource Operations:

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to operations and lands and facilities. Applies the fundamentals of natural and cultural resource management and methods of interpretation. Observes Park maintenance duties including basic plumbing, carpentry, electrical, masonry, custodial and mechanical maintenance and repair tasks and equipment management. Understands the responsibilities and functions of support programs including Cultural Resources, Facilities Management, Interpretive Services, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources and Planning and Geospatial Resources. Applies basic property management practices. Supports efforts to meet accessibility requirements. Assists with processes for minor repair and capital improvement projects. Supports implementation of the Site's Emergency Plan, the Incident Command System and Law Enforcement functions.

25%

Administrative Operations:

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to administrative operations. Understands the responsibilities of support programs including Budget, Business Management, Fiscal Control, Procurement, Staff Services and Administration, Recreation Grants and Technical Resources. Observes the principles of park administration including financial systems, accountability of budgets, revenue collections, expenditure systems and purchasing and inventory. Applies best practices in customer service to effectively engage with customers in a variety of settings. Practices use of State Parks software and reservation systems. Observes leased concession management and/or park store operations. Practices the use of Adobe, PowerBI, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Forms and Copilot for administration of business operations. Engages in basic report writing. Supports marketing and promotional activities.

20%

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to human resource management and Volunteer/Park Host Management. Acquires knowledge of building community partnerships. Observes best practices and may assist in the onboarding, offboarding, disciplinary actions, conflict management, performance plans, coaching, appraisals and volunteer coordination.

10%

Marginal Job Duties:

Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with Agency, Division and Department rules, regulations, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Experience

No experience required.

Licensure

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class 'C' Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon maintaining required license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Public Administration, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology, Archeology, History, Hospitality and Tourism, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography/GIS or closely related degree.

Experience

Paid or unpaid Texas State Parks experience.

Experience working with the public.

Licensure

Certified Interpretive Guide.

Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type II Certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles of park/historic site administration and operations
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management.
• Knowledge of maintenance management.
• Knowledge of human resources management related practices and procedures.
• Skill in exercising leadership qualities.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and Adobe products.
• Ability to perform general maintenance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to accurately follow instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A trainee may apply and compete for available positions at any time during their trainee assignment. If a trainee is not successful in acquiring a non-trainee position within 36 Months from their initial trainee assignment date, they may be assigned to any available position in the State Park system. This may result in reduction in grade/classification, reduction in pay and relocation. Declining the assignment will result in separation of employment from TPWD. Future advancement may include positions with park police officer requirements, to include successful completion of the required background checks, physical and psychological exams, TCOLE licensing and State Park law enforcement academy. An extension beyond the 36-month period may be authorized by the Division Director or the Deputy Division Director on a case-by-case basis. The Trainee will be required to sign a letter, accepting the conditions of employment.

• Required to work in a public park with overnight camping and day use.
• Required to work 40 hours per week with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• Required to respond to emergency situations.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• May be required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

LEASE NOTE

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé,
• Description of duties performed. NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• 'N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.
• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the 'Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.

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.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below 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

• Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
• 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.

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