TPWD – Program Specialist IV-V (Wildlife Health Specialist) (00050261)

Kate on Conservation; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks a Regional Wildlife Health Specialist to manage and oversee wildlife health issues, particularly Chronic Wasting Disease. The successful candidate will work closely with state staff and contribute to wildlife health surveillance, management, and education initiatives. This senior-level position requires strong expertise in wildlife biology and the ability to lead diverse teams effectively, ensuring successful program implementation while adapting to changing field conditions.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Group insurance

Retirement and pension options

Training and staff development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science or related field required.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in wildlife biology or ecology.
• Ability to interpret regulations and provide clear instructions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee wildlife health issues including CWD.
• Coordinate with field staff for wildlife management.
• Manage and supervise seasonal technician staff.

Skills

Wildlife management principles

Statistical analysis

Effective communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science

Tools

Statistical computer software

GIS analysis software

Job description

HIRING CONTACT:Ryan Schoeneberg, [phone] [e-mail]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS:This position’s primary area of responsibility will be Wildlife Region V, with statewide duties as assigned. Office will be located near or within Wildlife Region V; final office location to be determined upon hire.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the leadership of the Big Game Program Supervisor, the Regional Wildlife Health Specialist performs highly complex to advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Will assist TPWD staff with all issues involving wildlife health, with a primary focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), within the primary region of responsibility and across the state. Works directly with the Department’s field staff across the state to aid in all efforts involved in surveillance and management of all wildlife health issues, including CWD. Work includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the planning process following new CWD detections, annual evaluation of existing CWD rules and regulations, hiring and supervising seasonal technician staff, overseeing CWD checkstation establishment and management, developing and disseminating relevant information regarding any wildlife health concern, and assisting with diagnostic sample collection. Additionally will assist Big Game Program staff in the implementation of Disposition Protocol for Confiscated White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Works under limited supervision, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management or closely related field in Natural Resource Management.

Experience:
Program Specialist IV: three years of professional experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, wildlife disease ecology, or associated natural resource field
Program Specialist V: five years of professional experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, wildlife disease ecology, or associated natural resource field

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 obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in the education fields may be substituted for one year of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology or associated natural resource field.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD degree in the education fields may be substituted for two years of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology or associated natural resource field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of wildlife physiology and ecology, wildlife management principles, program and project planning, wildlife population and habitat management techniques, scientific methods and research design, population dynamics and biometrics, especially for big game species.
• Knowledge of basic range, forestry, agricultural and habitat management practices commonly used in Texas.
• Knowledge of statistical computer software.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations and rules related to big game species.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, administrative codes, and statutes.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of wildlife diseases.
• Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.
• Knowledge of wildlife anesthetization techniques.
• Knowledge of wildlife damage issues relevant to Texas.
• Knowledge of GIS analysis and data management.
• Knowledge of urban deer management issues in Texas.
• Skill in operating personal computers and software commonly used by TPW, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• 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 implementing effective and efficient work protocols.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in data entry, statistical analysis, and preparing reports.
• Skill in interpreting statues, budgets, proclamations, policies, procedures, statistics, and complex biological issues.
• Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in defusing constituent conflicts while conveying statutory or regulatory provisions and Department policy.
• Skill in leading large and diverse team through inherently dangerous and very physically and psychologically challenging operations.
• Skill in leading members of a team.
• Skill in humanely and efficiently dispatching wildlife with high-caliber firearm.
• Skill in humanely and efficiently anesthetizing wildlife.
• Ability to perceive and recognize problems and develop recommendations and implement solutions.
• Ability to lead special projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate with constituents, law enforcement personnel and personnel from other state, local or federal agencies and research institutions.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to re-prioritize work activities as a result of short and changing deadlines and numerous interruptions.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, and under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to provide clear and concise oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to oversee and manage a program budget.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
• Required to work over 40 hours per week as necessary.
• Required to adjust to changing schedules.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to travel 50% with overnight stays as needed.
• 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

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 experienceshould 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
• Program Specialist I-VII | Army | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Navy | OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X
• Program Specialist I-VII | Coast Guard | OS, YN, OSS, PERS,
• Program Specialist I-VII | Marine Corps | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Air Force | 8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63G0, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0*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 attach therequired documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page athttps://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

• 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.

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, 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.ClickHEREto view our Benefits page.