Date of posting here April 18, 2009 Type of position Professional, full-time position in environmental science w/government agency. Employer Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Description of Employer The mission of Texas Parks and Wildlife is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Since our inception in 1895, we have grown to ~200 offices and ~3,000 employees all across Texas. Location World Birding Center's State Parks in Texas Description of Location Office located in Mission, TX, at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park unit of World Birding Center. Salary $2,428.83-$3,467.16/Month Closing date of competition April 24, 2009 5PM CDT Date position available May/June 2009 Description of duties General Position Description: Under the direction of the Regional Natural Resource Coordinator, the Habitat Conservation Specialist is responsible for assisting with developing, coordinating, reviewing and implementing natural resource conservation activities on assigned state parklands within State Parks Region Two, particularly Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande, and Resaca de la Palma State Parks, as well as assisting with natural resource review of projects affecting assigned state parklands and assuring compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) code and policies, natural resources program guidelines, state and federal endangered species laws, and other federal and state environmental regulations. Provides regularly scheduled on-site staff and volunteer training, providing technical assistance and staff support to regional or park staff and networking with other habitat restoration specialists in the Rio Grande Valley area. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and branch rules, regulations, and procedures. Working Conditions: Regular workweek is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some after hour commitments and some occasional work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays required; Some travel including overnight stays required; Non-smoking work environment in all State buildings and vehicles; Conformation to agency work rules, safety procedures and dress and grooming standards required; Ability to work in inclement weather to include extreme heat and cold required. Full description of position may be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/postings/?page=09_29_225 Qualifications sought Minimum Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Science, Conservation Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. Acceptable Substitution: (1) Master's degree (with thesis involving natural resource topic) will substitute for one year of TPWD experience; (2) PhD degree will substitute for two years of TPWD experience. Experience: NRS I: (1) No experience required; NRS II: (2) One year of TPWD experience OR two years of external experience related to specific duties of the position, OR any combination thereof; NRS III: (3) Two years of TPWD experience OR four years of external related to the specific duties of the position, OR any combination thereof; NRS IV: (4) Six years of TPWD experience OR eight years of external experience related to the specific duties of the position, OR combination thereof. Preferred Experience: (1) One year field experience in natural resources management, conservation science or related field; (2) Experience working with GPS field mapping systems; (3) Experience with GIS applications; (4) Experience working with natural resources found in the Rio Grande delta and adjacent geographic areas; (5) Experience in developing resource management or fire management plans; (6) Experience in grant writing; (7) Experience in developing public and private partnerships to impl ement projects. License/Certifications: (1) Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class C Texas Drivers License; (2) Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Firefighter II certification (training and testing provided by Texas Forest Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department); (3) Must possess or be able to obtain, within 6 months of employment a Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Pesticide Applicator License in Weed and Brush Control and Aquatic Plant and Animal Pest Control categories (self study program with testing provided by Texas Department of Agriculture). Note: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses. (1) Preferred Licensure: NWCG Wildland Firefighter II Certification; (2) TDA Pesticide Applicator License in Weed & Brush Control and Aquatic Plant and Animal Pest Control categories. Application procedure Interested applicants submit completed State of Texas Application for Employment + Authorization/Consent form for disclosure of criminal history and copy of official college transcript(s) in order to be considered for this position. State Application, Authorization/Consent form, EEO form and Veteran’s Preference Survey are on-line at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/jobs/. Submit completed Application, forms and transcript(s) by 5PM CDT on April 24, 2009 (application deadline) to hr@tpwd.state.tx.us or fax them to 512-389-4861 or US mail them to TPWD-HR, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744, attn: 09-29-225. Additional Information Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is an EOE.