TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist II - III (Asse

Hiring Contact: Angela Schrift, (512) 389-8755, Email: angela.schrift@tpwd.texas.gov

Physical Work Address: TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

About the Role

Under the direction of the Program Leader, this position performs natural resources work as a member of the Department's Natural Resources Damage Assessment Team, in cooperation with other state and federal natural resource trustee agencies. The Natural Resource Scientist (NRS) works as a principal scientist in natural resource damage investigations to evaluate potential injuries caused by oil spills and the release of hazardous substances, and to pursue compensation for those injuries.

• Assists in the development and implementation of injury assessment studies for natural resources as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process.
• Assists in the development of damage assessment and restoration plans to quantify injuries and propose restoration alternatives to the public.
• Reviews ecological risk assessments, evaluating the analysis of the impacts of chemicals and other contaminants to natural resources, and assembling recommendations to minimize impacts.
• Assists in the development and oversight of remediation plans.
• Plans and manages the implementation of habitat restoration and conservation projects supported through damage recoveries and settlements, including task and budget tracking.
• Performs additional duties as assigned and complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

Note: This position will assist in performing Natural Resource Damage Assessments. Learn more about Natural Resource Damage Assessments.

Note: Please submit a writing sample demonstrating your writing abilities (e.g., thesis, publication, professional letter, or report) where you were the primary/lead author.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Aquatic Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology, or a closely related field.
• Experience:
  • NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.
  • NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.
• Licensure: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class "C" Texas driver's license. Retention of position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining the required license.

Acceptable Substitutions

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in the specified fields may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a thesis-based Master's degree or higher in the specified fields.
• Experience: Six years of relevant experience, including experience in project management.

Skills

• Knowledge of ecological, toxicological, and/or pollution assessment principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of field methods for assessing environmental impacts.
• Knowledge of the effects of water pollution and environmental contaminants on fish, benthics, wildlife, and their habitat.
• Knowledge of Texas and U.S. laws, regulations, and policies regarding natural resource damage assessments (NRDA).
• Knowledge of ecological functions in Texas.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in the operation of a variety of scientific and analytical equipment, including laboratory equipment, field sampling gear, and global positioning system (GPS) equipment.
• Skill in coordinating and communicating with department personnel, other governmental agencies, the public, universities, non-profits, private sector partners, and contractors.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in bringing individuals and groups together to accomplish common goals.
• Skill in designing and conducting water quality, biological, and/or habitat studies.
• Skill in research planning, design, and data analysis using statistics and statistical programs such as R.
• NRS II:
  • Ability to interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
  • Ability to review, interpret, summarize, and comment on technical documents in a professional manner.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Ability to make independent evaluations and plan, organize, and accomplish multiple, simultaneous assignments without close supervision.
  • Ability to review financial documents for accuracy and compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Ability to manage project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications.
  • Ability to monitor and manage project cost to ensure that the project is completed within budget.
  • Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD standards.