TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist II - III - IV

General Description

Under the direction of the Aquatic Resource Permitting and Consultation Program Leader and in coordination with other biologists who participate in permit review processes, the Permits and Consultations Coordinator is responsible for administration of various permit programs within Inland Fisheries Division (e.g., Exotic Species Permits for research; permits for introduction of aquatic species into public waters; permits for nongame fish harvest). This position provides the opportunity to take ownership of program oversight and for significant involvement in program development.

Responsibilities

• Processing forms and issuing permits both electronically and on paper, database management, monitoring compliance with requirements and regulations, and serving as a liaison to the general public, staff, and other government agencies to assist in explaining program and regulation specifics and requirements verbally, in writing, and through presentations to stakeholder groups.
• Coordinating program streamlining and development, potentially including but not limited to development of forms, permit documents, online permit system, and databases and other technological tools to improve program efficiency; developing policy and procedure manuals; making recommendations to improve program efficiency; and resolving technical problems.
• Coordinating collection and analysis of report and/or survey data and preparation of administrative program reports, studies, and specialized projects.
• Responding to requests for program information; anticipating requests for information and disseminating pertinent information to staff.
• Coordinating development of new permit program documents and procedures to implement regulation changes.
• Conducting or coordinating analysis of operations and problems and preparation of justifications for procedural or policy changes.
• Conducting and coordinating exotic species culture, zoo and research facility inspections to evaluate regulatory compliance.
• Conducting reviews of literature, statutes, or rules and impacts of proposed rule changes.
• Assisting with other team administrative and budget management duties.
• May train others.
• Works statewide.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, or closely related field.
• Experience:
  • NRS II: Two years relevant experience.
  • NRS III: Six years relevant experience.
  • NRS IV: Ten years 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 required license.

Acceptable Substitutions

• NRS II - IV: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• NRS II - IV: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, or closely related field may substitute two years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years experience as a natural resource permit program coordinator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

NRS II:

• Knowledge of program management processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of general principles of biology, ecology, and/or natural resource management.
• Knowledge of state and federal natural resource laws and regulations related to program area.
• Knowledge of inspection methods for aquaculture, zoo, research, and exotic species facilities.
• Knowledge of general permitting processes and compliance requirements.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook and Access.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in using personal computers, including database software.
• Skill in reviewing and processing permit applications.
• Skill in conducting inspections and documenting compliance findings.
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Skill in prioritizing, multitasking, and scheduling to manage several tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in interacting and communicating effectively orally and in writing on technical issues to many groups, including TPWD staff, the public and governmental agencies.
• Skill in interpreting, analyzing and explaining regulations and policies.

NRS III: (in addition to NRS II)

• Knowledge of online permit systems or related software.
• Knowledge of technical document review and report-writing techniques.

NRS IV: (in addition to NRS III)

• Knowledge of rulemaking and policy implementation.
• Knowledge of institutional, legal and public policy issues related to natural resource conservation, regulatory, and permitting programs.