TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

General Description

Under the direction of the Abilene State Park 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.

Essential Job Duties

• Resource Operations (45%): 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.
• Administrative Operations (25%): 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.
• Personnel Management (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.
• Marginal Job Duties (10%): 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 a valid state driver's license. 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 10% 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.