TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

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.

Hiring Contact

Lucas Arteaga, 512‑738‑6659, lucas.arteaga@tpwd.texas.gov

Physical Work Address

Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, TX 78644

General Description

Under the direction of the State Park Superintendent and Assistant 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 % of time) – Acquire knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to operations and lands and facilities. Apply fundamentals of natural and cultural resource management and methods of interpretation. Observe park maintenance duties including basic plumbing, carpentry, electrical, masonry, custodial and mechanical maintenance and repair tasks and equipment management. Understand responsibilities of support programs (Cultural Resources, Facilities Management, Interpretive Services, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources, Planning and Geospatial Resources). Apply basic property management practices, support accessibility requirements, assist with minor repair and capital improvement projects, and support implementation of the site’s Emergency Plan, Incident Command System and Law Enforcement functions.
• Administrative Operations (25 % of time) – Acquire knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to administrative operations. Understand responsibilities of support programs (Budget, Business Management, Fiscal Control, Procurement, Staff Services and Administration, Recreation Grants, Technical Resources). Observe principles of park administration including financial systems, budget accountability, revenue collections, expenditure systems and purchasing/inventory. Apply best practices in customer service, use State Parks software and reservation systems, observe leased concession management and park store operations, and use Adobe, Power BI, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Forms and Copilot for business administration. Engage in basic report writing and support marketing and promotional activities.
• Personnel Management (20 % of time) – Acquire knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to human‑resource management and Volunteer/Park Host Management. Acquire knowledge of building community partnerships. Observe best practices and may assist in onboarding, off‑boarding, disciplinary actions, conflict management, performance plans, coaching, appraisals and volunteer coordination.
• Marginal Job Duties (10 % of time) – Perform additional duties as assigned and comply 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 or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class C Texas driver’s license (retention of position contingent upon maintaining required license).

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Public Administration, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Hospitality and Tourism, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography/GIS, or a closely related field.
• 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 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.