TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

About the role

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.

TPWD is an at-will employer, and acceptance of a trainee position does not create an employment contract or alter the nature of the at-will relationship.

Responsibilities

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.

Specific duties are broken down into the following categories:

• 45% Resource Operations: Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to operations and lands and facilities.
• 25% Administrative Operations: Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to administrative operations.
• 20% Personnel Management: Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to human resource management and Volunteer/Park Host Management.
• 10% Marginal Job Duties: Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

The following are required for this position:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

• 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.
• Paid or unpaid Texas State Parks experience.
• Experience working with the public.
• Certified Interpretive Guide.
• Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type II Certification.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• 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.