Natural Resources Specialist II - III - IV (Permits and Consultations Coordinator)

Job Description

TPWD 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: Beth Bendik, 512-389-8521, beth.bendik@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: One of three (3) possible locations: Austin (4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744), Waco (1601 E Crest Dr, Waco, TX 76705), or Tyler (11942 Fm 848, Tyler TX 75707)

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.  The permit program specialist is responsible for 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. Coordinates 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.  Coordinates collection and analysis of report and/or survey data and preparation of administrative program reports, studies, and specialized projects. Responds to requests for program information; anticipates requests for information and disseminates pertinent information to staff.   Coordinates development of new permit program documents and procedures to implement regulation changes.  Conducts or coordinates analysis of operations and problems and preparation of justifications for procedural or policy changes.  Conducts and coordinates exotic species culture, zoo and research facility inspections to evaluate regulatory compliance.  Conducts reviews of literature, statutes, or rules and impacts of proposed rule changes.  Assists 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.   

NOTE: Retention of position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

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:

Experience: 

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.

NRS III: Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:

Knowledge of online permit systems or related software.

Knowledge of technical document review and report-writing techniques.

NRS IV: Knowledge of NRS III, PLUS:

Knowledge of rulemaking and policy implementation.

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

NRS II:

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 organizational policies and procedures to various audiences.

Skill in using logic and analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and potential impacts of different approaches.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.

NRS III: Skills of NRS II, PLUS:

Skill in analyzing regulations.

Skill in managing permit databases.

Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information.

Skill in developing and achieving program goals and objectives.

NRS IV: Skills of NRS III, PLUS:

Skill in interpreting, analyzing and presenting data. 

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.

Skill in problem-solving technical or system issues.

Skill in developing and refining procedures and processes for conservation, permitting and regulatory programs.     

NRS II: 

Ability to interpret and apply complex statutes, rules, and regulatory requirements, learn and interpret regulations correctly and to seek advice when needed.

Ability to identify issues or concerns with permit forms and other documents and propose revisions to enhance understanding.

Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.

Ability to contribute effectively and professionally as a member of a team.

Ability to work cooperatively with the public, applicants, consultants, and state and federal agencies.

NRS III: Ability of NRS II, PLUS:

Ability to gather and assemble facts and communicate them in a concise manner.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Ability to train TPWD staff in permit processes, policies, or tools.

Ability to effectively participate in conflict resolution negotiations.

Ability to coordinate site visits with TPWD staff, landowners, and other agencies. 

Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under moderate supervision, with significant latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS IV: Ability of NRS III, PLUS:

Ability to identify, recommend, and implement procedural changes to improve workflows and increase efficiency.

Ability to identify problematic regulations and recommend and participate in review.

Ability to analyze data, prepare reports and anticipate information requests.

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Ability to perform advanced (senior-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Required to work overtime as necessary, particularly during January through March.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Required to operate a State vehicle.

Required to travel approximately 5% with possible overnight stays.

Must conform to Department dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• 'N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway.
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the 'Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

 

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

 

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ 

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER