Job TitleProgram Specialist I Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Institute Of Renewable Natural Resources Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description The Program Specialist I, under general direction from the Ecological Resilience Team (ERT) Program Director, provides support to develop the NRI Conservation Policy Fellowship Program. The Program Specialist I will also provide technical support for the delivery of endangered, threatened, and at-risk species documents to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Responsibilities: Identify, develop, and support students from various backgrounds and with varying interests, skills, and qualifications who are interested in pursuing a career in wildlife management and conservation Create opportunities for underrepresented and minority graduate students to engage in the study and practice of conservation policy development through study and training that involves meaningful, real-world conservation issues that are considered crucial to the advancement of wildlife and natural resources management Provide a “pipeline” for the natural resource agencies to hire early-career natural resource professionals that have acquired essential hands-on policy review experience that supports their mission Work with graduate students and maintain relationships with diverse partners to build the NRI Species Status Assessment (SSA) program (e.g., federal and state agencies, private industry, academia, and NGOs). Provide technical support for the planning, facilitation, and delivery of endangered, threatened, and at-risk species documents (e.g., SSAs, 5-year reviews) in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Work directly with and support graduate students, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Leads, SSA Teams, SSA Committees, and other Ecological Services staff to deliver the foundational science that support policy and relevant decisions regarding at-risk wildlife species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Support the NRI Ecological Resilience Team (ERT) to deliver quality and timely science documents that support recovery of listed and candidate species that ultimately lead to reclassification and/or preclude the need to list species. Compile information by collecting, reviewing, and synthesizing published and unpublished material concerning species risk and viability factors. Assessing data, particularly the identification and description of significant data gaps and optimal timeframes for filling those gaps should they exist. Spatial data analysis to include relevant ArcMap GIS products. Technical writing of Species Status Assessments (SSAs) information for reports and oral presentations Organizing, planning, scheduling, and facilitation of Species Status Assessments (SSAs) activities and meetings with Experts and other participants. Must have a clear understanding of national and regional political issues, familiarity with influential stakeholders and working knowledge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policies and procedures Other duties as required. Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. No prior experience required. Preferred Education: PhD in applicable field Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills. Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment. THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION This position is funded by non-appropriated sources. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funds. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners. Prospective employee benefits Retirement programs Commitment to inclusive excellence Strategic plan