What are the responsibilities and job description for the TPWD - Program Specialist V (Regional Interpretive Specialist) position at PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT?
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.
PLEASE NOTE:
All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.
Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week. Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.
Applications with “See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields. If education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting, a copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview.
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APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:
Job Classification
Service
Military Specialty
Program Specialist I-VII
Army
No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
Program Specialist I-VII
Navy
OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X
Program Specialist I-VII
Coast Guard
OS, YN, OSS, PERS,
Program Specialist I-VII
Marine Corps
No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
Program Specialist I-VII
Air Force
8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63G0, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0
- 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
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must complete the TPWD Military Employment Preference Survey and attach this form and required documentation referenced on this form 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:
1. Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge.
2. Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
3. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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, telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.
HIRING CONTACT: Katie Raney, (737) 273-6609
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: State Parks Region 3 HQ, 1174 Highways 71 E, Bastrop, TX 78602
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the supervision of the Field Interpretation Coordinator, this position is responsible for advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work including performing complex work in the field of natural or and cultural resource interpretation for nineteen central Texas State Parks. Responsible for facilitating and implementing interpretive and educational functions. Develops and implements programs and training modules based on the assessed needs of each park. Creates content for brochures, signs, exhibits, and other media for interpretive programming. Resolves issues and develops proactive solutions to improve interpretive programs and media. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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 or higher in Park Administration, Wildlife Management, History, Geology, Museum studies, Anthropology, Education, or closely related field.
Experience:
Four years experience in natural and/or cultural resource interpretation.
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 contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Park Administration, Wildlife Management, History, Geology, Museum studies, Anthropology, Education, or closely related field, may substitute for one year of the required experience in natural and/or cultural resource interpretation;
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Park Administration, Wildlife Management, History, Geology, Museum studies, Anthropology, Education, or closely related field, may substitute for two years of the required experience in natural and/or cultural resource interpretation.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Park Administration, Wildlife Management, History, Geology, Museum studies, Anthropology, Education, or closely related field with coursework in fields directly related to natural and cultural resource interpretation and education.
Experience:
Six years experience in the field of natural and/or cultural resource interpretation;
Two years of experience in interpretive writing;
Two years of experience in outdoor settings, such as parks, nature centers, or camps.
Licensure:
Current National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of natural and cultural resource principles and interpretation;
Knowledge of natural and cultural resource outdoor recreation issues;
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area;
Knowledge of public administration and management techniques;
Knowledge of statistical analysis processes;
Knowledge of budget processes;
Knowledge of research techniques;
Knowledge of training and marketing techniques;
Knowledge of program management processes and techniques;
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook;
Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;
Skill in resource/recreation based interpretive and educational programs;
Skill in training others;
Skill in planning and facilitating meetings and events;
Skill in interpretive project management;
Skill in influencing others;
Skill in leading teams in problem solving processes;
Skill in interpretive writing;
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and the use of a computer and applicable software;
Ability to plan, develop, and implement interpretive programs and exhibits;
Ability to evaluate interpretive programs and give meaningful feedback;
Ability to assist with hiring, training, and evaluating park interpreters;
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts;
Ability to devise solutions to problems;
Ability to market programs;
Ability to prepare reports;
Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures;
Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others;
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays;
Required to work overtime, as necessary;
May be required to operate a State vehicle;
Required to travel 45% with possible overnight stays;
Must conform to TPWD work rules, safety procedures, and dress and grooming standards;
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER