What are the responsibilities and job description for the TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist V (Project Leader) position at TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE?
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: Len Polasek, (361) 790-0306, Email: Len.Polasek@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Region 5, 64 Chaparral WMA Drive, Cotulla, TX 78014
GENERAL DESCRIPTION :
Under the direction of the Region V Wildlife Director, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Responsible for supervising all field activities, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) research projects, facility maintenance operations, program specific activities, and manages the budget for the South Texas Ecosystem Project which includes the Chaparral and James Daughtrey WMAs. Supervises and provides training and training opportunities for WMA employees, prepares administrative and technical reports, regulation proposals, and supervises all other activities within the WMA Project. Responsible for the development of appropriate demonstrations, public use, and other public outreach which includes dissemination of information to the general public, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other constituents of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) through various communication channels such as telephone, mail, news media, group presentations, etc. Responsible for building public support for TPWD programs and wildlife conservation. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive 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.
NOTE: Transcripts are REQUIRED at time of application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Major course work from bachelor's or post-bachelor's degree programs must include a minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods.
Experience :
Five years professional experience, not associated with the pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degree programs, as a wildlife biologist, ecologist or as a closely related natural resource scientist.
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 Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Licensure :
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of life history, ecology, and management needs of wildlife species indigenous to South Texas.
Knowledge of basic computer operation and its application to wildlife management activities.
Knowledge of land-use practices and their impacts on wildlife species.
Knowledge of common farming and ranching operations and practices.
Knowledge of wildlife, wildlife habitat, and rangeland management techniques.
Knowledge of Department programs, policies, procedures and operations.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in planning, conducting and evaluating conservation outreach programs.
Skill in communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing, on a broad range of fish, wildlife and habitat issues.
Skill in collecting, analyzing and reporting advanced scientific data.
Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, media representatives and other governmental agencies.
Skill in planning processes.
Skill in using analytical software applications, and GIS/GPS applications.
Skill applying advanced habitat enhancement techniques.
Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
Ability to effectively supervise and motivate assigned staff.
Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently and as a team member.
Ability to independently make informed and sound decisions in the absence of the supervisor.
Ability to initiate, build and develop public support and involvement for TPWD's wildlife conservation programs.
Ability to conduct literature reviews, plan, design, and implement field research.
Ability to develop/manage operating budgets and oversee expenditures by staff.
Ability to supervise and coordinate research activities or special projects.
Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to operate a State vehicle.
Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
May be required to live on-site in State housing with a monthly deduction of $243.54. Housing rate is established by TPWD policy, calculated using federal guidelines, and may change according to market value.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
Non-smoking work 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:
IMPORTANT:
Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:
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
Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-12
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: Len Polasek, (361) 790-0306, Email: Len.Polasek@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Region 5, 64 Chaparral WMA Drive, Cotulla, TX 78014
GENERAL DESCRIPTION :
Under the direction of the Region V Wildlife Director, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Responsible for supervising all field activities, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) research projects, facility maintenance operations, program specific activities, and manages the budget for the South Texas Ecosystem Project which includes the Chaparral and James Daughtrey WMAs. Supervises and provides training and training opportunities for WMA employees, prepares administrative and technical reports, regulation proposals, and supervises all other activities within the WMA Project. Responsible for the development of appropriate demonstrations, public use, and other public outreach which includes dissemination of information to the general public, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other constituents of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) through various communication channels such as telephone, mail, news media, group presentations, etc. Responsible for building public support for TPWD programs and wildlife conservation. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive 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.
NOTE: Transcripts are REQUIRED at time of application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Major course work from bachelor's or post-bachelor's degree programs must include a minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods.
Experience :
Five years professional experience, not associated with the pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degree programs, as a wildlife biologist, ecologist or as a closely related natural resource scientist.
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 Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Licensure :
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of life history, ecology, and management needs of wildlife species indigenous to South Texas.
Knowledge of basic computer operation and its application to wildlife management activities.
Knowledge of land-use practices and their impacts on wildlife species.
Knowledge of common farming and ranching operations and practices.
Knowledge of wildlife, wildlife habitat, and rangeland management techniques.
Knowledge of Department programs, policies, procedures and operations.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in planning, conducting and evaluating conservation outreach programs.
Skill in communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing, on a broad range of fish, wildlife and habitat issues.
Skill in collecting, analyzing and reporting advanced scientific data.
Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, media representatives and other governmental agencies.
Skill in planning processes.
Skill in using analytical software applications, and GIS/GPS applications.
Skill applying advanced habitat enhancement techniques.
Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
Ability to effectively supervise and motivate assigned staff.
Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently and as a team member.
Ability to independently make informed and sound decisions in the absence of the supervisor.
Ability to initiate, build and develop public support and involvement for TPWD's wildlife conservation programs.
Ability to conduct literature reviews, plan, design, and implement field research.
Ability to develop/manage operating budgets and oversee expenditures by staff.
Ability to supervise and coordinate research activities or special projects.
Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to operate a State vehicle.
Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
May be required to live on-site in State housing with a monthly deduction of $243.54. Housing rate is established by TPWD policy, calculated using federal guidelines, and may change according to market value.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
Non-smoking work 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.
- '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.
- Human Resources will contact Work In Texas applicants via email with further instructions.
- 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
Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-12
Salary : $244