TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Interpreter)

Job Description

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: Bob Kaspar, (830) 203-8922, Email: Robert.Kaspar@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd. 11 Gonzales, TX 78629

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) state park operations work. Responsible for coordinating with the Park Management for planning and conducting interpretive programs for Palmetto State Park. Responsible for assisting with the research, development, and implementation of interpretive programs, including but not limited to: exhibits, tours, school programs, guided walks, special events, training workshops, and seminars based on the interpretive purposes of Palmetto State Park and its mission. Assists with the volunteer program. Prepares reports, maintains administrative and interpretive files, and assists with visitors' service needs, including, revenue collection, entrance fee, store sales, and periodic grounds and facility maintenance. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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.

Experience :

No experience required.

Licensure :

Must possess a valid State driver's license.

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

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS :

Education :

One year of experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs may substitute for 30 hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resources Conservation, Range Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archeology, History, or closely related field.

Experience :

Experience in customer service.

Experience in park operations.

Experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs.

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of interpretive techniques and principles.

Knowledge of special event planning and implementation.

Knowledge of Texas flora and fauna.

Knowledge of environmental education programs.

Knowledge of general maintenance techniques.

Knowledge of social media platforms.

Knowledge of the principles of park administration.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural and cultural resources management.

Knowledge of methods of interpretation and education.

Knowledge of standard financial and business management principles.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in effective interpretive techniques, program preparation, and presentations.

Skill in planning, organizing, and implementing public presentations and guided tours for all age groups.

Skill in completing reports and providing accurate information.

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

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Skill in facilitating meetings.

Skill in general maintenance techniques.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to accurately handle cash and account for revenue collected.

Ability to issue permits.

Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Required to work in a public park with overnight camping and day use.

Required to work 40 hours per week, including various schedules with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

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

Required to operate a tram or vehicle with less than 15 passengers.

Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Required to operate a State vehicle.

Required to travel 5% with possible overnight stays.

Must conform to TPWD 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

Closing Date/Time: 2026-09-17