Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • TPWD - Laboratory Technician IV

  • TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
  • San Marcos, Texas United States View Map

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: Ryan Rogers, 512-353-0572, ryan.rogers@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 505 Staples Road, San Marcos, TX, 78666

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Lab Supervisor, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) laboratory work in the Inland Fisheries' Analytical Services Laboratory. Responsible for assisting in the preparation, screening, and analyzing of microbiological, chemical, and genetic samples related to the support, monitoring, and health of wild and captive aquatic organisms. Assists with experimental design, analyses, and interpretation of test results. Maintain facilities, equipment, and analytical instruments. May coordinate the training of interns, volunteers and seasonal technicians. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Perform 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 any natural or physical science (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, etc.).

Experience :

Experience working in an analytical lab.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Experience :

Two years of experience working in an analytical lab.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of microbiology and laboratory techniques.

Knowledge of current techniques and equipment used in genetic analyses.

Knowledge of basic water chemistry.

Knowledge of nuisance aquatic organisms.

Knowledge of experimental design and hypothesis testing.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations.

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

Skill in good work habits.

Skill in using specialized analytical equipment.

Ability to identify fish species and common aquatic organisms.

Ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Ability to accurately follow instructions.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS :

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

May be required to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

May be required to work nights and weekends occasionally.

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

Required to travel with possible overnight stays.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

P LEASE 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: 2026-10-06
Texas Parks and Wildlife

Texas Parks and Wildlife

(512) 389-4545

We are TPWD

Providing outdoor recreational opportunities, managing and protecting fish and wildlife habitat, and managing parklands and historic areas

Divisions & Positions

Our skilled workforce operates within 13 divisions at 200 locations across Texas.

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.

Philosophy

In fulfilling our mission, we will: Be a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs; Serve the state of Texas, its citizens, and our employees with the highest standards of service, professionalism, fairness, courtesy, and respect; Rely on the best available science to guide our conservation decisions; Responsibly manage agency finances and appropriations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of tax-payer and user fee resources; Attract and retain the best, brightest, and most talented workforce to successfully execute our mission.

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