TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I - II - III - IV (Hatchery Biologist)

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: Chase Chatelain, (409) 698-2052, Email: chase.chatelain@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 900 County Road 218, Brookeland, TX 75931

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Hatchery Manager, this position performs natural resources work including assisting in planning, coordinating and operating a technical warmwater state fish hatchery. Scope of duties includes planning, organizing and coordinating fish propagation, distribution and facility maintenance under general direction of the hatchery manager with latitude for independent action. Conducts applied scientific experiments in all aspects of warmwater fish culture. Organizes and conducts public outreach activities. Leads and directs a team of permanent technicians, and/or seasonal workers, interns and volunteers. Assist Hatchery manager in various administrative duties. 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 of Science degree in Fisheries Science or related Biological Science with major coursework in Fish Culture and Fisheries Management.

Experience :

Natural Resources Specialist (NRS) I: No experience required.

NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.

NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.

NRS IV: Ten years of relevant experience.

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 :

NRS II-III-IV ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries Science, Natural Science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

NRS II-III-IV ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, Fisheries Science, Natural Science or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an MS degree in aquaculture, fisheries science, or related biological science with major course work in fish culture.

Experience :

Two years of relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

NRS I-IV:

Knowledge of fish hatchery management.

Knowledge of fish culture practices.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat.

Knowledge of flora and fauna of Texas and their ecosystems.

NRS I-IV:

Skill in the operation of a variety of scientific and analytical equipment including microcomputers and related software;

Skill in collecting scientific data.

Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.

Skill in training others.

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.

NRS I:

Ability to lead professional and technical staff.

Ability to perform administrative duties.

Ability to design scientific experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare scientific and administrative reports.

Ability to effectively communicate operations and research findings to the scientific community, resource managers, recreationalists, students and members of the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agency staff and management to achieve common goals.

Ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS II:

Abilities of NRS I; PLUS:

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.

Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS III:

Abilities of NRS II; PLUS:

Ability to use sound judgment in dealing with confidential matters of significant consequences.

Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS IV:

Abilities of NRS III; PLUS:

Ability to exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions.

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

Ability to perform advanced (senior-level) natural resources work.

Ability to work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.

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

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

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Required to operate a State vehicle.

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: 2026-10-07