TPWD - Attorney I (Staff Attorney)

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
Austin, Texas United States  View Map
Posted: Jan 15, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Legal Services
  • 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.

    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.


    PLEASE NOTE:

    All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include

    • Job Title

    • Dates of employment (month/year)

    • Hours worked per week

    • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor and Phone Number

    • Description of duties performed

    • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement. Please list those experiences 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.

    • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

    • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) 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.

    • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

    • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications : WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit .

    IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

    NEED HELP? Watch our VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS

    MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

    Job Classification

    Service

    Military Specialty

    Attorney I-V

    Army

    27A

    Attorney I-V

    Navy

    250X

    Attorney I-V

    Coast Guard

    LGL10, LGL11

    Attorney I-V

    Marine Corps

    4402, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4408, 4409, 4410, 4411, 4417

    Attorney I-V

    Space Force

    51JX, 92J0

    Attorney I-V

    Air Force

    No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

    *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 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.



    HIRING CONTACT: James Murphy, (512) 389-8877

    PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

    GENERAL DESCRIPTION

    Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for performing entry-level to routine (journey-level) attorney work. Examines and prepares legal documents, interprets laws and regulations, renders legal advice and counsel, and may participate in administrative hearings and trials. Under the guidance of more experienced attorneys, performs legal work in support of all aspects of the TPWD mission as needed, including but not limited to: open records requests; contract review, drafting and advice; tort claims against TPWD; management of fish and wildlife resources; management of state park lands; criminal law; human resources matters; agency rulemaking; analysis of legislation; ethics; open meetings law; natural resource damages; water pollution events; water rights; endangered species; real estate; boat titling; and sand and gravel disturbances. May review proposed legislation and research, draft, or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Branch and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

    NOTE: At the time of submittal, all applicants are required to include a cover letter as attachment.


    Qualifications:

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    Education:

    Graduation from accredited law school with a J.D. or equivalent degree.

    Experience:

    None required.

    Licensure:

    Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; however, applicants who have taken the February 2026 Texas bar examination or otherwise receive their license to practice law in the State of Texas not later than April 30, 2026, and are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas will be considered for this position. Offers of employment to unlicensed applicants will be contingent on the applicant receiving their license to practice law in Texas no later than April 30, 2026.

    Applicant Must possess or be able to obtain and hold within 30 days of employment, a Texas class "C" driver's license.

    NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    Education:

    Course work in administrative, environmental, or natural resources law.

    Experience:

    Internship/externship, clinic, or work experience representing or advising a Texas state agency.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings related to job functions;

    Knowledge of the agency's mission;

    Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

    Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

    Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis;

    Skill in drafting and reviewing documents;

    Skill in using judgment to identify course of action;

    Skill in political considerations;

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

    Ability to plan and organize work;

    Ability to interpret and apply laws;

    Ability to prepare opinions and briefs;

    Ability to advise on and participate in hearing or trial preparation, including preparation of witnesses for testimony;

    Ability to advocate for the agency's mission, including fish and wildlife conservation;

    Ability to take direction from upper management and, where appropriate, initiate new responsibilities;

    Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;

    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, flexible schedules may be available;

    Required to work overtime as necessary;

    Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;

    May be 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.

    TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER



    WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS


    Closing Date: Feb 11, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Texas Parks and Wildlife
    • Texas Parks and Wildlife

    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.

    Show more

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Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.