TMD - Natural Resources Specialist II (Wildlife Biologist)
Job Description
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED ONLINE THROUGH CAPPS RECRUIT AT:
[click to reveal website link]
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:
Applicants may submit applications through Work In Texas (WIT), however, applicants must complete the supplemental questions in CAPPS Recruit to be considered for the position. In order to complete the supplemental questions, please register and/or login to CAPPS Recruit and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In (Link: [click to reveal website link])
Your job application must be complete and thorough including responding to all the supplemental questions. Your application must contain complete job histories, which includes job titles, dates of employment, name of employer and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
NOTES TO THE APPLICANT:
TMD State Employees support the Texas Military Department by delivering critical services that enable the agency to meet its strategic goals. Your work will contribute to the support we offer our Texas National Guard members, thereby multiplying their capability to serve at home and abroad as missions dictate. The Texas Military Department provides a benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:
- Health insurance benefits (employee premiums are covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
- Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance at competitive rates
- Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and State and Federal holidays
- Defined benefit retirement structure known as a cash balance benefit, with a state match equal to 150% of the account balance at retirement and guaranteed earnings of at least 4% annually
- Additional voluntary retirement savings programs (Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs)
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
- Potential for modified work schedules including flex, compressed, or telework (position dependent)
- Free access to Camp Mabry Museum and historical structures
- Robust free training access through Texas Military Department's Web-Based Learning Program
- Expansive Employee Assistance Program and complimentary counseling services
- Employee Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs
Military membership is not required for this position.
ABOUT US:
Our Agency: The Texas Military Department (TMD) is commanded by The Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (State & Federal Civilian Employees), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG).
Our Vision: America's premier state military organization comprised of professional mission-ready forces, fully engaged with our communities, and relevant through the 21st century.
Our Mission: Provide the Governor and the President with ready forces in support of state and federal authorities at home and abroad.
BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY
Performs complex (journey-level) natural resources work for a military conservation program. Work includes managing Endangered Species Act (ESA) species, native wildlife, invasive animal species, and wildlife habitat activities. Plans, designs, and manages wildlife programs, including monitoring, management, and research. Assists with habitat management planning and implementation on military training sites. Works closely with personnel, internal working groups, and with other agencies to foster partnerships and coordinate conservation management. Responsibilities include conducting and contracting natural resources surveys, investigative research, studies, and inspections; developing plans for aspects of natural resources management; and analyzing and evaluating results to assess their impact on natural resources. Reports to the Natural Resources Manager and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support conservation strategies that align with TMD's infrastructure protection goals, including erosion control, vegetation management, and habitat preservation.
- Monitor and mitigate environmental risks-such as invasive species, water contamination, or land degradation-that could compromise secure infrastructure zones.
- Collaborate with engineering, environmental, and security teams to integrate natural resource management into infrastructure resilience planning.
- Maintain documentation of natural resource activities, compliance efforts, and protective measures in accordance with TMD policy and applicable regulations.
- Support emergency response and recovery efforts related to natural resource hazards affecting secure infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, as they relate to infrastructure protection.
- Assist with implementing the activities of wildlife management; invasive animals and endangered species management; and game management hunting programs with an emphasis on avian species (monitoring, conservation and management).
- Assist with reviewing, developing and implementing methods for wildlife management strategies and techniques to support Integrate Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) requirements.
- Conduct inspections, surveys and studies; evaluate results in relationship with the impact on natural resources; prepare or review technical reports and recommendations regarding findings; and conduct follow-up inspections as necessary.
- Assist with the execution of assigned natural resources programs to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, including Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Actively participate in external agency coordination including Section 7 consultation, interagency partnerships, multiagency groups, state and federal agencies, and universities.
- Assist with public meetings and state and national forums regarding assigned program areas, regulatory issues, conservation initiatives, and wildlife/habitat management.
- Assist with providing technical assistance, specifications and project coordination on natural resource regulations, wildlife conservation and management, threatened and endangered species, and invasive animal management, as well as other natural resources projects.
- Assist with prescribed burns, brush control, revegetation and monitoring and coordinates with Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program and staff as appropriate.
- Perform technical data collection, research, analysis, evaluations, inspections, and surveys to inform management and determine impacts on natural resources.
- Maintain relevant databases, evaluate information, and prepare technical reports of findings in support of land management for ecological sustainability and military training needs. Prepare recommendations regarding findings and conduct follow-up inspections as required.
- Utilize a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning Device (GPS) technologies to prepare for and conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and present findings. Validate technical data and assists in the development and use of databases and software.
- Assist in formulating natural resources plans, plans for state-wide and facility programs and the development of new natural resources programs as it relates to the INRMPs.
- Attend natural resources and land management meetings and assist with natural resources and land management planning and program implementation.
- Implement projects (in-house and contracted) for wildlife management, invasive animal species, and avian programs.
- Assist with development of habitat management and restoration plans in support of INRMPs to facilitate sound land management for sustainability of both military training and natural resources.
- Manage contracted natural resources projects and assist with developing scopes of work and budgets.
- Assist with reviewing grant proposals for natural resource projects to improve training site conditions for training and resource protection.
- Assist with planning, scoping and executing programs and projects in accordance with the approved budget.
- Prepare, review and edit technical papers, permits, publications and reports. Perform research and literature reviews in support of INRMPs.
- Prepare educational materials, training, and operational manuals used in implementing the Natural Resources program. Will present material and conduct training as required.
- Research and review natural resources documentation, as well as documentation related to other land management and land-use activities.
- Perform related work as assigned.
- Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency state employee policies & procedures handbook.
- May be required to perform duty in support of national emergencies, disasters, and other missions, to include on holidays and weekends.
Qualifications:
MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required (substitution allowed).
PREFERRED EDUCATION:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in wildlife biology/management or a related natural sciences field is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- Three (3) years' experience in environmental quality, natural resources botany, or agronomy work is required.
- Experience in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
- Avian survey and management experience is required.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- ESA and threatened and endangered species management is preferred.
- Experience with GIS and GPS is preferred.
SUBSTITUTION:
- A related advanced degree may substitute for required experience for up to 3 years.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:
- Valid driver's license is required. *If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct agency business.
- Must obtain training to for National Wildland Fire Coordination Group (NWCG) Wildland Firefighter II certification within 90 days and assist with prescribed fire operations as needed.
- Must obtain and maintain a Texas State Pesticide Applicator's License for use of herbicides and pesticides within 90 days of hire.
- Professional certification(s) are required to be maintained in active status. All associated Continuing Education (CE) requirements (e.g.: courses, licenses, trainings, memberships, exercises, etc.) essential to maintaining professional certification must be completed within the appropriate timeframe necessary to maintain active professional certification status.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Background Investigation. Selected candidate must pass an initial criminal history check and review of foreign adversary connections that might prevent them from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the TMD infrastructure and periodic reviews throughout employment.
- In accordance with Executive Order GA-48, Texas Military Department (TMD) employees are prohibited from current employment or ongoing business relationships with any entity identified on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Entity List (15 C.F.R. 791.4) or any governmental entity or political apparatus of a country listed therein.
- Selected candidate must pass a federal security background investigation. The process includes a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and fingerprinting. New employees must complete and sign the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Form SF85. Completed forms are submitted to the OPM for background investigations.
- Eligibility to Work in the U.S. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 require all new employees to present proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) days of being hired. The Texas Military Department participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining legal work authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.
- Sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
- Upon hire with the State of Texas, males between the ages of 18 through 25 must provide proof of registration or exemption with the Selective Service. For further information, visit the Selective Service website at [click to reveal website link].
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- applicable local, state, and federal ordinances and laws (Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sikes Act, National Environmental Policy Act);
- biological analysis techniques and procedures including statistics;
- invasive species identification and management;
- avian management principles, ecology, taxonomy, land management, and
adaptive management; and
- military culture and structure.
Skill in:
- operating GIS and GPS software, spatial analysis, and analytical programs;
- operating computers, including common software (i.e., Microsoft products);
- communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
- assessing impacts of management and development actions and recommending alternative solutions if necessary;
- coordinating implementation of existing plans and identifying needed improvements;
- successfully conducting wildlife monitoring and research projects, as well as habitat management;
- identifying and understanding the ecology of native, exotic wildlife and their habitats; and
- utilizing brush clearing equipment.
Ability to:
- maintain the security and integrity of the Texas Military Department infrastructure;
- conduct inspections, surveys, investigative research, and studies;
- conduct field work in difficult conditions;
- analyze environmental and natural resource impacts;
- prepare complex and concise reports within the required timeline;
- interpret policies, procedures, and regulations as they relate to INRMPs;
- carry field equipment and gear for long distances in field conditions;
- multi-task and collaborate effectively in a team environment, establishing strong working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and a diverse group of stakeholders, including military personnel and external agencies; and
- work in a military environment.
PHYSICAL/WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed both inside and outside. When inside (50%) incumbent is exposed to normal office conditions. When outside, incumbent may work in seasonally inclement weather and intense situations including prescribed fire. Duties performed outside may involve walking long distances and/or through rough terrain and exposure to wildlife and other natural hazards (e.g., weather extremes, insects, fire). Fieldwork may also require incumbent to move 50 lbs. of field gear over long distances. Incumbent is expected to travel to and from assigned work sites throughout Texas to include overnight stays up to 50% of the time. Work is performed at active military training facilities.
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
If you qualify for a Military Employment Preference, it is mandatory that you provide the required documentation at the time of applying. Documentation must be provided before a Military Employment Preference can be granted.
Currently Serving U.S. Armed Forces or Texas National Guard - Statement of service memo
Veteran - DD Form 214 (or Equivalent)
Disabled Veteran - VA Civil Service Preference Letter
Spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces or Texas National Guard serving on active-duty - Marriage certificate and verification of duty status (active-duty orders, PCS orders, statement of service)
Spouse of a veteran if the spouse is the primary source of income for the household and the veteran has a total disability rating based either on having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of at least 70 percent or on individual unemployability - Marriage certificate, VA Civil Service Preference Letter indicating disability rating, and documentary proof of income
Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who has not remarried - Marriage certificate and DD Form 1300
Orphan of a Veteran who was killed during active duty - Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300
VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to [click to reveal website link] to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets.
Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the following fields or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply:
United States Army: 92W Water Treatment Specialist
United States Navy: AG Aerographer's Mate
United States Coast Guard: MST Marine Science Technician
United States Marine Corps: 8831 Environmental Engineering Management Officer
United States Air Force: 15WX Weather and Environmental Sciences
Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Natural Resources
Contact TMD's Veteran's Liaison, Paul Love if you have questions at [click to reveal phone number] or [click to reveal email address]
The Texas Military Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or status as an individual with a disability or protected veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.