TPWD – Program Specialist III – IV – V (Resource Information Specialist) (00041581)

HIRING CONTACT:  Dale F. Prochaska, (325) 203-8856

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: To Be Determined.  Position to be located within Wildlife Region I or II. Prefer office location on a WMA within Region I or II.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Wildlife Region II Director, provides advanced consultative services and assistance to Wildlife Region I and II staff regarding databases, emerging technology issues, data collection, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing. Complex responsibilities for developing, overseeing, and implementing computer technologies, GIS, spatial databases, and web-based applications to provide intranet and internet access to historical and current data collected by department biologists.  Uses broad discretion to coordinate with field data collectors and biologists to ensure data standardization, accuracy, and integrity.   Assists in various other database, data collection, data analysis, research design, and cartographic needs of Wildlife Division research, survey, and management operations. Trains staff in the latest technologies and data collection software used in Wildlife Division programs.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Program Specialist III-IV-V: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Geography, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field with coursework in GIS and remote sensing.

Experience:

• Program Specialist III:   Two years of professional experience in natural resource management with significant experience in IT, GIS, and ESRI applications;
• Program Specialist IV: Three years of professional experience in natural resource management with significant experience in IT, GIS, and ESRI applications;
• Program Specialist V:  Five years of professional experience in natural resource management with significant experience in IT, GIS, and ESRI applications.

Licensure:      

• Applicant must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within 90 days of employment, Part 107 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote pilot’s license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience;
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• Experience piloting UAV for collection of imagery;
• Experience processing UAV collected imagery;
• Experience developing applications with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Collector and Survey 123;
• Experience with basic computer troubleshooting, repair, and upgrades.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

PS III-V:

• Knowledge of basic cartographic conventions and techniques;
• Knowledge of basic wildlife and fisheries research techniques and data collection procedures;
• Knowledge of GIS software;
• Knowledge of remote sensing software;
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Online and mobile applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123;
• Knowledge of Windows 10/11, iOS and Android operating systems;
• Knowledge of desktop computer hardware;
• Knowledge of Texas wildlife and habitats;

PS III:

• Skill in technical writing and verbal communications;
• Skill in learning new computer systems hardware and software quickly;
• Skill in desktop computers and basic network troubleshooting;
• Skill in using the Office 365 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, OneDrive);
• Skill in applying and utilizing ArcGIS Online and mobile applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123;
• Skill in effectively working with data-entry, data analysis, GIS, and database personnel;
• Skill in developing data models and databases;
• PS IV:  Skills of a PS III PLUS:
• Skill in creating, using, and maintaining GIS, relational databases, web-based and mobile applications;
• Skill in working as part of a team of scientists and with staff across TPWD divisions;
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;
• Skill in developing and managing ArcGIS Online and mobile applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123;
• Skill in creating, using, and maintaining GIS, relational databases, web-based and mobile applications;

PS V:  Skills of a PS IV PLUS:

• Skill in GIS scripting and database programming and operations utilizing software such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, MS Access, MS SQL, R, Python, and GoogleEarth Pro;
• Skill in utilizing remote sensing software, such as Pix4D, ERDAS imagery analysis, and ground-truthing techniques using GPS;

PS III:

• Ability to work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;
• Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish work without close supervision;
• Ability to work as part of a team of scientists and with staff across TPWD divisions;
• Ability to managing several projects simultaneously;
• Ability to apply and utilize ArcGIS Online and mobile applications such as ArcGIS Collector and Survey123;
• Ability to create, use, and maintain GIS, relational databases, web-based and mobile applications;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program;

PS IV:  Abilities of a PS III PLUS:

• Ability to work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;
• Ability to lead trainings in GIS and computer technologies;

PS V:  Abilities of a PS IV PLUS:

• Ability to work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;
• Ability to make independent decisions and evaluations while adjusting work plans accordingly.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
• Required to work on holidays, weekends, and hours other than 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required to travel 40% with possible overnight stays;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.