Program Specialist VII (Wildlife Division Regulations Coordinator)

HIRING CONTACT: Alan Cain, (830) 480-4038, Email: alan.cain@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Austin HQ, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Division Director this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work to support division operations and strategic goals. Works closely with Wildlife Division leadership to develop and implement management actions, policies, and strategic direction. Responsibilities include overseeing the Wildlife Division’s Commission meeting processes by preparing agenda items, writing and reviewing regulation packages in coordination with Wildlife and Legal Division staff, and coordinating presentation development. Manages multiple projects simultaneously to ensure compliance with deadlines required by the Wildlife Division, Executive Office, Legal, and other divisions. Serves as the Wildlife Division legislative point of contact, handling and assigning bill analyses, responding to inquiries, and compiling and organizing legislative priorities between sessions. May be required to meet with legislators and testify at hearings. Additional duties include coordinating Open Records Requests, managing yearly Outdoor Annual updates, and addressing programmatic and operational issues in collaboration with program and regional directors. The position represents the Wildlife Division on multi-division teams, evaluates problems, develops solutions, and performs other duties as assigned. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment, in compliance with all agency rules and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.   

Experience:

Five years of experience interpreting, developing, or implementing administrative rules or regulations for a federal or state agency, state-funded university system, or quasi-governmental organization. 

Licensure:       

Must possess a valid State driver’s license.     

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Cultural Resource Management, Wildlife, Biology, Political Science, or related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management, Cultural Resource Management, Wildlife, Biology, Political Science, or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree with primary focus in Natural Resource Management, Cultural Resource Management, Wildlife, Biology, Political Science, or related field.

Experience:

• Experience working with the federal or state legislature and managing legislative and appropriation processes and public policy for a conservation agency.
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations for various audiences, such as the public, appointed commissioners, elected officials, or boards of directors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of natural resource conservation and management principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of Parks and Wildlife Code and Texas Administrative Code.
• Knowledge of TPWD policies and procedures, legislative processes, and budget development.
• Knowledge of Texas state government organization and management.
• Knowledge of business management principles and economic concepts.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative and appropriations processes, state government administration and political environments affecting TPWD programs.
• Knowledge of Texas House and Senate rules.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in effective interaction and communication with staff at all levels within the department and at other State agencies and organizations.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information.
• Skill in interpreting, analyzing and explaining organizational policies and procedures.
• Skill in developing processes, procedures and policies.
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in meeting deadlines.
• Skill in planning and coordinating the work of others and handling and resolving problems resourcefully.
• Ability to draft regulatory language and prepare rule packages for submission to the Texas Register.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, presentations and reports.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
• Ability to show initiative and take action on issues impacting TPWD.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Ability to make presentations or provide testimony before groups or members of the legislature.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to perform highly complex legislative and consultative work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:     

• Required to work 40 hours per week.
• May be required to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and hours other than regularly scheduled with supervisor approval.
• May be required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to travel 15% with possible overnight stays.
• Required to conform to dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Required to follow non-smoking policy in all state buildings and vehicles.