TPWD – Geographic Information Specialist II (Texas Natural Diversity Database Manager) (00042330)

HIRING CONTACT:  Robert Gottfried, (512) 389-8744

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position enters, manages, queries, and disseminates geographic and tabular information on the rare, threatened, and endangered species of Texas for the purposes of informing and supporting conservation actions.

Under the supervision of the Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD) Program Leader, this position is responsible for complex (journey-level) geographic information system work including responsibility for complex geospatial database tasks related to the entry, quality control, and dissemination of threatened, endangered, and rare species information.  Resolves record or mapping discrepancies through data research. Compiles data from external sources and converts data to a usable format. Coordinates with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists regarding data for priority species.  Retrieves and analyzes relevant information using custom queries and geographic information system software. Provides technical assistance, support, and training for database applications and data interpretation.  Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Geography, Ecology, or related field.

Experience:

Six months of experience managing biological/ecological data using geographic information systems or a relational database and/or collecting biological data in a field setting.

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:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Geography, Ecology, or related field can substitute for the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Geographic Information Systems Technology, Wildlife Management, Geography, Ecology, or related field.

Experience:

Two years experience as a professional biologist in an ecological discipline collecting biological data in a field setting;

Two years experience managing biological/ecological data using geographic information systems or a relational database or one year of experience managing biological data using NatureServe Natural Heritage Methodology and a Biotics database.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Texas Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as identified in the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), including threatened and endangered species, habitat, and life history;
• Knowledge of GIS and relational database principles;
• Knowledge of data collection techniques including use of GPS hardware;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in using GIS (ArcMap, ArcPro, ArcGIS Online) including geospatial analysis and utilizing custom toolboxes in ArcPro;
• Skill in using database applications, database data entry, and manipulating databases and database-based reports;
• Skill in SQL to query, update, or manipulate databases;
• Skill in the use of electronic field data collection tools, including but not limited to, ESRI Survey123 and ESRI Field Maps;
• Skill in interpreting geographically based biological data;
• Skill in training others;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a different groups of people including professors and the general public;
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision;
• Ability to interpret and follow complex technical instructions to a successful conclusion;
• Ability to work as part of a team to accomplish specific tasks;
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple assigned tasks and to manage time effectively;
• Ability to give presentations;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

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 adjust to changing schedules;
• This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;
• Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;
• Non-smoking environment in State vehicles and buildings. 

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.

PLEASE NOTE:  

All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor’s name and phone number and a description of duties performed.  

Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application 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. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications with “See attached” or “See resume” will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields. 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. 

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:  Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en  
*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 complete the Military Employment Preference Survey and attach this form and required documentation referenced on this form 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.
• 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.

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,  telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.