TPWD – Natural Resources Specialist IV (Invertebrate Biologist) (00041096)

HIRING CONTACT:  Jonah Evans, (830) 431-1491

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: To Be Determined.  Central Texas is preferred.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Nongame and Rare Species Program Leader, this position is responsible for conservation of subterranean and terrestrial invertebrates of Texas, with an initial emphasis on pollinators. The position aims to fulfill conservation priorities set within the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) through three primary strategies: classifying invertebrates as species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) when warranted, facilitating conservation and conservation related research needed to recover SGCN invertebrates, and communication through published articles and oral presentations.

Determines invertebrate research and conservation funding priorities, writes requests for proposals (RFPs), and reviews and selects projects for funding with Section 6, State Wildlife Grants, Conservation License Plate funds, Landowner Incentive Program, etc. Coordinates contracts to ensure project objectives are met, provides technical project support, and approves invoices and final reports. Initial focus will be on conservation of grasslands for the benefit of SGCN pollinators.

Works with citizen scientists, landowners, university professors, and others to conduct inventories, research, conservation, and habitat enhancement activities for invertebrates on private and public lands. Conducts and coordinates field research for SGCN invertebrates. Compiles and processes collected data, writes technical reports, and reviews and publishes peer-reviewed articles. Manages and maintains large datasets pertaining to Texas invertebrates.

Leads status assessments of rare, threatened and endangered subterranean, and terrestrial invertebrates to determine species to prioritize for conservation. Develops, recommends, and/or reviews policies and incentive programs to address landscape threats and challenges to invertebrates indigenous to Texas as identified in the SWAP.

Prepares and reviews popular articles and management documents, and gives oral presentations to scientific and general audiences to disseminate information and communicate the value of native invertebrate biodiversity and conservation.

Develops and maintains relationships with Department regional staff, landscape conservation cooperatives, urban planners, land trusts, and conservation agencies/organizations to encourage conservation of native invertebrates. Provides training and technical guidance to program staff, field staff, volunteers, and student interns. Coordinates with Department field staff, state and federal agencies, private landowners, and others in the formulation of habitat conservation recommendations and other conservation planning projects.

Works under minimal supervision with considerable 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 Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology.

Experience:

Five years experience as a professional biologist with a broad background of progressively responsible practical conservation/research experience.

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 Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology, may substitute for one year of the required experience;
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology, may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or Entomology. 

Experience:

• Two years directly related to invertebrate biologist position;
• Experience with native pollinator biology and/or ecology;
• Experience with freshwater, subterranean, and/or terrestrial invertebrates of Texas;
• Experience with invasive species and applied ecological principles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the life history, ecology and management needs of invertebrates indigenous to Texas;
• Knowledge of the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts and techniques for species listed as threatened or endangered;
• Knowledge of natural heritage methodology, the Texas Natural Diversity Database, and data management procedures;
• Knowledge of principles of conservation biology;
• Knowledge of rare and endangered species issues;
• Knowledge of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) and other conservation planning strategies for endangered species;
• Knowledge of current communication technology and strategies for delivering conservation messages to the general public;
• Knowledge of the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan, State Wildlife Grant Program as well as the Landowner Incentive Program;
• Skill in developing/maintaining highly cooperative relationships with co-workers as well as constituents / partners from all backgrounds, cultures, and educational levels;
• Skill in coordinating with members of the public, elected officials, advisory boards, universities, media representatives, Department personnel, and other governmental agencies to find common ground among differing interests / viewpoints and successfully build trust and consensus;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication with the general public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Skill in developing and executing outreach programs and plans to deliver conservation messages to constituents;
• Skill in observing and navigating agency culture, chain of command and politics;
• Skill in directing and evaluating scientific studies and surveys;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Skill in using GIS and GPS to collect, manage, and analyze data;
• Skill in working with databases and data entry;
• Skill in serving as a liaison to technical work groups such as task forces or interagency groups;
• Skill in managing projects and preparing contracts;
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, other governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGO);
• Ability to coordinate scientific studies, surveys, data analysis, and complete scientific and popular reports;
• Ability to utilize GIS applications or other mapping procedures relating to community and species conservation;
• Ability to leverage volunteers, citizen scientists, contractors and other non-Department personnel to maximize invertebrate conservation efforts;
• Ability to prepare and review technical documents concerning the conservation and management of rare, common, and/or nuisance invertebrates;
• Ability to prioritize workload, meet tight deadlines, and work on multiple projects simultaneously;
• Ability to function as a team member, as well as lead others as appropriate;
• Ability to work effectively independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to hike to various areas to perform site monitoring, mapping and data collection;
• Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
• Required to work on holidays, weekends, and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary;
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required as necessary to hike to various areas to perform site monitoring, mapping and data collection;
• Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays;
• Required to operate a State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in state buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER