Wildlife Conservation Program Director

HIRING CONTACT: Richard Heilbrun, (512) 389-4410, Email: [email protected]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Conservation, TBD within 120 miles of TPWD Headquarters located at 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Wildlife Division Deputy Director, the Conservation Program Director performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of an agency’s business function, division, or department. Responsible for directing, managing, and supervising all personnel and activities within the Wildlife Conservation Program, including nongame wildlife permits, Urban Wildlife Technical Guidance, Community Engagement and Stewardship, and Nongame and Rare Species programs. Exercises broad initiative and discretion in the directing and execution of these programs and activities. Provides direction, leadership, and guidance to Program staff in the execution of their duties. Responsible for Program budget preparation, submission, expenditures and monitoring. Responsible for building internal and external public support for TPWD programs and wildlife conservation.  Provides oversight on proposed regulatory packages. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

NOTE: Be sure to attach your transcript(s) to the job application. A cover letter is strongly recommended.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, or closely related discipline. 

Experience:

• Five years of professional experience, not associated with the pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degree programs, as a wildlife biologist, ecologist or as a closely related natural resource scientist.
• Two years of supervisory experience.

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.

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 is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education:

• A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

A Master’s Degree or Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resource Management. 

Experience:

Seven years professional experience, not associated with the pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degree programs in natural resource management/wildlife/habitat conservation with experience in program level functions (i.e., strategic planning, regulation and policy development, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, employee/program development and evaluation).

Five years of supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic life history, behavior, and habitat needs of Texas wildlife.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management and wildlife research techniques applicable to Texas.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws relevant to Texas wildlife conservation.
• Knowledge of federal agreements and programs available to Texas landowners used to enhance wildlife populations and habitat.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of computers and computer programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in designing and administering wildlife management and research programs.
• Skill in dealing with state, federal, and private conservation organizations.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in building partnerships.
• Skill in developing budgets and handling financial issues.
• Skill in handling personnel issues and resolving conflicts.
• Skill in using computers and computer programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Skill in directing and organizing program activities.
• Skill in establishing goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.
• Skill in meeting deadlines and directing the work of teams.
• Ability to effectively resolve complicated issues.
• Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to interpret state regulations and develop and administer policy from those regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Required to work overtime, as necessary.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
• Required to travel up to 35% with possible overnight stays.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.