Statewide Game Bird Monitoring and Data Specialist

HIRING CONTACT: Shaun Oldenburger, (512) 757-6067, Email: [email protected]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD location Statewide

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Small Game Program Director, this position performs advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Performs advanced scientific, technical, and analytical work in support of statewide game bird conservation efforts. Works closely with program leaders responsible for migratory and upland game bird management to improve the design, implementation, and interpretation of wildlife population survey and monitoring efforts. Applies modern technology, data management practices, and analytical approaches to enhance the value, efficiency, and consistency of annual and long-term datasets. Supports and evaluates a range of monitoring methods, including autonomous recording units (ARUs), mark–recapture and banding datasets, distance sampling, and emerging remote sensing and spatial data sources. Leads efforts to organize, integrate, analyze, and visualize current and legacy data to inform population assessment, habitat management, and conservation planning. Serves as a technical resource for survey methodology, data workflows, and innovative tools, translating analytical results into clear, actionable information for program leaders, field staff, and partners. Supports collaborative research, reporting, and decision-making across statewide programs and conservation partnerships. Performs additional duties as required. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Management, Ecology, or closely related field.

Experience:

Five years of full-time work experience in Wildlife Management.

Licensure:       

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid state driver’s license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education:

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:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or PhD in wildlife management or research.

Experience:

Five years of experience in wildlife, upland, and/or wetland management, or demonstrated skills in conservation project management, environmental planning, emerging technologies, and/or wildlife research.

Experience in implementing wildlife monitoring projects independently.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSAND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to wildlife management and hunting.
• Knowledge of the basic life history, ecology and management needs of game bird species and their habitats.
• Knowledge of theoretical and applied statistics.
• Knowledge of wildlife monitoring methodologies.
• Knowledge of experimental design and survey sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of GIS software.
• Knowledge of remote sensing.
• Knowledge of technical writing.
• Knowledge of computer and software required for analyzing data and providing technical presentations.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and software programs in wildlife monitoring.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Skill in using ArcGIS and/or QGIS.
• Skill in using SAS, R, or other statistical software and programming in this software.
• Skill in monitoring wildlife populations and their habitats using various methodologies.
• Skill in developing mobile ESRI applications.
• Skill in organizing and analyzing data.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in identifying and managing natural resource projects.
• Skill in innovative approaches and taking initiative in preventing and solving problems.
• Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions.
• Skill in analyzing data.
• Skill in writing and reviewing technical documents.
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in meeting deadlines.
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address unidentified issues.
• Ability to gather and assemble budgets.
• Ability to conduct surveys and prepare reports.
• Ability to manage/lead state level projects and teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple assignments.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines through efficient planning of projects.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to work overtime as necessary.
• Required to travel 25% with occasional overnight stays.
• Required to operate a State vehicle.
• Required to conform to dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles