Texas Parks and Wildlife Department seeks Park Ranger III (Lead Park Interpreter)

Primary Location: Houston, Texas

Work Location: SP-Sheldon SP 14140 Garrett Road, Houston 77044

Schedule: Full-time 40 hours per week

Travel: Yes, 10% of the time

Salary: 4,235.52 – 4,235.52 (Monthly)

Closing Date: Feb 13, 2024

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. 

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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  

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification	Service	Military Specialty
Park Ranger I-V	Army	11B, 11C, 11A
Park Ranger I-V	Navy	RS, SN, YN, YNS
Park Ranger I-V	Coast Guard	MST, MSSR
Park Ranger I-V	Marine Corps	0300, 0365, 0369
Park Ranger I-V	Air Force	9T000

*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:

1. Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge.
2. Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
3. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
4. 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.
5. 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.

HIRING CONTACT:  Kelley Parker, (281) 456-2800

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Sheldon Lake State Park, 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston, TX 77044

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) state park operations work and is responsible for interpretation and educational programming of Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center.  Researches, plans, develops, implements, facilitates, and evaluates interpretive and educational programs including but not limited to exhibits, tours, guided hikes, presentations, special events, training workshops and day camps.  Other duties include site promotion, marketing including the social media functions and attending special outreach opportunities.  Responsible for all phases of administration to include the management of the financial, marketing, operational, personnel, maintenance, interpretive and quality assurance programs. Leads and directs work assignments of employees and volunteers assigned to the interpretive and outreach programs. Assists volunteer staff and may serve as the Volunteer Coordinator.  Assists with the maintenance and cleaning of park buildings, grounds and the park’s trail system.  Maintains and develops administrative and interpretive files.  May serve as a wildland firefighter for the state parks division to assist with prescribed burning and wildfires.  Promotes conservation and stewardship of natural and cultural resources and assists with removal of non-native/invasive vegetation. Works under limited 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.

Experience:

Three years of experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs.

Licensure:  

If driving is required, applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license;

Must possess or be able to obtain within one year of employment, a National Association of Interpretation (NAI) Interpreter Certification.

NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses and certification

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education:

One additional year of experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs may substitute for 30 hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Park Administration, Recreation & Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Conservation, Range Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archeology, History or closely related field.

Experience:

Experience in (1) Park interpretation and education, (2) Natural and/or cultural resource management, (3) Human resource management, (4) Safety program administration, (5) Facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance/repairs, (6) Public relations/customer service OR (7) Marketing and promotions;

Experience supervising the work of others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of interpretation/education programs;

Knowledge of trail maintenance techniques;

Knowledge of the principles of general customer service;

Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in interpretive program research and development;

Skill in developing beneficial relationships and promotional partnerships with volunteer individuals, groups and external agencies/organizations;

Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations;

Skill in training, monitoring, and evaluating paid and volunteer personnel in the performance of duties related to a comprehensive interpretive and educational program;

Skill in planning, organizing and implementing public presentations and guided tours for all age groups;

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;

Skill in the use of a variety of outreach methods including social media;

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;

Ability to handle stressful situations;

Ability to work as a leader of a team, utilizing effective team skills to resolve conflicts, solve problems, and increase productivity;

Ability to develop and maintain beneficial relationships with civic groups, volunteers, community members and staff;

Ability to develop, market, promote, and carry out activities, customer programs, public outreach, and special events;

Ability to complete documents to include correspondence, reports, presentations and special assignments;

Ability to assist with various park duties such as maintenance, administration and/or customer service as needed;

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 40 hours per week, with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

Maybe required to work in non-climate controlled buildings;

Required to work in and around natural outdoor pests such as insects, animals, and poisonous plants;

Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

May be 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 buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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