TMD - Natural Resources Specialist III (Wildland Fire Vegetation Coordinator)

Job Description

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED ONLINE THROUGH CAPPS RECRUIT AT:

https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00045278

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:

Applicants may submit applications through Work In Texas (WIT), however, applicants must complete the supplemental questions in CAPPS Recruit to be considered for the position. In order to complete the supplemental questions, please register and/or login to CAPPS Recruit and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In (Link: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en)

Your job application must be complete and thorough including responding to all the supplemental questions. Your application must contain complete job histories, which includes job titles, dates of employment, name of employer and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

NOTES TO THE APPLICANT:

TMD State Employees support the Texas Military Department by delivering critical services that enable the agency to meet its strategic goals. Your work will contribute to the support we offer our Texas National Guard members, thereby multiplying their capability to serve at home and abroad as missions dictate. The Texas Military Department provides a benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Health insurance benefits (employee premiums are covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance at competitive rates
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and State and Federal holidays
• Defined benefit retirement structure known as a cash balance benefit, with a state match equal to 150% of the account balance at retirement and guaranteed earnings of at least 4% annually
• Additional voluntary retirement savings programs (Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Potential for modified work schedules including flex, compressed, or telework (position dependent)
• Free access to Camp Mabry Museum and historical structures
• Robust free training access through Texas Military Department's Web-Based Learning Program
• Expansive Employee Assistance Program and complimentary counseling services
• Employee Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs

Military membership is not required for this position.

ABOUT US:

Our Agency: The Texas Military Department (TMD) is commanded by The Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (State & Federal Civilian Employees), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG).

Our Vision: America's premier state military organization comprised of professional mission-ready forces, fully engaged with our communities, and relevant through the 21st century.

Our Mission: Provide the Governor and the President with ready forces in support of state and federal authorities at home and abroad.

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY

Performs highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work for a military conservation program. Work involves designing, conducting, and overseeing natural resources monitoring, investigative research, studies, wildfire and prescribed fire management, and military project reviews in support of regulatory compliance and sustainability of training sites for military training and environmental stewardship. Work also includes project oversight and analyzes and evaluates results of surveys, studies and military actions with regard to management needs and the impacts on natural resources. Reports to the Natural Resources Manager and works under limited supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORK HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates internal and contracted monitoring, surveys and studies of natural resources at Army National Guard (ARNG) training facilities in support of Integrated Natural Resource Monitoring Plans (INRMPs).
• Evaluates results of above regarding condition and trend analysis of natural resources at military training sites and impacts to the military training mission. Travels to various training sites to conduct business.
• Collaborates with military personnel on training site development planning regarding natural resources considerations and goals for long-term sustainability of training and the environment.
• Prepares technical documentation of military project reviews that evaluate impacts to natural resources and assure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Makes recommendations regarding adverse findings and conducts follow-up inspections as required in support of regulatory compliance and ecological restoration efforts.
• Presents relevant material from surveys, studies, project reviews and follow-up inspections to supervisor and at stakeholder meetings.
• Plans and coordinates wildfire management and prescribed burning training.
• Works with the Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Army National Guard to remain in compliance with the agency's Integrated Wild land Fire Management Plan (IWFMP).
• Assists with development of habitat management and restoration plans in support of INRMPs to facilitate sound land management for sustainability of both military training and natural resources.
• Conducts public meetings and group discussions, provides technical assistance, and serves as an advisor on natural resources programs that involve prescribed burns and habitat management.
• Plans and coordinates activities to support INRMPs and develops methods for improved natural resource management techniques. Monitors and conducts surveys for endangered species and sensitive ecosystems.
• Prepares educational materials for training and operational manuals used in implementing a natural resources program that is understood by all military and civilian stakeholders.
• Prepares reviews and edits technical papers, permits, publications and reports. Performs research and literature reviews in support of INRMPs.
• Participates in public outreach and education programs for natural resource program objectives in support of INRMs requirements.
• Manages contracted natural resources projects and develops scopes of work and budgets.
• Evaluates effects of proposed projects to natural resources and makes recommendations to avoid and minimize adverse impacts.
• Provides technical assistance and research for natural resource programs including pest management, invasive species management, game management, urban biology, rare species, and wetlands.
• Uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning Device (GPS) to prepare for and conduct fieldwork, develop and analyze data, and present findings.
• Validates technical data and assists in the development and use of databases and software.
• Trains others as needed.
• May be required to perform duty in support of national emergencies, disasters, and other requests to include holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency state employee policies and procedures handbook.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Natural Resources, conservation biology, wildlife conservation, environmental science or related subjects is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of experience in natural resources and ecology, including vegetation restoration and management, habitat assessment, mapping, and wildland fire management is required.
• Experience in Microsoft Office suite and GIS applications is required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of experience with natural resources and wildland fire in Texas is preferred.
• Qualified as a National Wildland Fire Coordination Group (NWCG) Crew Boss is preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

• Valid driver's license is required. *If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct agency business.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to obtain a federal Common Access Card (CAC). Selected candidate must pass a federal security background investigation. The process includes a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and fingerprinting.
• The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all new employees to present proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) days of being hired. The Texas Military Department participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
• Upon hire with the State of Texas, males between the ages of 18 through 25 must provide proof of registration or exemption with the Selective Service. For further information, visit the Selective Service website at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfVerification.aspx.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• applicable local, state, and federal environmental ordinances and laws;
• chemical and biological analysis techniques and procedures (i.e. development, analysis and interpretation of water chemistry sampling and vegetation survey methodologies);
• botany and vegetation ecology (identification, taxonomy, and ecology of native, exotic and invasive vegetation);
• habitat restoration principles (prescribed fire, erosion control and re-vegetation, habitat manipulation and hydrology); and
• fuels management and wildland fire effects on ecology.

Skill in:

• communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• preparing and presenting technical documents;
• operating and maintaining field equipment and laboratory equipment, e.g., GPS (Trimble & Garmin), 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATV's, clinometers, Kestrel rangefinders, and digital cameras;
• operating computer software to include Microsoft Office Suite, ArcPro and ArcGIS online; and
• using project management techniques such as creating estimates, budget tracking, processing invoices, planning meetings, creating Statements of Work, creating schedules, and implementing quality control.

Ability to:

• provide expert testimony;
• interpret policies, procedures, and regulation;
• conduct surveys and investigative research;
• collect and analyze natural resources field data and samples;
• follow instructions, prepare schedules, and meet deadlines;
• prepare technical and complex reports;
• communicate effectively and work in a team atmosphere;
• establish effective working relationships; and
• work in a military environment.

PHYSICAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both inside and outside. When inside (50%) incumbent is exposed to normal office conditions. When outside, incumbent may work in seasonally inclement weather and intense situations including prescribed fire. Work includes walking through rough terrain and exposure to wildlife and other natural hazards. Incumbent is expected to travel up to 50% of time. Work is performed at active military training facilities.

Must be physically fit and able to perform fieldwork that sometimes involves walking long distances and exposure to potential hazards (e.g. weather extremes, insects, fire).

Must be able to move 50 lbs of field gear over long distances.

Must be able to pass the Fire Fighter Level 2 training and fitness test.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

If you qualify for a Military Employment Preference, it is mandatory that you provide the required documentation at the time of applying. Documentation must be provided before a Military Employment Preference can be granted.

Currently Serving U.S. Armed Forces or Texas National Guard - Statement of service memo

Veteran - DD Form 214 (or Equivalent)

Disabled Veteran - VA Civil Service Preference Letter

Spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces or Texas National Guard serving on active duty - Marriage certificate and verification of duty status (active duty orders, PCS orders, statement of service)

Spouse of a veteran if the spouse is the primary source of income for the household and the veteran has a total disability rating based either on having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of at least 70 percent or on individual unemployability - Marriage certificate, VA Civil Service Preference Letter indicating disability rating, and documentary proof of income

Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who has not remarried - Marriage certificate and DD Form 1300

Orphan of a Veteran who was killed during active duty - Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300

VETERANS:

Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the following fields or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply:

United States Army: 92W Water Treatment Specialist

United States Navy: 180X RL - Special Duty Officer (Oceanography)

United States Coast Guard: MST Marine Science Technician

United States Marine Corps: 6802 Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer

United States Air Force: 15WX Weather and Environmental Science

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_NaturalResources.pdf

Contact TMD's Veteran's Liaison, Paul Love if you have questions at (512)782-3836 or staffingHR@military.texas.gov

The Texas Military Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or status as an individual with a disability or protected veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.