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. 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.

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 can be found at http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE: If you choose to claim veteran’s employment preference including surviving spouse or orphan of a veteran as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach a DD214 at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Veteran’s Hiring Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/

BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Paid Holiday time, Group Insurance, Retirement, and Training and Staff Development Opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit salary increases, deferred compensation, flexible benefits plans, a 401K retirement plan, direct deposit for paychecks, telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

FOR NEW HIRES/REHIRES: Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

TO APPLY: Application must be completed at: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

HIRING CONTACT: Michelle Haggerty, (830) 896-2504 or Cell: (979) 587-2627

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD - Wildlife Division, 100 miles of Austin HQ / 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position provides an opportunity to work across the broad topic of natural resource management and wildlife biology engaging the public, partners and peers through visual storytelling and science communication in a variety of popular visual formats while also assisting with several community stewardship and engagement programs of the branch. The position provides opportunity for travel across the state and work in world-class conversation areas of Texas.

Under the direction of the Community Stewardship and Engagement Program Leader, this position is responsible for highly complex (senior-level) information and communications work including the storyteller collaborating with our biologists to interpret and translate technical and scientific information to lay/mainstream audiences. The Information Specialist is responsible for the creation of engagement strategies and products mostly in the form of producing videos but also through other media products, graphic design, written materials, and social media content explaining wildlife management solutions, tools, practices, and issues using multiple types of engagement practices and resources. Employee will assist staff in planning and producing video products, and other technical guidance materials to constituents. Organizes and archives video footage and images. May assist with program webpage management. This is not a social media manager position, though some social media work is a small part of the position. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch and Program rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Digital Marketing and Innovation, Conservation Communication, Visual Storytelling, Film and Mass Media, Creative Content Productions, Broadcast Communications, Film/Wildlife Film-making, Television, Journalism, Media Communications, Science Communication or closely related field, or alternatively, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology or closely related field.

Experience:

Three years of experience in natural resource education, science communication, video production, creative content production, visual storytelling, communications, public information, environmental journalism, scientific writing, or editing.

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 SUBSTITUTION:

Education:

One additional year of the required experience may substitute for 30 hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 60 semester hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Coursework or experience in Environmental Education, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Journalism, Public Relations, or Communications.

Experience:

Experience creating outwardly facing engagement resources and videos for popular audiences;

Experience communicating natural resource and environmental issues;

Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud Suite;

Experience creating or editing technical and popular materials with an understanding of the different communication styles for each style;

Experience communicating scientific information through videography;

Experience presenting data in both technical and popular settings;

Experience communicating information via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, with an understanding of the different communication styles for each channel;

Experience leading or working with volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of wildlife, native habitats, natural processes, or ecosystems;

Knowledge of professional level video equipment;

Knowledge of video editing software;

Knowledge of rules of style, grammar, spelling and punctuation and the ability to adapt to concise social media style as appropriate;

Knowledge of editing and preparing informational materials;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

Skill in effective written and verbal communication;

Skill in creating technical or informational videos and other products from the concept stage through the production and distributions stages;

Skill in research and scriptwriting;

Skill in editing and proofreading print and/or web content;

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

Skill in collecting and editing video;

Skill in editorial and design concepts and practices;

Skill in planning, organizing and archiving video footage and photos with attention to detail;

Skill in setting timelines and managing several projects simultaneously;

Skill in maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;

Skill in basic project management;

Ability to read and understand complex scientific concepts and translate those concepts to a public audience;

Ability to compose content for informational and outreach materials;

Ability to be outdoors collecting footage;

Ability to write concise, engaging social media content that adheres to standards set by the agency social media policy;

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;

Ability to work with inter-divisional team members to best move agency goals forward;

Ability to meet and professionally interact with the public and co-workers, both in person and virtually;

Ability to take creative direction;

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

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 overtime as necessary;

This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval;

Required to operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 25%, 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