From the latest HerpDigest Electronic News Letter --

8) Texas Herpetologist Position Open –Government Position - Under the direction of the Nongame and Rare Species Program Leader, Deadline for applications 2/19/09

General Position Description: Under the direction of the Nongame and Rare Species Program Leader, the Herpetologist has primary responsibility for the reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians of Texas, including invasive species and their impact on the natural environment. Works directly with department, field staff, state and federal land managers, private landowners, and others in the formulation of habitat conservation recommendations and other conservation planning projects consistent with implementation of the Texas Wildlife Action Plan and the Texas Land and Water Conservation and Recreation Plan. Coordinates inventory, monitoring, research, and habitat enhancement activities for reptiles and amphibians on private and public lands as assigned. Prepares and reviews contracts, technical and popular articles, and management
brochures/bulletins. Reviews research proposals for State Wildlife Grants, Section 6 projects, Horned Lizard license plate funds, Landowner Incentive Program and others. Takes the lead on status assessments of rare, threatened, and endangered reptiles and amphibians and coordinates conservation planning activities. Responsible for development, implementation, and evaluation of department regulations concerning reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians. Responsible for disseminating information to the general public and other TPWD constituents about the value of reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians biodiversity and conservation. Works under general direction with extensive 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.

Working Conditions: (1) Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; (2) Required to work one weekend per year at the Annual Texas Wildlife Expo; (3) Required to travel in-state or out-of-state with possible overnight stays; (4) Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions; (5) Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Agricultural Sciences, or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Herpetology. Preferred Education: Master's Degree in Herpetology from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years experience employed as a professional biologist with a broad background of progressively responsible practical conservation/research experience.

Acceptable Substitution: (1) Master's Degree in one of the above disciplines with major emphasis in herpetology from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience; (2) Ph.D. Degree in one of the above disciplines with major emphasis in herpetology from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of the required education.

Preferred Experience: (1) Two years directly related to herpetology; familiarity with reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians of Texas; (2) Knowledge of invasive species, and applied ecological principles.

License/Certifications: 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 license.

Selection Criteria:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (1) Knowledge of the basic life history, ecology and management needs of the major groups of reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians native and introduced to Texas; (2) Knowledge of state regulations concerning reptiles, turtles, crocodilians, and amphibians; (3) Knowledge of the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts and conservation techniques for species listed as threatened or endangered; (4) Knowledge of principles of conservation biology; (5) Knowledge of rare, threatened and endangered species issues, particularly on private lands; (6) Knowledge of HCPs and other conservation planning strategies for endangered species; (7) Skill in effective verbal and written communication with the general public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations; (8) Skill in coordinating surveys, research, and analysis of scientific data; (9) Skill in using personal computers with wo!
rking knowledge of MS Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; (10) Skill in using GIS and GPS to collect, manage, and analyze data; (11) Skill in working with databases and data entry; (12) Skill in working both independently and as a team member; (13) Skill in serving as a liaison to technical work groups such as task forces or interagency groups; (14) Skill in managing projects and preparing contracts; (15) Ability to deal effectively with the public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, other governmental agencies, and NGO's; (16) Ability to conduct scientific studies, surveys, data analysis, and complete scientific and popular reports; (17) Ability to utilize GIS applications or other mapping procedures relating to community and species conservation; (18) Ability to prepare and review technical documents concerning the conservation and management of rare, common, and nuisance invertebrates; (19) Ability to prioritize workload, meet tight deadli!
nes, and work on multiple projects at once.

Additional Requirements: (1) Resume and professional references are accepted, but will not serve in lieu of a completed State of Texas Application for Employment; (2) A writing sample must be submitted with application; (3) A PHOTOCOPY of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar MUST be submitted with application. The transcript may be faxed, scanned, or mailed with application (if applicable); (4) Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Consent for Criminal Background check form from all applicants completed at time of application. The form may be found on our website:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/

Forward Application to:

TPWD- Human Resources/4200 Smith School Road/Austin, Texas 78744
Phone: (512) 389-4545/Fax: (512) 389-4861/Applicants for this position are required to consent to a criminal background check. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position maybe disqualified from employment. Additional vacancies that occur during this posting will be filled with the pool of applicants within this posting period.

NOTE: 25% TRAVEL REQUIRED.
Position Title: Program Specialist V (Herpetologist)/Posting Number: 09-19-135
Posted: January 7, 2009/Closes: 5 p.m. February 19, 2009
Class/Salary Group: 1574/B13/Salary: $4,301.24/Mo.
Division: Wildlife/Position Location: Central Texas
Hiring Contact: Wendy Gordon/Phone: 512/389-4545/Fax: 512/389-4861
hr@tpwd.state.tx.us
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

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