TPWD - Training and Development Assistant (Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) Assistant Instructor - Central Texas)

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.

EXCELLENT 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, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

• Job Title

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

• Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement. Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

• Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields.

• College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) 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 with “See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

• Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

• Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

*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 attach the required documentation referenced below 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:

• Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

• Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

• Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

• 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.

• 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.

HIRING CONTACT: Alexas Brown, (512) 423-7335, Email: [email protected]

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 1340 Airport Commerce Park, Bldg. 6, Suite C, Austin TX 78741

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Texas Outdoor Family Regional Lead, this position performs routine to moderately complex (journey level) training and development assistance work. Supports the Outdoor Education Specialists in organizing, planning, directing, and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family programs at multiple State Parks throughout the state. Serves primarily as an assistant instructor for assigned public programs and hosts partner programs independently. Promotes Texas Outdoor Family through regional outreach events, marketing, and helps maintain social media presence. Responsible for the transport, maintenance and storage of all equipment necessary to deliver Texas Outdoor Family programs. Delivers other outdoor education programs, trainings, and administrative tasks related to the program. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

Six months of experience conducting instructional or educational programs. 

Licensure:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Texas class "C" driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Six Months non-paid outdoor recreation or education experience obtained from training, education and volunteering may substitute for the required experience. Dates and hours per week must be reflected on application to award appropriate experience. Certificates of completion may be required to verify experience.

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, Geography, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archeology, Sociology, or closely related field.

Experience:

Experience in outdoor education instruction in activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, or related activities.

Functional Park operations or camp experience.

Experience with interpretation or outdoor education to large groups.

Experience in training others.

Experience maintaining recreation equipment such as tents, kayaks, and bikes.

Experience in customer service.

Experience in public speaking.

Licensure:

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) issued by the National Association of Interpretation (NAI).

Leave No Trace Instructor.

Project Wild Instructor.

American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor.

Wilderness First Aid or Responder.

CPR/First Aid/AED.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of outdoor camping ethics and sustainable recreation in public spaces.

Knowledge of outdoor education and interpretive principles.

Knowledge of camping equipment maintenance.

Knowledge of safety outdoors.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Teams, Social Media, and video editing and conferencing equipment.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skilled in preparing and delivering creative state park recreation or interpretive programs for both adults and children.

Skill in coordinating and evaluating volunteers.

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

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

Skill in the management of details regarding event planning, camping, and training equipment.

Skill in managing groups and group safety in outdoor settings.

Skill in instructing others.

Ability to prepare and complete correspondence, reports, presentations, and special assignments.

Ability to create virtual video content.

Ability to post and review social media content.

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

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability in conducting marketing and outreach efforts to promote outdoor education programs.

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Ability to work and communicate with audiences in a professional and courteous manner.

Ability to prepare and deliver creative educational/interpretive programs for both adults and children.

Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to perform manual labor including the ability to lift supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct work activity in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work in a public park with overnight camping and day use.

Required to work 30 hours per week, includes various schedules with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Required to work a minimum of 30 hours for 12 weekends (Friday-Sunday).

For shifts exceeding 24 hours such as weekend camping workshops, all time will be paid except for meal breaks and sleep periods, excluding work-related interruptions.

Required to travel up to 85% with overnight stays in tents at a state park.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety standards.

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

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER