TPWD - Park Ranger II; Resource Specialist

Job Title

TPWD - Park Ranger II (Resource Specialist)

Colorado Bend State Park, 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend, TX 76824

Under the direction of the Superintendent, this position performs complex state park operations work and serves as Resource Specialist for Colorado Bend State Park. The role manages and restores natural and cultural resources, plans and executes park‑specific resource management goals through techniques such as surveys, monitoring, herbicide application, shredding, manual removal of trees and brush, planting and seeding, assisting with prescribed burns, and feral animal control.

The Ranger monitors and mitigates sensitive cultural resources, oversees trail systems, prepares Project Review Requests, conducts work related to objectives established in the Natural and Cultural Management Plan, implements interpretive programming, supports large school groups and park promotion, and provides visitor service including permits, revenue collection, and information dissemination. The role works under general supervision and may perform additional duties as assigned, complying with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

• Manage and restore natural and cultural resources significant to the park.
• Plan and implement resource management goals via surveys, monitoring, herbicide application, shredding, manual removal, planting, seeding, prescribed burns, and feral animal control.
• Monitor and mitigate sensitive cultural resources throughout the park.
• Oversee park trail systems and prepare Project Review Requests for relevant projects.
• Conduct work related to the Natural and Cultural Management Plan objectives.
• Plan and implement interpretive programming; manage large school groups and park promotion.
• Recruit and train volunteers, maintain neighboring landowner relationships, and coordinate research permits.
• Perform routine park maintenance, issue permits, collect revenue, register visitors, and provide information to park guests.
• Work under general supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and comply with all Agency, Division and Branch rules.

• Education:
  
  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience:
  
  Two years in natural/cultural resource management.
• Licensure:
  Valid State driver’s license.
• Certifications:
  
  Must obtain within two years the National Wildfire Coordinator Group’s Fire Fighter Type II certification; must obtain within one year a Non‑Commercial Political Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator license issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Must pass within one year the FFTII moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25‑lb pack in 30 minutes or less).
• Retention of position contingent upon maintaining required license, certification, and physical requirements.
• Acceptable Substitutions:
  One year in managing, restoring, or monitoring natural resources may substitute for 30 hours of required education, up to a maximum of 120 semester hours.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Biology, Biology, Park Administration, or Recreation and Parks.
• Experience:
  
  Working with the public, prescribing fire, herbicide application, wildlife surveys, and park interpretation and education.
• Licensure:
  Current Pesticide Applicator license issued by Texas.

• Generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension plans, and professional development opportunities.
• Longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401(k)/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program, and a Return‑to‑Work Program.
• Health insurance available for new employees or rehires on the first of the following month after a 60‑day waiting period.

Hiring Contact:
Allen Dees, 512‑734‑1514, allen.deesas.gov