TPWD - Training and Development Specialist II (Texas Outdoor Family Specialist)

Job Description

Job Description

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.

HIRING CONTACT: Lisa Reznicek, (512) 800-4324

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston, TX 77044

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) Regional Lead, this position performs routine (journey-level) training and development work in support of TOF programs, including organizing, planning, directing, and evaluating camping workshops at multiple State Parks throughout the state. Serves primarily as an assistant instructor for assigned public programs and hosts partner programs independently. Promotes TOF through regional outreach events, marketing, and helps maintain social media presence. Responsible for the transport, maintenance, and storage of all equipment necessary to deliver TOF 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:

One year experience conducting instructional or educational programs.

Licensure:

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

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

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

One year non-paid outdoor recreation or education experience obtained from training, education, and/or volunteering may substitute for the required experience.

NOTE : 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 and Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Conservation, Geography, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archeology, Sociology, , Sports Management, Education, Cultural Studies, 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;

Interpretation or outdoor education for 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:

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

Current Leave No Trace Instructor;

Current Project Wild Instructor;

Current American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor;

Current Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification;

Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

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 in the outdoors;

Knowledge of training procedures and techniques;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Canva, Adobe, social media, video editing, and conferencing equipment;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill 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, special assignments, and additional administrative tasks as assigned;

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 to conduct marketing and outreach efforts to promote outdoor education programs;

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions;

Ability to work and communicate 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 lifting 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 stay/lodge in tents at State Parks during weekends, as necessary;

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays;

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 operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 50% with overnight stays in tents at a state park;

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

Required to conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety standards;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• 'N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway .
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the 'Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website .

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.

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.

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.

*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

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Closing Date/Time: 2026-10-13