TPWD - Attorney I (Staff Attorney)

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: James Murphy, 512-389-8877, james.murphy@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 4200 Smith School Road, Austin TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for performing entry-level to routine (journey-level) legal work. Examines and prepares legal documents, interprets laws and regulations, renders legal advice and counsel, and may participate in administrative hearings and trials. Under the guidance of more experienced attorneys, performs legal work in support of all aspects of the TPWD mission as needed, including but not limited to: open records requests; contract review, drafting and advice; tort claims against TPWD; management of fish and wildlife resources; management of state park lands; criminal law; human resources matters; agency rulemaking; analysis of legislation; ethics; open meetings law; natural resource damages; water pollution events; water rights; endangered species; real estate; boat titling; and sand and gravel disturbances. May review proposed legislation and research, draft, or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Branch and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education :

Graduation from accredited law school with a J.D. or equivalent degree.

Experience:

None required.

Licensure:

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; however, applicants who have taken the July 2026 Texas bar examination or otherwise receive their license to practice law in the State of Texas not later than November 30, 2026, and are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas will be considered for this position. Offers of employment to unlicensed applicants will be contingent on the applicant receiving their license to practice law in Texas no later than November 30, 2026.

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

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Course work in administrative, environmental, or natural resources law.

Experience:

Internship/externship, clinic, or work experience representing or advising a Texas state agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings related to job functions;

Knowledge of the agency's mission;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis;

Skill in drafting and reviewing documents;

Skill in using judgment to identify course of action;

Skill in political considerations;

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

Ability to plan and organize work;

Ability to interpret and apply laws;

Ability to prepare opinions and briefs;

Ability to advise on and participate in hearing or trial preparation, including preparation of witnesses for testimony;

Ability to advocate for the agency's mission, including fish and wildlife conservation;

Ability to take direction from upper management and, where appropriate, initiate new responsibilities;

Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, flexible schedules may be available;

Required to work overtime as necessary;

Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 20 lbs.;

May be required to operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 5% 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.

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: 2026-11-02