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  • TPWD - Sergeant, Game Warden (Sergeant K-9 Handler) (Internal Applicants Only)

    Austin, Texas United States TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE Full Time Jan 28, 2026
    Texas Parks and Wildlife Employer:

    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

    We are TPWD Providing outdoor recreational opportunities, managing and protecting fish and wildlife habitat, and managing parklands and historic areas Divisions & Positions Our skilled workforce operates within 13 divisions at 200 locations across Texas. 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. Philosophy In fulfilling our mission, we will: Be a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs; Serve the state of Texas, its citizens, and our employees with the highest standards of service, professionalism, fairness, courtesy, and respect; Rely on the best available science to guide our conservation decisions; Responsibly manage agency finances and appropriations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of tax-payer and user fee resources; Attract and retain the best, brightest, and most talented workforce to successfully execute our mission.

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    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.

    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)

    • Hours worked per week

    • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor and Phone Number

    • 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.

    • Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week. Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience.

    • 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.

    • 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.

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    MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

    Job Classification

    Service

    Military Specialty

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Army

    11A, 11B, 11C, 11Z, 18A, 18B, 18F, 18Z, 31A, 31B, 31D, 31K, 31Z, 35L, 35M, 180A, 311A, 351L, 351M

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Navy

    GM, MA, SB, SO, 113X, 615X, 649X, 715X, 717X, 749X

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Coast Guard

    GM, IV, ME, MST, OS, INV, MLES, OAF10, OAP10, OAP12, OAP14, OAR10, OAR13, OAR17, SEI18

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Marine Corps

    0300, 0311, 0313, 0317, 0321, 0324, 0331, 0341, 0352, 0363, 0365, 0367, 0369, 0372, 0393, 5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5816, 5819, 5821, 0370, 5803, 5805

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Air Force

    1N0X1, 1Z4X1, 3P0X1, 7S0X1, 14NX, 19ZK, 31PX, 71SX

    Game Warden (All Levels/Ranks)

    Space Force

    5IO, 5IX, 14N

    *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: Captain Christy Vales, (254) 534-4221

    PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: To be Determined. Required to reside within 50 air miles of one of the following TPWD Law Enforcement Offices:

    • North Houston LEO (350 North, Sam Houston Pkwy. East, Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77060)

    • South Houston LEO (10101 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 206, Houston, TX 77074)

    • La Marque LEO (12007 Delaney Street La Marque, TX 77568)

    • College Station LEO (12815 FM 2154 Suite 160, College Station, TX 77845)

    • Beaumont LEO (5655 Eastex Freeway, Suite A, Beaumont, TX 77706)

    • Victoria LEO (2502 Mockingbird Ln., Victoria, TX 77901)

    GENERAL DESCRIPTION

    NOTE: INTERNAL POSTING, OPEN TO TPWD LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION EMPLOYEES ONLY.

    Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, this position performs wildlife, conservation, and natural resources enforcement work. Responsible for enforcement of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Code, Proclamations, Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, and other regulatory acts. Responsible for K-9 Team evaluations (Canine and Handler), maintaining and record keeping of training aids, certifications, training in all certified disciplines, statistical records, quarterly reports, budget and purchasing request. Responsible for K-9 operations including call out procedures, logistics and operational planning. Responsible for submission of reports and other documents as requested by the agency, division, and unit procedures, as well as case reports and any other documentation required by other agencies and the courts. Responsible for K-9 related case law and ensuring the K-9 Team is knowledgeable of current related case law. Responsible for K-9 selection criteria and process. Responsible for updating and maintaining K-9 standard Operating Procedures. Responsible for coordination with canine vendors, veterinarians, and other professionals to ensure success of the TPWD K-9 program. Performs special assignments for Emergency Management, Homeland Security and other duties as assigned. Must be able to respond to call outs on a 24-hour basis. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.



    Qualifications:

    ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

    % of Time

    Essential Job Duties by Category

    40%

    Law Enforcement Duties:

    Evaluates K-9 Team Members and ensures certification requirements are maintained in each discipline. Provides courtroom testimony and / or provides assistance for courtroom preparation related to K-9 investigations / seizures. Prepares operational plans and required logistical needs during K-9 call outs. Coordinate with canine veterinarians and other canine professionals to ensure program success. Completes required administrative reports and paperwork.

    30%

    Program or Position Specific Duties:

    Prepares monthly and quarterly reports and maintains K-9 related statistical data.

    Assist with K-9 budget management and equipment needs/purchasing. Repairs and maintains assigned equipment and vehicles.

    25%

    Supervisory Duties:

    Provides appropriate training for K-9 Team Members. Sets parameters for K-9 selection process. Provides in-service training to Game Wardens and staff related to the K-9 program.

    5%

    Marginal Job Duties:

    Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with Agency, Division and Department rules, regulations, and procedures.



    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Education:

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

    Graduation from the Texas Game Warden Training Academy.



    Experience:

    Must have at least 4 years of service as a Game warden from date of graduation from the Game Warden Training Academy.



    Licensure:

    Commissioned as a Texas Game Warden by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

    Must possess a current license as a peace officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

    Must possess a valid class "C" or higher Texas Driver's License.

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

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    Education:

    TCOLE Instructor Certification.

    K-9 Certifications.



    Experience:

    K-9 handler experience.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    Knowledge of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, TPWD Proclamations, Texas Penal Code and K-9 specific policy and procedures as well as related case law.

    Knowledge of K-9 duties and responsibilities.

    Knowledge of Law Enforcement General Orders.

    Skill in identifying and using sound tactics for evaluation and training procedures related the K-9 program.

    Skill in preparing and completing all required agency and K-9 specific reports and court documents.

    Ability to develop new peer support programs and continued training

    Ability to apply appropriate management techniques that result in effective guidance and leadership to employees and others.

    Ability to maintain written documentation and accurate records relating to the K-9 program, including but not limited to contacts, activities, information, intelligence and state funds expended during call outs.

    Ability to research, interpret and apply state and federal statutes and regulations.

    Ability to make and use sound judgments in the enforcement of criminal laws and regulations.

    Ability to communicate and work effectively with other TPWD employees and/or other agencies or groups.

    Ability to develop and present instructional material for the training of other TPWD personnel as well as for outside agency personnel.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Required to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week.

    Required, as necessary or directed, to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and hours other than regularly scheduled with supervisor approval.

    Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

    Required to travel 30% with possible overnight stays.

    Required to operate a state vehicle.

    Required to remain awake for extended periods of time.

    Required to reside within 50 air miles of one of the following TPWD Law Enforcement Offices:

    • North Houston LEO (350 North, Sam Houston Pkwy. East, Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77060)

    • South Houston LEO (10101 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 206, Houston, TX 77074)

    • La Marque LEO (12007 Delaney Street La Marque, TX 77568)

    • College Station LEO (12815 FM 2154 Suite 160, College Station, TX 77845)

    • Beaumont LEO (5655 Eastex Freeway, Suite A, Beaumont, TX 77706)

    • Victoria LEO (2502 Mockingbird Ln., Victoria, TX 77901)

    Required to work under physically and mentally stressful job conditions.

    Required to work assignments away from assigned location as needed.

    Required to be subject to on-call 24 hours per day in case of emergency.

    Required to conform to dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.

    Required to follow non-smoking policy in all state buildings and vehicles.

    TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER



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    Closing Date: Feb 4, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
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