Natural Resources Specialist II - III - IV (Oyster Biologist)

Job Details

Under the direction of the Program and Ecosystem Leader, this position is responsible for assisting with a variety of oyster-related activities across the various branches within the Coastal Fisheries Division, including those associated with the Certificate of Location (CoL) program. The position may be also required to assist in various activities in the Cultivated Oyster Mariculture (COM) program.

These activities may include, but are not limited to, program administration, application and permit processing, coordinating site inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal rules, and serving as department liaison with the industry and stakeholders, university researchers, and state and federal agencies.

Assists with project planning and dealer coordination associated with the oyster dealer cultch placement program (HB 51). These activities may include, but are not limited to, spatial planning for dealer placement within permitted area, coordinating with dealers for placement, monitoring sites after placement, and database management for HB51 placements and monitoring data.

Provides assistance and coordinates with multiple division teams to accomplish tasks associated with oyster-related data analysis, Targeted Oyster Sampling coordination, communicating with industry partners, oyster habitat assessment, oyster-related permitting, and oyster-related research.

Collects biological, sociological, and economic data pertaining to fisheries and ecosystem management. Assists with data analysis and report writing. Operates equipment safely and maintains gear, equipment, and facilities. Provides leadership in staff and program coordination. Participates as an effective member of the team and program. Promotes public awareness of Department activities. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree OR higher in Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Ecology, or other closely related field.

Experience:

NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.

NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.

NRS IV: Eight years of relevant experience.

Licensure:       

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

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

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Fisheries Biology, Fisheries Management, Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or a closely related discipline with supporting coursework.

Experience:

Experience in fisheries biology, fisheries management, or aquaculture (preferably shellfish).

Experience working with large databases.

Experience in using statistical data analysis software such as SAS, JMP, R (or similar).

Experience in using GIS applications.

Licensure:       

Successful completion of a U.S.C.G. approved boating safety course (or similar).

Contact Information

HIRING CONTACT: Dakus Geeslin, (512) 389-8734

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