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

Director I-VII

Army

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Director I-VII

Navy

111X, 112X 113X 114X, 611X, 612X, 621X, 631X, 641X, 648X

Director I-VII

Coast Guard

SEI15

Director I-VII

Marine Corps

8003,8040, 8041, 8042

Director I-VII

Air Force

10C0, 20C0, 30C0, 40C0, 90G0, 91C0, 91W0, 97E0

Director I-VII

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*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: Mischelle R. Diaz, (512) 389-4898, Email: Elizabeth.standifer@tpwd.texas.gov

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Communications Division Director, this position performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of the agency's business function, division, or department. Provides oversight for the agency's internal and external communication programs. This position directly supervises and sets strategic direction for the Media Communications group which includes press office, TPW Magazine, social media, video productions, podcast, and marketing functions. Works with other senior managers responsible for outreach and education, web content, ap development, and print productions to advance the strategic goals of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Works with the division budget and contracts manager to develop and evaluate budget requests. Plans and supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NOTE: A cover letter is required. Links to work samples or online portfolio are encouraged.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES :

% of Time

Essential Job Duties by Category

50%

Executive Leadership and Strategic Oversight :

Provides content management leadership by guiding the development, distribution, optimization and full integration of content that supports TPWD strategic initiatives. Responsible for guiding the development of an editorial strategy across the department's primary communication channels. Responsible for guiding all cost recovery initiatives, and revenue generating activities through strategic partnerships. Provides strategic counsel to the division director and other leaders for agency priorities, including ways to maximize positive communication opportunities and manage sensitive matters. Oversees media communications group business, including personnel matters, budget preparation and management. Oversees group business affairs, including budget preparation and management. Serves as the Division Director during their absence, as appropriate.

15%

Policy Development and Evaluation:

Monitors staff activities and evaluates program effectiveness. Ensures current job descriptions are developed and maintained for assigned staff and annual performance evaluations are completed. Counsels staff and takes corrective disciplinary actions, as appropriate. Oversees bid specifications for communications services, and reviews bids and contracts with outside vendors. Coordinates hiring for vacant positions. Assists with open records requests and responsive materials as it relates to the Communications Division. Assists with legislative bill analysis and responsive materials as it relates to the Communications Division.

30%

Representation and External Engagement:

Provides guidance and support to the Press Office team with proactive and reactive media relations activities. Responds to media requests, prepares and reviews press release content, develops message points, and provides media training and interview preparation. Assists and advises TPWD's executive director, communications director, and other division directors on proactive and reactive measures to address sensitive or controversial issues. Collaborates with other communication professionals at the Governor's Press Office or other state agencies on communication projects of interest, including reactive responses to address sensitive or controversial issues. Provides guidance, support and strategic direction for integrated distribution of all TPWD's primary communication channels including TPW Magazine, Better Outside podcast, PBS show and all video functions, social media, and marketing campaigns.

5%

Marginal Job Duties:

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



Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field.

Experience:

Eight years progressively responsible experience in public relations, journalism, or other relevant field.

Four years of supervisory experience.

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.

Licensure:

Must possess a valid state driver's license.

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

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree may substitute for one year of the required experience (excluding the four years of supervisory experience).

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. may substitute for two years of the required experience (excluding the four years supervisory experience).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field.

Experience:

Ten years progressively responsible experience in public relations, journalism, or other relevant field.

Five years of supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the current tools and techniques of radio, television, newspaper, magazine and online journalism and public relations (including knowledge of writing in Associated Press style, knowledge of still photography, video production, graphic design and layout, and Internet web page development).

Knowledge of digital marketing tools, including email and text marketing campaigns.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas, including laws covering copyright, privacy, libel, slander, and open records/open meetings.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook, and Adobe Products.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication, particularly at writing persuasive communication material, such as news releases, speeches, and talking points.

Skill in making evidence-based decisions and the ability to use data to test, prove, and iterate content across channels.

Skill in developing, executing, and reporting results of content management strategies.

Skill in issues management and crisis communication best practices.

Skill in planning media communication initiatives that meet agency strategic priorities.

Skill in budget preparation, monitoring, and control of expenditures.

Skill in developing goals and objectives.

Skill in meeting deadlines.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Ability to manage program activities, including supervising multiple branches or programs in collaborative work groups.

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities.

Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems.

Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to prepare concise reports.

Ability to effectively supervise and motivate assigned staff and to delegate effectively.

Ability to exercise initiative.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to manage business function, division, or department activities.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

May be required to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and hours other than regularly scheduled with supervisor approval.

May be required to operate a state vehicle.

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.

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



NEED HELP? Watch our VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS


Closing Date: Jan 2, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

• 

• Texas Parks and Wildlife

• (512) 389-4545

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