Job Description
Summary:
Reporting to the Manager, Surface Operations, the Associate Rangeland Management Specialist will be responsible for aiding in the oversight and coordination of the surface estate associated with the 2.1 million acres of the Permanent University Fund (PUF) Lands. This position is responsible for promoting surface income and managing the natural resources related to rangeland and wildlife operations, while stewarding and enhancing the long-term health, productivity, and sustainability of the surface resources.
Essential Functions:
- Monitor compliance of the terms of the University Lands (UL) Flexible Grazing Lease, including evaluation of the natural resources to assure achievement of land management goals and objectives are met.
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- Help to coordinate land resource utilization for multiple users to ensure sustainable productivity and protection of sensitive areas and other natural resources.
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- Aid in evaluating hunting markets for various ecological range sites occurring on PUF lands, current hunting rates, and the wildlife resource annually to determine harvest recommendations and rate adjustment.
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- Assist in the management and budgeting of available local, state, and federal funding programs to implement grazing and wildlife improvement projects to promote quality land stewardship.
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- Conduct aerial wildlife surveys via helicopter throughout the year, write reports, and make harvest recommendations based on survey observations.
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- Perform lease inspections on the grazing leases, assemble data, draft reports with corrective action as necessary, and monitor the completion of required action plans.
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- Assist in the evaluation of the rangeland, including soil and vegetation, to establish proper grazing management practices, stocking rates, and recommendations to lessees.
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- Routinely meet with grazing lessees across University Lands to develop professional relationships, maintain communication, and provide information regarding acceptable practices on PUF lands.
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- Coordinate with other UL departments as needed to ensure compliance with UL leases and policies, along with federal, state, and local laws.
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- Evaluate grazing lease improvement applications for cost-share programs and the subsequent implementation and completion of projects.
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- Assist Surface Landmen and Surface Operations Specialists in monitoring oil field operations, including lease inspections, and aid in encouraging best management practices for infrastructure installation with minimum impact on the surface.
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- Prioritize UL requests and maintain flexibility to adjust work schedule throughout the week.
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- Collaborate and coordinate with various local, state, and federal agencies, such as General Land Office, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, US Dept of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept, and US Fish and Wildlife, and stay apprised of their current rules and regulations and ensure the long-term health and productivity of PUF lands.
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- Identify and mediate conflicts for mutually agreed solutions.
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- Other duties as assigned.
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Any Specific Mandate skill required
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, biology, wildlife management, or related field.
- Expertise in land management, conservation, and natural resource management.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Knowledge of range and wildlife management, including conservation methods, techniques, and ecological dynamics as they relate to livestock and wildlife concerns. Appreciation of land stewardship and natural resources for sustainable economic benefits.
- Ability to research and analyze issues; understand agreements, legal terminology, and state statutes applicable to University Lands; evaluate complex issues and propose a range of solutions. Professionalism, good listening skills and judgment, timely responsiveness, and dependability are a must.
- Skilled in land use evaluation and planning for future natural resource projects.
- Must be detail-oriented, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be willing to work on a multi-functional team to add value as a team member, and communicate effectively in both written and verbal communication. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS applications, and in creating maps.
HL01
Pay: $48.00 - $52.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- • Do you have at least 4 Years of Experience as an Associate Rangeland Management Specialist
Email id?
- • Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, biology, wildlife management, or related field.
Work Location: In person
