Program Specialist II-1

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, specifically within the Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management department. Texas A&M AgriLife is a large and comprehensive agricultural program in the nation, comprising several entities focused on agriculture and life sciences. This role is designed to develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate a statewide Extension program focused on feral hog biology, ecology, damage assessment, population management, and control. The specialist will deliver educational programs across Texas to various stakeholders, including landowners, agricultural producers, wildlife managers, natural resource professionals, and County Extension Agents. Responsibilities include developing and delivering workshops, field days, webinars, and other educational events, providing technical support, and assisting agents with local program development. The role also involves collaborating on applied research and result demonstrations, collecting and analyzing data, and translating findings into practical recommendations. Additionally, the specialist will develop and update Extension publications and educational materials, engage in digital and social media outreach, and foster stakeholder and partnership development with relevant agencies and organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, wildlife management, natural resources, range science, agricultural science, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience in wildlife management, natural resource management, agricultural production, wildlife damage management, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of wildlife biology and management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences through oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, agents, landowners, producers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and online communication technologies.
• Understanding of wildlife damage management principles and their application to agricultural and natural resource systems.
• Ability to translate scientific information into practical recommendations for nontechnical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret scientific literature and communicate research findings accurately.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Texas and occasionally outside the state and work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours associated with educational events and field activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or non-thesis Masters in wildlife science, wildlife management, natural resources, range science, agricultural science, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Experience specifically related to feral hog biology, ecology, damage management, population control, trapping, or integrated wildlife damage management.
• Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating applied field research or result demonstrations.
• Experience developing Extension publications, peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, or other educational materials.
• Experience delivering educational programs to landowners, agricultural producers, wildlife professionals, or other adult audiences.
• Experience working with County Extension Agents or comparable outreach networks.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience developing educational content for websites, social media, video, webinars, or other digital platforms.
• Demonstrated record of professional presentations, publications, or Extension programming related to wildlife or natural resource management.
• Remote Pilot Certificate
• Strong knowledge of feral hog biology, ecology, behavior, and management.
• Knowledge of integrated feral hog damage management and population control strategies.
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate applied field demonstrations.
• Ability to develop innovative educational programs and materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive statewide Extension program addressing feral hog biology, ecology, damage assessment, population management, and control.
• Deliver educational programs throughout Texas for landowners, agricultural producers, wildlife managers, natural resource professionals, County Extension Agents, and other relevant audiences.
• Develop and deliver workshops, field days, demonstrations, webinars, seminars, conferences, and other educational events addressing feral hog management.
• Identify emerging feral hog management issues and develop timely educational responses to stakeholder needs.
• Provide technical support and subject-matter expertise to County Extension Agents and other AgriLife personnel addressing feral hog-related questions and management concerns.
• Assist County Extension Agents in identifying local feral hog management needs and developing programs tailored to local conditions.
• Collaborate with Extension Specialists, faculty, County Extension Agents, landowners, agricultural producers, and natural resource agencies to identify priority feral hog management questions.
• Design, coordinate, and assist with applied research projects and result demonstrations evaluating feral hog management techniques, technologies, and strategies.
• Assist County Extension Agents in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating local feral hog result demonstrations.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data generated through applied demonstrations and Extension projects.
• Translate findings from applied research and demonstrations into practical recommendations for landowners, producers, natural resource professionals, and the public.
• Collaborate with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and other research partners to facilitate the transfer of research findings into Extension programming.
• Develop, write, edit, and update Extension publications addressing feral hog management and related wildlife damage issues.
• Develop fact sheets, technical reports, management guides, decision-support tools, presentations, curricula, and other educational resources.
• Translate peer-reviewed research into practical Extension recommendations and educational materials.
• Develop and contribute science-based content for AgriLife Extension websites, newsletters, social media platforms, videos, podcasts, webinars, and other digital communication channels.
• Work with Extension communications professionals and faculty to develop engaging content that communicates feral hog management concepts to diverse audiences.
• Develop timely educational content in response to emerging feral hog issues, management technologies, regulatory changes, and stakeholder concerns.
• Utilize digital technologies and innovative communication strategies to expand the reach and impact of feral hog Extension programming.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with landowners, agricultural producers, County Extension Agents, wildlife professionals, natural resource agencies, agricultural organizations, conservation organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, USDA Wildlife Services, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, universities, state and federal agencies, and other organizations involved in feral hog management.
• Serve as a representative of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at relevant meetings, conferences, workshops, field days, and professional events.
• Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving wildlife management, agriculture, rangeland management, water resources, economics, animal science, and other relevant disciplines.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level