The world of today isn't the same one most of us grew up in. The rules have changed. I wouldn't blame TPWD - it is quite possible their hands are tied and they're forced to work with a new set of rules.
It used to be that more than 80% of all jobs were filled via referrals, word of mouth, answering posted ads, etc. That was called "networking" and it's the way most us found our jobs. However some "forward thinking" bureaucrats felt this practice was unfair because it didn't give those people without a good network and equal opportunity to apply for open jobs. So the Federal Government leveled the playing field by imposing rules that any company or institution that is funded by tax dollars (public funds) must implement a single portal for all job applicants. (This may apply to private industry too, I'm not sure. I know it applies to private companies that work on Government contracts though.)
The simple solution was to implement a Web portal that all job applications must be submitted through, and making sure that hiring Managers can't consider ANY applicant that doesn't come thru this interface. The problem with this is, as some others have mentioned, the sheer number of applications. For large companies or institutions someone, usually Human Resources, must screen the applications before passing them on to the hiring Manager or Dept. But most HR people aren't equipped to do this and end up doing what I call "word matching". By this I mean, the job posted may be for a (politically correct) Sanitation Engineer, but any application that doesn't mention this specifically and instead indicates the applicant has Custodial, garbage collection, street sweeper, etc experience will be rejected.
By now most hiring Managers know how to play the game, and creative job applicants know how to work around the rules. I tell job seekers to load up their Resume with lots of keywords and phrases (this helps get past HR), and to let their network contacts know that they've applied for specific jobs. Jobs on Web portals now usually have a unique identifier.
In my company when I know the hiring Manager and I know a qualified candidate has applied, I forward an unofficial copy of their Resume to the hiring Manager and tell them the person has applied thru the Web portal. If the hiring Manager sees a good match while reviewing the unofficial Resume, they can contact HR and tell them to pass the application on to them. Usually at this point HR has already filtered the application into the round file. Using this process doesn't violate the law, but it does work the system a bit. :-)
So how do you make this work with TPWD? Apply online, record the positions you've applied for and then try to contact the individual Park Ranger offices letting them know you've applied for the specific job and include a copy of your application. I'd also include a good letter of introduction, and/or Resume highlighting your qualifications.
It's a new world with new rules, but when you know what rules they're playing by you can stack the deck in your favor.
