Job Description

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account, https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system, https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page, https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

** JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY**

Performs complex (journey-level) to advanced (senior-level) hydrogeological and groundwater policy work. Work involves assisting and facilitating the groundwater management area process and engaging with groundwater conservation districts, other agencies, and representatives of the private sector and the public. Responsible for making recommendations for agency policy development, training other staff in groundwater management area processes, performing technical evaluations of groundwater resources, and reviewing groundwater management plans. Builds and maintains partnerships with groundwater conservation districts. Responds to public inquiries. Develops or reviews information to support state water planning, regional water planning, and local groundwater planning. May provide guidance to others or supervise the work of others. Works under general to minimal supervision, with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Groundwater Technical Assistance Department Manager.

** ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS**

• Assists and facilitates the joint groundwater planning process, including attending groundwater management area meetings as an agency liaison.
• Reviews groundwater conservation district management plans for administrative completeness.
• Builds, maintains, and grows relationships with groundwater conservation districts, groundwater management area members, and agency staff.
• Works with and assists groundwater conservation districts, other state agencies and entities, and the public.
• Responds to public inquires on groundwater resources of Texas.
• Assists management with analyses and recommendations for agency policy development and implementation.
• Evaluates geologic reports, studies, maps, technical data, and policies for management of groundwater resources in Texas.
• Performs technical evaluations of groundwater resources and presents data in summaries, maps, reports, or presentations.
• Provides technical oversight for hydrogeological studies, maps, and reports.
• Develops or reviews information or data to support state water planning, regional water planning, and local groundwater planning.
• Develops recommendations for groundwater studies.
• May train agency staff in the joint groundwater planning process and groundwater policy in Texas.
• May assist the Groundwater Data Team with geological assessments or data review.
• May provide contract or project management as required by agency programs or priorities.
• May assist with selection of contractors and review of contract reports.
• May aid with legislative tasks as required.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

** MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, Soil Science, or a related field.

• Work Experience:
• Geoscientist series:
  • Geoscientist II – Five years of work experience in related field.
  • Geoscientist III – Seven years of work experience in related field.
  • Geoscientist IV – More than seven years of work experience in related field.
  • Geologic Specialist II – Three years of work experience in related field.
• Certifications:
• Geoscientist series:
• Licensed as Professional Geoscientist in Texas.
• Geologic Specialist II:
• Certified as a Geoscientist-in-Training OR pursuing licensure as a Professional Geoscientist in Texas.
• Relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for year basis.

** PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geology, Geophysics, Soil Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Detailed knowledge of groundwater science and/or policy in Texas.
• Experience using ESRI products including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro, or related software.
• Experience with applied hydrogeological software, including data modeling, data mapping, aquifer test, or visualization software.
• Experience in authoring reports, maps, or articles on hydrogeologic topics or groundwater policy.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL, or other databases.
• Experience working with Groundwater Conservation Districts.

** KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)**

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Technical Assistance Department; and of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of groundwater conservation districts and groundwater regulation in Texas.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and Teams.
• Skills in geological interpretation related to groundwater resources.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 30% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to diffuse confrontational situations involving diverse opinions.

Additional Information

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov