24-25 - Water Conservation Specialist (Program Specialist III)

Company Description

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

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 accounthttps://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at 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. 

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. 

Job Description Summary

Performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves reviewing municipal Water Conservation plans and annual reports. Plans, develops, and implements the Technical Assistance in Water Loss Control (TAWLC) service. Additionally, provides technical assistance to stakeholders and supports activities of the Municipal Water Conservation team. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Conservation Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as the primary support staff for the municipal Water Conservation plans and annual reports.
• Reviews and prepares administrative reports of municipal Water Conservation plans, annual reports, and best management practices.
• Maintains process documents for conducting Water Conservation reviews and updates documents annually.
• Prepares and provides appropriate Water Conservation documentation for loan applications.
• Provides technical services to loan recipients including training and outreach to utilities.
• Collects and analyzes the annual Water Conservation data from TWDB loan recipients and retail water providers with more than 3,300 connections. Creates reports using Microsoft Access, Excel, and Adobe.
• Revises, monitors, and maintains an online application for use in updating utility Water Conservation information, performance measures, and analysis.
• Reviews and evaluates technical data, conducts research, initiates and implements projects related to municipal Water Conservation plans, annual reports, and best management practices.
• Provides prompt, courteous, and effective technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops material for and conducts outreach such as trainings, webinars, presentations, and workshops.
• Participates in professional organizations, attends and presents at conferences, and exhibits at trade shows.
• Gains professional knowledge of current and cutting-edge municipal Water Conservation technologies.
• Supports and collaborates in the planning, development, and implementation of Water Conservation activities.
• Reviews water loss audits and conducts validations of water loss audits for utilities.
• Reaches out and meets with utilities to discuss their water loss audit and validation.
• Enters water loss data and utilizes various databases and applications.
• Completes proper documentation of water loss audit and prepares reports for utilities and agency staff.
• Plans and conducts trainings and workshops on water loss auditing and validation.
• Tracks and reports results of the TAWLC program and water loss validations over time.
• Identifies areas to improve data collection and recommends activities to mitigate water loss for utilities.
• Coordinates with other TWDB program areas to identify potential funding sources for water loss mitigation.
• Responsible for gaining and maintaining technical and professional knowledge of industry standards in, and technologies for, water loss control.
• Provides customer service and assistance to utilities on other related municipal Water Conservation programs, including water loss thresholds, leak detection, and water system efficiency measures.
• Develops educational materials, makes professional presentations, and works with utilities on recommended water system efficiency best practices.
• May assist in the review or development of procedures, guidance documents, and forms.
• May assist in reviewing program functions and operations, identifying areas needing change, and developing plans for improvement.
• 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 bachelor’s degree in Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources/Sciences, Engineering, Planning, or a related field.
• Two years of work experience in Water Conservation, water utilities, water utility operations and processes, water loss, stakeholder interaction, or other areas related to job duties.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources/Sciences, Engineering, Planning, or a related field.
• Five or more years of work experience in Water Conservation, water utilities, water utility operations and processes, water loss, stakeholder interaction, or other areas related to job duties.
• Familiarity with Water Conservation, water utility operations and process, and municipal Water Conservation plans and annual reports.
• Familiarity with water loss audits and validation and related terminology, calculations, and industry standards.
• Experience in preparing, writing, and editing reports.
• Experience in data analysis and reporting, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in public speaking, customer service, and stakeholder interaction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Municipal Water Conservation Team; and of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of water loss audits and validation, water utility operations and processes, and Water Conservation.
• Knowledge of Water Conservation concepts, technologies, and best management practices.
• Knowledge of relational database concepts, techniques, and analysis.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
• Skills in scientific data management.
• 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 complete tasks and projects in a timely manner and persists until task are completed.
• 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 assess water efficiency opportunities and programs within water utility operations.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data.
• Ability to plan and implement projects and report progress.
• Ability to devise solutions to problems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 10% 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.

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