Twdb - 24-38 - Recorder Program Specialist (Hydrologist I)

TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S MISSION

Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

WORKING AT THE TWDB

See why our work makes an impact and why the TWDB is a great place to work!

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 these benefits and more visit: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

Please visit the TWDB Career Page at http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/ for more information.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 15WX Weather and Environmental Science, 8831 Environmental Engineering Management Officer, 9S100 Scientific Applications Specialist, or other related fields of the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_NaturalResources.pdf.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Join the Recorder Well Team and gain experience operating and maintaining a statewide groundwater monitoring network. The Recorder Well Program maintains a network of automatic water level recorders designed to collect continuous water level measurements and transmit near-real-time data for online publication at www.waterdatafortexas.org/groundwater. Learn new skills and gain hands-on experience in hydrogeology, electronics maintenance, telemetry, and field methods as we implement internet-of-things network technology for groundwater monitoring and data collection used for groundwater management and drought monitoring.

This position performs routine (journey-level) groundwater monitoring work in field and office environments, primarily in support of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Recorder Well Program. Work involves independent travel 50 percent of the time throughout the State of Texas on a flexible schedule, with compensatory time off for overtime work hours and the chance to experience the sights of Texas. Creates hydrographs, maps, and reports, as needed, and performs other duties as assigned. May attend conferences, classes, and other training relevant to the position. May train others. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Monitoring Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works in the Recorder Well Program to install and repair recorders, transmitters, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment.
• Conducts statewide well inventories, measures water levels in wells, and collects field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis as needed.
• Prepares, organizes, and troubleshoots equipment for field installation and plans travel logistics for site visits.
• Conducts research on potential well sites from agency databases and other sources.
• Establishes and maintains site access through coordination with landowners and other entities.
• Performs data system updates to document field activities and recorder maintenance.
• Enters, proofreads, and corrects data in the agency databases and inventory tracking systems and maintains the databases, paper files, and records.
• Downloads, corrects, and formats recorder data using appropriate Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures as assigned.
• Provides data and/or replies to public inquiries for groundwater information and assists other TWDB departments as needed.
• Demonstrates TWDB recorder maintenance tasks and monitoring techniques. Provides outreach to groundwater conservation districts and landowners.
• Assists the Recorder Program Team Lead with research and purchases of recorder equipment as needed.
• Conducts field work and travel outside of the office for 50 percent of the time within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
• Assists in the analysis and interpretation of water-related data and documents work performed through short reports and analysis papers, including creating maps and hydrographs.
• Attends meetings and engages in TWDB committee activities as necessary.
• 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.
  
• Requires operation of a state vehicle for business purposes, including the ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed and to maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Requires working alone outdoors and in remote locations – including walking over various terrain while carrying field equipment weighing up to as much as 40 lbs. in various weather conditions and pulling cables weighing up to 40 lbs. from deep wells.
• Requires workdays to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings and late nights.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• Assists with maintaining master hard copies and electronic copies of TWDB personnel information, policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, forms, and reference materials
• Assists with any special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• One year of relevant experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology or natural resources work and field data collection, with a direct component of field work and field data collection experience.
  
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geological Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field with emphasis in hydrology or water resources.
• More than one year of experience in hydrology and water resources work and field data collection.
• Experience collecting groundwater level measurements.
• Experience installing and maintaining data loggers, telemetry systems, or electronic instrumentation systems.
• Basic knowledge of Texas geology, geography, hydrologic, and hydrogeologic concepts.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems and applications to create maps displaying environmental data.
• Experience with database software, data upload/entry, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Experience in map interpretation and navigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Monitoring Department; and of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of geography, Texas geology, and hydrologic principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of groundwater level measurement techniques and data collection procedures.
• Skills and proficiency in map reading, navigation, and use of hand-held GPS receivers.
• Skills in scientific data management, in collecting and assessing hydrologic data, and applying hydrologic concepts.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and Teams.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work in order to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
• 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 the 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 provide prompt, courteous, and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to cooperate with others in a team environment and to coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
• Ability to work alone outdoors and in remote locations – including walking over various terrain while carrying field equipment weighing up to as much as 40 lbs. in various weather conditions and pulling cables weighing up to 40 lbs. from deep wells.
• 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 50 percent of the time within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
• Ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed.
• 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 shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

Remarks

• A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
• Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

• Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• 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.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

• Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

SPONSORSHIP

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

• Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

• TWDB participates in E-Verify! Information from each new employee’s Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

• Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at- will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

• The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
hr@twdb.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 475-2142