Job Description
TCEQ – Aquatic Scientist I (00051307)
Organization: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Primary Location: Texas-Austin
Work Locations: Headquarters (582-HQAUS)
12100 Park 35 Circle
Austin 78753
Job: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
State Job Code: 2456AQ
Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 18
Salary (Pay Basis): 4,454.00 – 4,454.00 (Monthly)
Number of Openings: 1
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Posting: Aug 1, 2025, 7:00:00 AM
Closing Date: Aug 16, 2025, 6:59:00 AM
Description
Are you an Aquatic Scientist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency?
Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state’s public health and natural resources.
YOUR FUTURE TEAM
As part of TCEQ’s Office of Water, you would contribute to ensuring clean and available water and protecting Texas’ water resources. See details about what we do.
This position is a member of our Water Quality Division.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Implement water quality standards and evaluate impacts of journey-level wastewater discharge applications and federal projects for the Water Quality Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Assess water quality, assign standards, and assess impacts to water bodies affected by wastewater discharge permits.
- Evaluate proposed federal permits for dredge and fill operations and recommend mitigation measures for potential water quality impacts.
- Assist in implementing water quality standards, site-specific water quality criteria, and water quality management procedures.
- Coordinate, conduct, participate, and evaluate water quality studies and other projects.
Qualifications
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in aquatic science or a related field from an accredited college or university preferred.
- Experience in conducting and evaluating whole effluent toxicity or similar biomonitoring tests preferred.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural science such as biology, zoology, wildlife/fisheries science, toxicology, environmental science, or a closely related field. These degrees must include nine semester hours in statistics, limnology, ecology, hydrology, aquatic ecology, ichthyology, benthic ecology, wildlife biology, invertebrate biology, entomology, toxicology, phycology, marine science, aquatic chemistry, aquatic pollution, or aquatic microbiology
A bachelor’s degree plus two years of full-time experience in environmental activities related to the examples of work performed.
**Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.
TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK:
See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.
CURRENT TCEQ EMPLOYEES
This position is also available as a lateral transfer opportunity (LTO) to TCEQ employees within the Hydrologist I state classification. The selected candidate must meet the minimum qualifications of the corresponding job in the Aquatic Scientist I series.
Work Schedule
Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Water Quality Division.
BENEFITS
- Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
- Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
- Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
- Professional development opportunities
- Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
- Wellness Program and Activities
- Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
- Work-Life Balance
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.
In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at (512) 239-0102.
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under ‘Occupational Category’ for the respective Class Title.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
