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 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) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives 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.
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.
**Must meet agency in-office requirements**
**Salary commensurate with experience & qualifications**
General Description
Join the Groundwater Monitoring Department and gain valuable data collection and fieldwork experience in monitoring a statewide network of wells and springs, including a network of automatic recorders capable of transmitting near real-time water-level data. Learn new skills and gain hands-on experience in hydrogeology and field methods as we collect and disseminate important data towards groundwater management, drought monitoring, and understanding the overall condition of Texas aquifers.
Performs routine (journey-level) hydrogeology work performing groundwater monitoring. Work involves monitoring a statewide network of wells and springs and related data collection. Creates hydrographs, maps, and reports. Works independently, traveling 50% of the time within the state of Texas. 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
- Conducts statewide inventories on wells and springs, measures water levels in wells and discharge from springs, and collects field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis.
- Organizes equipment ahead of field work 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.
- Enters, proofreads, and corrects data in the agency databases and maintains the databases, paper files, and records.
- Provides data and/or replies to public inquiries for groundwater information and assists other TWDB departments as needed.
- Demonstrates TWDB monitoring techniques to groundwater conservation districts.
- 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 requiring several consecutive overnight stays at a time.
- 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 may engage in TWDB committee activities as necessary.
- May assist in the Recorder Well Program as needed to install and repair recorders, transmitters, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment.
- 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 terrains 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 work shifts to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings and late nights.
- Assists with maintaining master hard copies and electronic copies of TWDB personnel information, policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, forms, and reference materials.
- 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.
- Assists with any special projects as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
- Must be able and willing to conduct fieldwork and overnight travel 50% of the time throughout the State of Texas (approximately two weeks each month).
- Relevant experience can be substituted 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, hydrogeology, or water resources.
- One year of relevant work experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology or water resources.
- Experience with and participation in field work and field data collection activities
- Direct experience using groundwater monitoring equipment to collect water-level measurements and water quality samples.
- 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 (KSAs)
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Monitoring Department.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
- Knowledge of geography, Texas geology, and hydrologic principles, techniques, and procedures.
- Knowledge of groundwater level measurement and groundwater quality sample collection techniques, data collection procedures, and chemical analysis.
- 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.
- Skills and proficiency in map reading, navigation, and use of hand-held GPS receivers.
- Skills in scientific data management, in collecting, compiling, and assessing hydrologic data, and applying hydrologic concepts.
- Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
- Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
- 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 schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
- 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 operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions.
- Ability to coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
- Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks.
- 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% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas – this equates to approximately two weeks out of the office each month, requiring several consecutive overnight stays at a time.
- 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.
