- Job ID: 106424
- Location: Austin
- Other Recruiting Location: Austin
- Number of Openings: 2
- State Job Code(s): 2465, 2464
- Close Date: 10/16/2026
- Company: TX Commission on Environmental
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Salary Admin Plan(s): B
- Salary Admin Grade(s): 24, 22
- Salary Range: $5719.00 – 6499.00 per Month
Job Description
Are you an experienced Hydrologist, 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.
Note: To determine qualifications, TCEQ job postings require fully completed applications with a detailed job history. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. See below for more details.
YOUR FUTURE TEAM
As a hydrologist within the TCEQ¿s Office of Water, you will join the Water Availability Division, Water Rights Permitting & Availability Section, responsible for reviewing water right applications to determine water availability and whether an applicant impacts existing water rights or the environment. See details about what we do.
HERE¿S WHAT YOU¿LL BE DOING
The position¿s primary responsibility is to complete highly complex or advanced reviews of applications for Texas surface water rights. These reviews involve applying state statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines, along with established hydrologic practices and principles. Reviewing water right applications requires the use of Water Availability Models (WAMs) and/or extensive reviews of complex water right accounting plans.
The position requires strong communication skills to effectively present technical or regulatory information to agency staff, water rights stakeholders, and the public. The position will provide support in public meetings, alternate dispute resolutions, and Commission agenda meetings and serve as an expert witness in contested case hearings.
Specifically, the position is responsible to:
- Apply standard hydrologic practices and principles, the Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP) and TCEQ¿s Water Availability Models (WAMs), and statistical procedures to complete advanced hydrological reviews of surface water right applications.
- Maintain and update TCEQ¿s WAMs, and review WRAP and WAM contract deliverables.
- Utilize Microsoft Excel¿s advanced features to complete reviews of complex water right accounting plans.
- Provide technical support for agency staff, water rights stakeholders, and the public through skillful communication, both verbally and in writing.
- Mentor and/or train less experienced staff.
- Develop, analyze, and manage Geographic Information System (GIS) data with ArcGIS PRO for water rights, water rights applications, and WAM maintenance/updates.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with surface water rights.
- Experience using Water Availability Models (WAMs) and/or surface water simulation models.
- Experience working with streamflow data.
- Experience working with databases and Excel.
- Experience using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS PRO).
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Hydrologist III*:
A bachelor¿s degree in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus four years of full-time experience performing hydrologic work of similar character, scope, and complexity in the areas listed in examples of work performed.
OR
A master¿s degree in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus three years of the full-time experience.
OR
A doctorate in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus two years of the full-time experience.
Hydrologist IV*:
A bachelor¿s degree in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus six years of full-time experience performing hydrologic work of similar character, scope, and complexity in the areas listed in examples of work performed.
OR
A master¿s degree in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus five years of the full-time experience.
OR
A doctorate in hydrology, engineering, geology, mathematics, or a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, plus four years of the full-time experience.
*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.
How to Apply:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or in the CAPPS Recruit (TAM).
Applications must be fully completed with a job history, including job title, employment dates (mo./yr.), full-time or part-time and hours per week, employer name, supervisor’s name and phone number, and detailed description of duties performed. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. Please be aware that resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application.
We strongly encourage all candidates to apply in the CAPPS Online Application system.
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.
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 Availability 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 accommodation 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.
