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TWDB - 25-102: Water Planning Data Research Specialist (Research Specialist III)

Texas Water Development Board
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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 and qualifications***

 

General Description

Performs complex (journey-level) data analysis and research work to support regional and state water planning. Work involves collecting, reviewing, analyzing and furnishing water planning data to regional water planning groups, the legislature, media, and other internal programs and external public stakeholders. Assists with the development and maintenance of the regional and state water planning databases and the associated online applications used to collect data from regional water planning groups and disseminate data. Develops reports and dashboards and assists in developing new ways to analyze, present, and consume planning data. Provides technical assistance for the regional water planning groups and develops data content for the regional water plans. Supports the agency regional water planning staff and develops and analyzes data to support development of the state water plan. May train others. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of  the Water Use & Planning Data Department.

Essential Job Functions

  • Assists in the management of the regional and state water planning data.
  • Assists with developing and testing regional water planning applications and maintaining, training, and guidance materials.
  • Provides technical assistance for regional water planning groups and consultants in their effort to submit and enter water supply and Water Management Strategy (WMS) data.
  • Performs quality assurance/quality control review of data sets to improve the integrity, effectiveness, and usefulness of the water planning data.
  • Performs technical review of program functions to improve planning data collection and review processes.
  • Assists in reviewing and evaluating regional water use and planning data for contractual compliance.
  • Responds to regional and state water planning data requests from the legislature, the Board, and other key stakeholders by analyzing data sets and querying existing databases.
  • Designs SQL queries, and compiles reports using regional water planning data.
  • Prepares and maintains written documentation related to regional and state water planning data and online application.
  • Coordinates with the agency’s groundwater and surface water program areas to review water supply data.
  • Develops innovative approaches to analyzing, presenting, and making data available to stakeholders.
  • Assists in reviewing regional water plans and state water plans.
  • Conducts data analysis and develops visualization of state water plan data and WMS implementation data by creating maps, dashboards and other visualizations tools.
  • Conducts water planning data research to provide expertise and insights in water planning data.  
  • Consults and collaborates with appropriate staff to define data specifications, analyses, and data reporting methods.
  • Prepares performance measures.
  • Participates in Supervisor-approved Career Development Plan activities, including the establishment of employee goals and identification of job-related training opportunities as discussed with supervisor.
  • 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

 Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Resource and Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Administration, Geology, Hydrology, Engineering or a related field.
  • Two years of relevant work experience in water planning or water data.
  • Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Post graduate degree from an accredited four-year college in Planning, Resource and Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Administration, Geology, Hydrology, Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Previous work experience with large data QA/QC and analysis work using Excel, Python, R or other statistical tools. 
  • Previous experience querying data using  SQL databases.
  • Previous work experience working with  water planning, water resources management, water infrastructure planning or water related data
  • Previous work experience with providing technical/data assistance for customers.
  • Previous work experience using ESRI ArcGIS
  • Previous work experience with data visualization using dashboards (Microsoft Power BI or Tableau).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Water Use and Planning Data Department.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
  • Knowledge of research techniques, statistical methods and geographical concepts and their application to data analysis. 
  • Knowledge of relational databases and data management. 
  • Skills in problem solving and data analysis.
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and SQL.
  • Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
  • Skills in querying data using software such as Microsoft Access or SQL Server.
  • Skills in building data-related reports using software such as Microsoft Access, or Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services or dashboards using Power BI.
  • Skills in graphical, tabular and geographical presentation of data.
  • Skills in organizational, interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
  • Ability to conduct complex data analysis.
  • Ability to manage, manipulate, and analyze complex databases.
  • Ability to schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external customers both verbally and in writing. 
  • 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 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 5% 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 shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
  • Ability to train others.