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TWDB - 26-125 Recorder Program Specialist (Hydrologist I)

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 in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Explore-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 be able and willing to travel 50% of the time to conduct fieldwork throughout the State of Texas* (approximately two weeks each month, including overnight)*

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs routine (journey-level) hydrological and groundwater monitoring work in field and office environments, primarily in support of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Recorder Well Program. Work involves installing and maintaining a statewide network of automated groundwater monitoring systems equipped for remote data collection. Creates hydrographs, maps, and reports, as needed, and performs other duties as assigned. Works independently, traveling 50% of the time within 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. 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

  • Installs and repairs recorders, transmitters, water-level sensors, dataloggers, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment for the Recorder Well Program.
  • Determines site maintenance needs, makes repair decisions and consults with senior staff and management as necessary.
  • Conducts statewide well inventories, measures water levels in wells, and collects field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis.
  • May conduct borehole camera inspections and other testing to assess well integrity and construction.
  • Prepares, organizes, and troubleshoots equipment for field installation.
  • Plans travel logistics for site visits and ensures completion of field assignments within prescribed time periods.
  • Follows all required site visit documentation and equipment protocols and processes.
  • Conducts research on potential well sites from agency databases and other sources.
  • Establishes and maintains site access through coordination with landowners and other entities.
  • Conducts field work and travel outside of the office for 50% of the time within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
  • Performs data system updates to document field activities and recorder maintenance and submits required field forms in a timely manner upon field work completion.
  • Enters, proofreads, and corrects data in the agency databases and inventory tracking systems and maintains the databases, paper files, and records.
  • Downloads, formats, uploads, and quality-checks recorder data using established Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures as assigned to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and proper entry into agency databases.
  • 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.
  • Assists in the analysis and interpretation of water-related data and documents work performed through short reports and analysis papers as assigned, including creating maps and hydrographs.
  • Attends meetings and engages in TWDB committee activities, as necessary.
  • Works 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.
  • Works with a partner when performing physically intensive tasks with field equipment weighing up to as much as 80 lbs. or as needed for other site work.
  • Proficiently uses basic hand tools, low-voltage wiring, and electronics testing equipment.
  • May require use of a drill press, power saw, and grinding wheel with appropriate training.  
  • Assists with any special projects as assigned.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 education and experience can be substituted for each other 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.
  • Relevant work experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology or water resources.
  • Direct experience with and participation in field work and field data collection activities.
  • Experience using groundwater monitoring equipment to collect water-level measurements.
  • Experience installing and maintaining data loggers, water-level sensors, telemetry systems, or electronic instrumentation systems.
  • Experience with basic hand tools, low-voltage wiring, and electronics testing equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of Texas geology, geography, hydrologic, and hydrogeologic concepts.
  • Basic knowledge of water well construction standards and requirements.
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel or similar software tools.
  • Experience using ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, or data visualization platforms, such as Power Bi.
  • Experience using Microsoft SQL Server tools or similar database applications.
  • Experience performing data downloads/uploads and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
  • Relevant experience in outreach, public service, or public assistance.

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, concepts, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of groundwater data collection procedures and dissemination techniques.
  • Knowledge of recorder well installation, maintenance, and monitoring techniques.
  • Knowledge of water well construction standards and requirements.
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
  • Skills in using programs such as Outlook, Sharepoint, OneDrive and conducting virtual meetings using Teams and similar platforms.
  • Skills in communicating politely and effectively with a variety of people in order to collect data, perform research, perform services, or engage in related activities.
  • Skills in scientific data management.
  • Skills in collecting and assessing hydrologic data and applying hydrologic concepts.
  • Skills and proficiency in construction trades, including carpentry, electrical work, and welding.
  • Skills and proficiency in map reading, navigation, and use of hand-held GPS receivers.
  • 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 all stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment and to coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 40 lbs.
  • 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 work with a partner when performing physically intensive tasks with field equipment weighing up to as much as 80 lbs. or as needed for site work.
  • Ability and willingness to travel 50% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
  • 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 operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed.
  • Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
  • Ability to train others.