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23-83 Field Hydrologist (Hydrologist II)

Texas Water Development Board
Email
Only candidates who apply via email to (HR “at” TWDB.texas.gov) with an official State of Texas Application or through the WorkInTexas.com website will be considered for this position. View this position and apply at  https://tinyurl.com/2ezzogk4
 
Texas Water Development Board’s Mission 
    Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. 
 
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours 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.

*Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Job Description Summary

Performs complex (journey-level) hydrological work and conducts field data collection for the Texas Water Development Board’s Coastal Science program. Focuses on freshwater inflow science for water resources planning, flood science for regional and state flood planning and coastal resiliency, and emergency oil spill response. Work involves leading and conducting field studies in Texas estuaries and rivers to collect the necessary datasets to support the modeling and analysis of riverine and coastal water resources. Work also involves processing, analyzing, archiving, and dissemination of data and metadata. Maintains data collection equipment, safety equipment, vehicles, hardware, and software. Prepares reports and develops working relationships with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, private contractors, and vendors to facilitate data collection. May train others. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Coastal Science Department.

Essential Job Functions

  • Provides technical support conducting field studies, including planning, equipment installation, and data acquisition, management, documentation, and dissemination. 
  • Collects and compiles hydrographic survey data, including water quality, circulation, bathymetric, or geomorphic data. 
  • Maintains scientific equipment at long-term monitoring stations to include datasondes, tiltmeters, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, meteorological sensors, dataloggers, solar panels, and telemetry installations. 
  • Transports and operates boats in coastal and riverine environments throughout Texas using GPS navigation systems. 
  • Performs data processing and quality assurance/quality control duties; analyzes and interprets hydrological data using various data processing software packages. 
  • Maintains electronic records of data collections through the Water Data for Texas website portal: www.waterdatafortexas.org/coastal. 
  • Trains external staff, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain and retrieve electronic records through the Water Data for Texas web portal. 
  • Documents field methods, data, analysis procedures, and results in written reports and by other means. 
  • Writes, reviews, and evaluates technical reports; provides presentations to technical and non-technical audiences. 
  • Works with staff of other entities, scientists, and stakeholders to plan and conduct studies. 
  • Requires workdays to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. 
  • Requires work outdoors, in small boats, possibly during inclement weather or under hot and cold temperatures. 
  • Maintains safety equipment and implements field, laboratory, and office safety protocols.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 60% of the time; travel related to field work is often seasonal in nature. 
  • Participates in external stakeholder committees, such as Regional Flood Planning and coastal resiliency planning committees. 
  • 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 or university with major coursework in Hydrology, Geology, Biology, Civil Engineering, or related field with emphasis in hydrology, hydrodynamics, aquatic sciences, water resources, or a related field. 
  • Three years of experience conducting studies of surface water resources or aquatic sciences in coastal or riverine systems or related experience. 
  • Familiarity with operating, calibrating, and maintaining scientific instrumentation for water monitoring, such as water quality (e.g., temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH), water level, and velocity. 
  • Experience trailering and operating motorboats safely and independently. 
  • Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience operating small boats in Texas estuaries and rivers. 
  • Experience leading field data collection studies in coastal or riverine systems. 
  • Familiarity with running, editing, and creating computer scripts using the Python programming language. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to surface water resources and floodplain mapping and of the principles and practices of public administration. 
  • Knowledge of hydrologic principles, data collection techniques, and modeling and statistical procedures. 
  • Skills in scientific data collection, quality assurance/quality control, management, analysis, and interpretation, particularly for hydrologic and time-series data. 
  • Skills in using and calibrating scientific equipment such as datasondes, pressure transducers, data loggers, depth sounders, flow meters, and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers. 
  • Skills in the use of surveying tools, equipment, and instruments, including GIS and GPS software and systems. 
  • Skills with mechanical and electrical equipment (i.e., boat motor, trailer, and electrical system maintenance). 
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. 
  • Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software 
  • Ability to plan and conduct field investigations, including the use of field equipment, such as flow meters and water quality instruments, and small boat operations. 
  • Ability to meet public/government officials to initiate studies and to request data pertinent to studies. 
  • Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment and accept assignments from multiple authorities. 
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. over variable terrain, in varying weather, and to work in small boats. 
  • Ability to work outdoors possibly during inclement weather or under hot and cold temperatures. 
  • Ability to operate and transport motorized boats up to 25-ft in length safely, effectively, and independently. 
  • 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 manage multiple tasks. 
  • Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs. 
  • Ability and willingness to travel 60% 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 days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends. 
  • Ability to train others.