TWDB - 26-123 Recorder Program Geoscientist (Geoscientist II)

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

The TWDB's main responsibilities are threefold: collecting and disseminating water-related data; assisting with regional water supply and flood planning that contributes to preparing the state water plan and state flood plan; and administering cost-effective financial programs for constructing water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.

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 highly complex (senior-level) geosciences and groundwater monitoring work, 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. Collects, analyzes, and interprets geological and hydrogeological data. Work includes cross-office projects related to surface water and groundwater interaction and other technical projects. Reviews, downloads, and formats recorder data using appropriate Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures to ensure data are properly entered into the Groundwater Database. Creates hydrographs, maps, and reports. Participates in special investigations 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 limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Monitoring Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works in the Recorder Well Program to install and repair recorders, transmitters, water-level sensors, dataloggers, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment.
• Use frequent independent judgement to determine site maintenance and 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 as needed.
• Conducts borehole camera inspections and aquifer testing to assess well integrity and construction.
• Conducts or coordinates geological and hydrogeological field studies or technical projects to collect and evaluate data for use in regional development, resource management, environmental investigations, land use, site selection, and development of other projects or compliance with laws and specifications.
• 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.
• Collects, reviews, analyzes, interprets, and manages geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, and recorder well data from field measurements, agency databases, well reports, maps, and other sources.
• Prepares plans, estimates, and calculations or develops recommendations for programs and projects.
• Conducts research on potential well sites from agency databases and other sources and assists in reviewing well completion information to assign aquifers to wells.
• 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.
• Reviews, downloads, formats, uploads, and quality-checks recorder data using established Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and proper entry into agency databases.
• Uses spreadsheet, database, and data visualization tools to identify trends and potential data issues and recommends follow-up review or corrective action as needed.
• Assists the Recorder Program Team Lead with research and purchases of recorder equipment.
• Works on projects in Water Science and Conservation that advance understanding of the surface water and groundwater interaction in Texas.
• Prepares and reviews records, reports, technical data, and maps.
• 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 with training and operational (work process documents) documents and educational materials for the Recorder Well Program.
• May review the activities of contractors, operators, and civic authorities.
• Attends meetings and engages in TWDB committee activities, and prepares and conducts presentations for cooperators/districts, agency staff, or management as necessary.
• Requires working 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.
• Requires working 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.
• Requires proficiency with 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.  
• Requires workdays to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings and late nights.
• 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 Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field.
• Professional Experience:
  • Five years of relevant work experience performing geosciences work.
• License:
  • Licensed as a Professional Geoscientist by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.
• 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

• Relevant work experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology, hydrogeology, or water resources.
• Direct experience with and participation in field work and field data collection activities related to water resources, environmental monitoring, or sensor/electronics instrumentation system deployment and troubleshooting/maintenance.
• 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.
• Experience conducting aquifer testing and interpreting associated results.
• 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.
• Experience preparing technical data and maps and writing reports.
• 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 geosciences principles, concepts, and techniques.
• Knowledge of geosciences testing methods, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the practical application of geosciences and technology.
• 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 geological, geochemical, geohydrological, and geophysical data.
• 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.
• Skills in using GIS applications and other applicable software and in applying statistical procedures.
• Skills in using logic and reasoning and applying critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and to evaluate data quality and determine whether data products are reasonable and supported.
• 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 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 identify areas of potential problems and devise solutions.
• Ability to plan and coordinate projects, conduct inspections, and apply geological concepts.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts, prepare reports, and create maps documenting program monitoring locations and data collection activities.  
• 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.

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. 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, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov