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TWDB - 26-58: Groundwater Scientist (Geoscientist II-III/Hydrologist II-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***

Salary Ranges:

  • Hydrologist II - $5,200.00/month - $5,700.00/month***
  • Hydrologist III - $5,701.00/month - $6,200.00/month***
  • Geoscientist II - $5,800.00/month - $6,200.00/month***
  • Geoscientist III - $6,201.00/month - $6,600.00/month ***

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs complex (journey-level) to advanced (senior-level) geosciences work. Work involves conducting and overseeing the execution of technical projects to map and characterize brackish groundwater in the aquifers of the state related to the Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System program. Gathers and manages the collection of data. Analyzes and interprets geophysical well logs for stratigraphic, lithologic, and water quality information. Conducts data analysis, enters data in databases and GIS files, and prepares peer-reviewed reports. May train and supervise the work of others. Works under general to minimal supervision, with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS) Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Researches, organizes, and implements the acquisition of necessary geophysical well log and water well data to map and characterize the brackish sections of aquifers.
  • Collaborates as a member of a team of geologists and hydrologists.
  • Reviews and evaluates data to develop recommendations for technical projects.
  • Analyzes and interprets geological and geophysical well log information from sources such as well logs, well reports, and published and unpublished literature.
  • Evaluates reports, tests, and data related to geology and develops recommendations for aquifer studies.  
  • Prepares technical reports and other documents.
  • Manages projects and contracts for the BRACS program.
  • Works on multi-year research projects requiring attention to detail and quality control.
  • Spends extended periods on a computer performing database, GIS, log interpretation, and other related tasks.
  • Researches and provides written and verbal responses to public and inter- and intra-agency inquiries.
  • Makes presentations at public meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences on technical studies.
  • 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 a bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Natural Science, or a related field.
  • Professional Experience:
    • Hydrologist Classification Series:
      • Hydrologist II: Two years of work experience in a related field.
      • Hydrologist III: Four years of work experience in a related field.
    • Geoscientist Classification Series:
      • Geoscientist II: Five years of work experience in a related field.
      • Geoscientist III: Seven years of work experience in a related field.
  • License:
    • Geoscientist II/III: Licensed as a Professional Geoscientist.
  • Previous experience with GIS applications and database applications.
  • Previous experience with preparing and writing technical reports.
  • Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, or related field.  
  • Experience with preparing and writing technical reports.
  • Experience with groundwater resources of Texas.
  • Experience with the geology of the major and minor aquifers of Texas.
  • Experience with aquifer geochemistry.  
  • Experience in collecting and interpreting large geological datasets.  
  • Experience in self-directed and team-based geological studies.
  • Experience in geophysical well-log analysis and interpretation related to groundwater studies.
  • Experience in well- or well-field design.
  • Experience with sources of water and oilfield well logs and related databases.
  • Experience with ArcGIS Pro, Spatial Analyst, metadata, ArcPy, Python, and Model Builder.
  • Experience with Microsoft Access and/or SQL relational databases and programming languages.
  • Experience with geological software such as Kingdom, Petra, or GeoGraphix.
  • Experience with public presentations.
  • Experience with contract management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to BRACS Department and Groundwater Division.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
  • Knowledge of geophysical well logging concepts, techniques, and analysis including identification of signatures that may be related to water quality.
  • Knowledge of basic hydrological, geological, and geochemical concepts, techniques, and analysis.
  • Knowledge of geosciences testing methods, processes, and procedures.  
  • Knowledge of the practical application of geosciences and technology.
  • Knowledge of GIS concepts, techniques, and analysis.
  • Knowledge of relational database concepts, techniques, and analysis.
  • Knowledge of groundwater modeling techniques.
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Skills in the use of the internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
  • Skills in using programs such as Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
  • Skills in conducting virtual meetings using Teams, GoToMeeting, or GoToWebinar.
  • Skills in scientific data management.  
  • Skills in collecting and assessing geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical data.  
  • Skills in applying general modeling and statistical procedures.  
  • Skills in the use of standard tools of the profession.
  • Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
  • Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, manage, and implement multi-year projects.
  • Ability to apply hydrogeological and geophysical concepts.
  • Ability to schedule work in order to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to break complex ideas or tasks into logical, documentable, and defendable steps.  
  • Ability to receive and provide constructive criticism as part of a quality control process.  
  • Ability to collaborate with co-workers to innovate techniques for aquifer characterization.
  • 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 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 10% 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 eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
  • Ability to train others.