TWDB - 26-99: Groundwater Grant Technical Specialist (Hydrologist II-III)
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
*******Temporary position through August 31, 2027****
This is a Temporary position. A State Agency Temporary employee is hired for a limited duration to meet a specific or seasonal workforce need and is not intended to be permanent. Temporary employees are not independent contractors or contract staff. Full‑time Temporary employees are eligible for vacation leave accrual, sick leave accrual, state service credit, and state‑recognized holidays, in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy.
Salary Ranges:
- Hydrologist II: $4,263.17/month - $5,100.00/month***
- Hydrologist III: $5,105.00/month - $6,100.00/month***
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs complex (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) hydrological work focused on technical oversight of groundwater grant projects, including planning and monitoring of activities funded through Groundwater Science, Research, and Data Collection grants and agreements with groundwater conservation districts. Work involves providing technical review and guidance on funded projects, preparing and coordinating technical evaluations. Reviewing and reporting deliverables, ensuring compliance with state data standards, and maintaining communication with agency program staff and groundwater conservation district recipients to support successful project outcomes. Work also involves tracking technical milestones, reviewing progress reports and supporting documentation, and identifying process improvements to strengthen technical oversight. Provides technical assistance to grant recipients. May train others. Works under general to limited supervision, with limited for the use of initiative and independent judgement. to considerable latitude. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Technical Assistance Department.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Supports the administration of grants to groundwater conservation districts for projects and programs that advance groundwater research, scientific studies, and data collection to improve local groundwater management and planning.
- Provides technical assistance for groundwater conservation districts participating in the grant program.
- Provides guidance on eligible activities, technical requirements, and reporting expectations.
- Provides technical review and oversight of grant administration, including review and evaluation of grant applications, work plans, amendments, and deliverables.
- Assesses proposed methodologies for groundwater science, research, and data collection.
- Monitors progress of funded projects to ensure compliance with grant agreements and technical standards.
- Communicates regularly with the groundwater grant specialist, groundwater conservation district staff, agency staff, and other stakeholders to address technical questions and provide updates.
- Schedules, prepares, or delivers presentations and/or briefings on program outcomes, scientific findings, and data trends.
- Coordinates with internal data teams to facilitate integration of collected data into statewide water databases.
- Maintains accurate records of technical reviews, communications, and project outcomes.
- Assist in preparing reports and summaries for internal use, public dissemination, or legislative purposes.
- Works collaboratively with agency staff to identify and resolve issues related to grants.
- Coordinates the receipt, review, and approval of materials submitted by grantees to meet project requirements
- Assist with closing out the grant, and ensure future reporting obligations outlined in the grant are fulfilled.
- Maintains electronic project records well-organized in the appropriate directories to ensure audit readiness.
- Reviews deliverables for compliance with grant agreement scope and requirements.
- Provides technical assistance to groundwater conservation districts submitting applications and grant recipients.
- 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 Hydrology, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Natural or Physical Science, or a related field.
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Work Experience:
- Hydrologist II – two years of relevant work experience that includes hydrologic-focused analysis, technical oversight of grant-funded projects, planning and monitoring of funded activities, and/or data collection to support grant-related work.
- Hydrologist III – five years of relevant work experience that includes hydrologic-focused analysis, technical oversight of grant-funded projects, planning and monitoring of funded activities, and/or data collection to support grant-related work.
- Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conducting groundwater resource activities in Texas and managing scientific or technical projects, including grant-funded initiatives.
- Experience in projects involving data collection, data analysis, and presentation of groundwater and other natural resource data.
- Experience collaborating with groundwater conservation districts on technical or scientific studies.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or similar platforms.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), or equivalent productivity software.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Groundwater Division.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
- 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 administrative problem-solving, complex document interpretation, and program planning and coordination
- 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 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 25% 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.