22-85 TexMesonet Field Technician (Hydrologist I-II)

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/2f4bh276

 

 

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. 

REVISED**

*Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Performs routine to complex (journey-level) hydrological, meteorological, and earth science work for the Texas Water Development Board’s TexMesonet program, which operates and maintains a network of earth observations stations across Texas and publishes information at www.TexMesonet.org. Created in 2016, TexMesonet is designed to collect the data necessary for observing and tracking mesoscale weather events, such as thunderstorms, and for improving models and forecasts for severe weather, floods, fires, and droughts, as well as improve public safety, agricultural productivity, and research. Work involves coordinating and conducting fieldwork, including the construction, calibration, and maintenance of stations, coordination, preparation, and execution of fieldwork, use of GIS applications to assist in site identification and prioritization, and developing working relationships with landowners, private contractors, university professors, and hardware vendors to facilitate station deployment and meteorological data collection. This job requires extensive travel. May train others. Works under moderate to general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the TexMesonet Department.

• Coordinates installation and maintenance fieldwork, including scheduling, preparing, and executing field trips relating to the production, deployment, and maintenance of earth observation stations.

• Constructs maintains earth observation station structures.

• Prepares, calibrates, and troubleshoots meteorological, electrical, and data logger equipment for stations.

• Coordinates and performs routine maintenance of equipment, including truck, trailers, and equipment.

• Develops and ensures field safety procedures are followed.

• Assists in maintaining the TexMesonet station database.

• Provides LoggerNet and datalogger support.

• Provides geographic analysis and cartographic support, including but not limited to line-of-sight maps for proposed earth observation stations.

• Maintains and prepares records and reports and assists with presenting technical evaluations and plans.

• Participates in external stakeholder committees, such as the TexMesonet Advisory Committee.

• 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, including the transport of trailers and equipment.

• Requires work outdoors, possibly during inclement weather or under hot/cold temperatures.

• Requires workdays to occasionally exceed eight hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.

• May travel up to 70% of the time.

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in Atmospheric Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field.

• Hydrologist I: One year of work experience conducting environmental resources fieldwork in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, water resources, or a related field.

• Hydrologist II: Three years of work experience conducting environmental resources fieldwork in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, water resources, or a related field.

• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• Experience in coordinating fieldwork involving meteorology or water resources.

• Experience in designing and installing electronic instrumentation systems.

• Experience in Geographic Information Systems.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the TexMesonet department and of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of Texas water resources and earth sciences (atmospheric sciences, meteorology, hydrology, geology, or physics).

• Knowledge of mesonets or earth observation station networks.

• Knowledge of electronic instrumentation and communications systems.

• Knowledge of applicable field safety procedures.

• 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 cartography, GIS software, and other design software.

• Skills in collecting and assessing hydrological data.

• Skills in using logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Skills in diagnosing and repairing electronic instrumentation and communications systems.

• 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 with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 50 lbs.

• Ability and willingness to travel 70% 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.

• Ability to haul trailers up to 20’ in length.

• Ability to fabricate specialized equipment for field work applications.

• Ability to plan and coordinate projects.

• Ability to maintain shared databases.