23-52 Agricultural Water Data Specialist (Data Analyst II)
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 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 routine (journey-level) data analysis and research to estimate statewide irrigation water use. Work involves the development of complex methodologies for estimating state irrigation water use, data collection and validation, planning and design of data storage systems. Performs quality control and statistical analysis of irrigation water use data. Prepares technical reports on statewide irrigation water use and trends in the agricultural water use sector. May train others. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Conservation Department.
Essential Job Functions
• Plans, coordinates, develops, and analyzes crop water use estimates and reports on statewide annual agricultural irrigation water use.
• Plans and performs assessments of irrigation water use data to assist with monitoring trends in agricultural water use.
• Collects, compiles, reviews, and validates irrigation metering data reported by program participants in the voluntary irrigation metering program.
• Evaluates metering data via statistical analysis for comparison with the annual irrigation water use estimates.
• Evaluates, designs, and programs computer hardware and software for remote sensing applications, agricultural irrigation analysis, data management, and validation of data.
• Updates existing published reports and assist preparing new reports on irrigation water use, agricultural water conservation trends, and irrigation best management practices in Texas.
• Provides technical services to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducts outreach to stakeholders via email, phone, and in person at field days and other public events.
• Performs the duties of a contract manager as required by contract guidelines.
• Monitors progress of agricultural water conservation grant projects.
• Serves as point of contact between TWDB and Contractors in collecting quarterly reports and monitoring progress of grant projects.
• Reviews budgets, scope of work, and project invoices in processing payment reimbursements. Work may potentially involve troubleshooting and/or resolving problems in a professional manner.
• 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 bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Data Science, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources, Sustainability, Environmental or a related field.
• Two to three years of work and internship experience in agricultural water conservation, production, and irrigation water use concepts and in data analysis, research, compilation, and/or reporting work.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Agriculture, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources, Sustainability, Environmental or a related field.
• Familiar with agriculture and irrigation practices in Texas.
• Familiar with irrigation scheduling and agricultural water conservation best management practices in Texas.
• Experience in production irrigated agriculture and/or working knowledge of irrigation systems and concepts related to evapotranspiration and crop water use.
• Experience with relational databases, including querying, reviewing, and reporting data.
• Experience with data visualization using dashboards or mapping tools.
• Experience in conducting statistical analyses, database development, and management of data.
• Experience in computer programming (e.g., Python), and use of ArcGIS and remote sensing software.
• Experience with Google Earth Engine Code or other cloud computing GIS tools.
• Certified as Texas Contract Manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Agricultural Water Conservation Team, and of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques and theories.
• Knowledge of database development concepts.
• 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 the use and maintenance of scientific instruments, sensors, and remote sensing applications.
• Skills in the use of personal computers, geographic information systems, and computer programming.
• 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 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 days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability for work-related interaction with professionals in order to achieve goals and objectives.