24-84 - Senior Field Technician (Hydrologist III) - Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. 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.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

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) 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 our employee 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 highly complex (senior-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. Coordinates, prepares, and executes fieldwork. Uses GIS applications to assist in site identification and prioritization. Develops working relationships with landowners, private contractors, university professors, and hardware vendors to facilitate station deployment and meteorological data collection. This job requires extensive travel. Serves as a lead worker providing direction to others when conducting field work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the TexMesonet Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates installation and maintenance fieldwork, including scheduling, preparing, and executing field trips relating to the production, deployment, and maintenance of earth observation stations.
• Serves as lead field personnel during field installation and maintenance trips. 
• Constructs and maintains earth observation station structures. 
• Prepares, calibrates, and troubleshoots meteorological, electrical, and data logger equipment for stations.
• Analyses and validates hydrometeorological data collected from TexMesonet and collaborator network stations.
• Performs site suitability analyses for hydrometeorological station installations. 
• 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.
• 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 75% of the time. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Meteorology, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant work experience conducting environmental resources fieldwork in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, water resources, or a related field.
• Experience in coordinating fieldwork involving meteorology or water resources. 
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Graduate degree or working towards completion of a graduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Meteorology, or a related field.
• Experience in designing and installing electronic instrumentation systems.
• Experience in Geographic Information Systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the TexMesonet Department. 
• Knowledge 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 engineering and data analysis techniques and theories.
• 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 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.
• 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 50 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 75% 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. 

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 https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page 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