24-90 - Geospatial Analyst (Geographic Information Specialist 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) geographic information system work for the River Science and Hydrosurvey Program. This Program focuses on conducting bathymetric and sedimentation surveys of reservoirs and studies of surface water-groundwater interactions, environmental (instream) flows, and geomorphology of rivers. This position primarily serves to furnish lake owners and water planners with updated information about the storage capacity of state reservoirs for use in planning for the present and future water needs of Texans. Work involves assisting with the processing and dissemination of geospatial data. Conducts GIS analysis of lake volumetric and lake sediment data. Prepares elevation-area-capacity tables and contour maps of surveyed lakes. Evaluates bathymetric data, interprets results, and prepares technical reports. Communicates with management and customers on reservoir capacity and sedimentation issues. Documents and contributes to improving procedures for processing and analyzing lake survey data. May participate in field data collection for the River Science and Hydrosurvey Program, as needed. May train others. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the River Science and Hydrosurvey Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Processes and analyzes hydrographic survey data, topographic data, and sediment core samples.
• Quantifies reservoir volumetric and sedimentation survey results and produce elevation-area-capacity tables.
• Compiles, evaluates, and interprets geographic data from various sources including field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
• Enters required data into a geographic information system. 
• Digitizes, analyzes, and maintains spatial databases of relevant information.
• Documents procedures.
• Validates data for accuracy and completeness.
• Completes approved metadata forms, and produces maps of the resulting information. 
• Creates and analyzes lidar data and GIS files and performs data processing quality-control duties. 
• Prepares technical reports describing methodology, results, and recommendations.  
• Produces pre-field survey documents and provides logistical support for field surveys.
• Provides quality customer service and technical support to management, customers, and clients.
• Prepares and maintains work process documents and manuals describing internal procedures.
• Trains staff in the use of software and programmatic procedures and reporting.
• Assists in developing improvements to data analysis techniques.
• May serve as a contract manager and assist in the management of receivable contracts.
• May collect bathymetric data and sediment core samples as part of field investigations.  
• 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.
• May travel up to 5% of the time.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Civil Engineering, Geography, Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• Five years of experience conducting GIS, water resources, or natural resources work.
• Experience using ESRI’s ArcGIS software product suite.
• Experience processing, analyzing, interpreting, and displaying scientific datasets in different formats.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Civil Engineering, Geographic Information Sciences, Geography, Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer by the State of Texas or Certification as an Engineer-in-Training.
• Experience collecting, managing, and/or analyzing water resources, terrain, and other geospatial data.
• Experience running, modifying, and testing automation tools and scripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAS)

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to the River Science & Hydrosurvey Department, including water management in Texas.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, and/or ecological principles, techniques, and procedures as applied to reservoirs and riverine systems, including relevant mathematics and statistical methods.
• Knowledge of terminology related to geographic information systems, including legal descriptions, cartography, engineering, construction plans, aerial photography, and orthophotography.
• Knowledge in the use of surveying tools, equipment, and instruments, including use of GPS systems.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and Teams.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in writing technical reports and memos, project proposals, and other programmatic documents.
• Skills in scientific data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation, particularly of hydrographic survey and sediment data.
• Skills in solving problems.
• Skills in testing, installing, and implementing geographic information system programs.
• Skills in the use of applicable software; and in troubleshooting system issues. 
• Skills in the use of GIS and hydrographic survey software (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, HYPACK, etc.).
• Skills in processing aerial imagery, satellite imagery, lidar, historical USGS topographic quad maps, etc.
• Skills in the use of programming and scripting languages (e.g., Python.), Unix/Linux operating systems, or numerical/visualization tools (e.g., Scipy/Numpy, matplotlib, Matlab, R, SAS, etc.).
• Skills in project management and contract administration, including developing scopes-of-work.
• Ability to develop, utilize, and interpret riverine hydraulic, hydrologic, and sedimentation models. 
• Ability to analyze geographic information systems and procedures; to read and interpret surveys, legal descriptions, cartography, engineering documents, construction plans, aerial photography, and orthophotography; and to communicate effectively. 
• Ability to use mechanical equipment (i.e., boat motor, trailer, etc.) and surveying tools and instruments, including GPS systems (e.g., Trimble, Hypack, depth sounders, etc.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• 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 or persist until tasks are completed.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to assist in field operations and perform duties as assigned without direct supervision.
• Ability to 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 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 5% 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