TDA - Finance - Grant Specialist (67060)

The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, and contracting. The Grants Office oversees numerous state and federal grant programs, including but not limited to: Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Program, Rural Nursing Stipends, Agriculture Grants, State Trade Expansion Program, Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance, Home Delivered Meals Grant, Urban Schools Agricultural Grant, Boll Weevil Eradication, Surplus Agricultural Grant, Specialty Crop Block Grant, and the State of Texas Agricultural Relief program.

Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Location: This position will report to one of the following TDA locations: Austin (HQ). 
 

WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Grants Specialist will perform highly complex grant administration work including preparing, monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating all aspects of multiple programs, including those impacting rural hospitals, small businesses, non-profits and agricultural producers. Your primary tasks will include reviewing grant reimbursements and administrative review of grant applications. You will perform additional work including planning, implementation, and coordination for assigned grant programs. You may serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Coordinate and approve requests for reimbursement from grantees.

Review grant applications submitted for funding consideration and determine eligibility for award based on established criteria, coordinate review panels, and evaluations of grant applications.

Develop grant agreement details for grant award execution, review requests for grant agreement revisions.

Coordinate and maintain grant files and records and perform timely and accurate data entry of information.

Respond to constituent requests/concerns in an accurate and timely manner, either in writing, telephone or in person. This may include training/consultative and technical guidance to staff, agencies/grantees, counties and community organizations regarding grant application process, reporting and general grantee requirements.

Ensure grantee compliance with conditions of grant award by monitoring and analyzing agreements, expenses, activities, and federal and state regulations.

Address issues, develop solutions and resolve non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving discrepancies and complaints or other concerns.

Review grant closeout materials to determine completion of the project.

Maintain/update program guidelines/procedures and policies.

Assist in the coordination of special activities and projects, as needed.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned. 
 

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS Careers or WIT - experience listed on the application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:
Bachelor's degree (One year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Two (2) years work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grant management, contract coordination, accounting, reimbursement, or compliance.
 

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Agriculture, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field.

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and/or contract administration; business administration principles and practices; and of research and budgeting processes.

Skill in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; report writing; budget development and monitoring; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgement and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. 
 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Requires working in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 5%). 

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship 
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Background Checks
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

*A valid government-issued driver¿s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver¿s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Foreign Credentials
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:

Foreign Credential Services of America
1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411
Phone: 512-459-8428

SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713-266-8805

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842
Phone: 512-528-0908

 

Apply online via CAPPS Careers. Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers to be considered for the position. 

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview. 

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Careers Section, you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting "My Job Applications". Note: applicants who apply through Work In Texas, to be considered for the position, you must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers.  

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7423 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance in translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor¿s Office at MOS Property Management and Procurement Codes.