Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 25B Information Technology Specialist, 183X Intelligence Officer, 15AX Operations Analysis Officer, or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) ecological data analysis and modeling work for the Surface Water Division. Work involves developing, maintaining, and applying statistical and ecological models to support freshwater inflow needs and environmental impact analysis, water resources planning, and oil spill response. Investigates, develops, and implements the use of quantitative methods and data for hydro-ecological modeling and analyses. Provides technical support in the planning, execution, and summary of scientific and engineering field studies of state streams, rivers, bays, and estuaries. Attends public meetings and provides technical support to stakeholders and customers. Communicates modeling analyses and study results to general and technical audiences. May train others. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Coastal Science Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts statistical data analysis and ecological modeling of state surface water resources, primarily to evaluate freshwater inflow needs and impacts for Texas estuaries.
Investigates, develops, maintains, and applies quantitative ecological methods, data, and models.
Assists with implementation of ecological modules for hydrodynamic models of Texas estuaries.
Conducts systematic and comprehensive literature reviews on related topics such as coastal ecology, modeling, and oil spills.
Initiates scientific studies including the development of detailed scopes of works for contracted studies.
Performs and leads existing or new outreach programs initiated by the Coastal Science Department.
Writes, executes, and maintains relevant R, Python, and ArcGIS programs and scripts.
Writes, reviews, and evaluates technical memos, reports, work process, and policy documents.
Develops, coordinates, and conducts program outreach activities targeting key stakeholders.
Delivers presentations on study results to technical and non-technical audiences.
Works with other departments to post updates of data and publications to the agency website.
Provides data, models, information, and technical support to stakeholder groups, scientific committees, and customers.
Serves as subject matter expert for research and monitoring contracts.
Participates in field studies, including planning, on-site work, and data acquisition, management, and analysis.
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 and operation of boats and equipment.
May perform work outdoors on boats and possibly during inclement weather or under hot and cold temperatures.
Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Environmental Science/Engineering, or a related field
Two years of relevant work experience in statistical or quantitative modeling and analysis of biological communities, population dynamics, ecosystems, or similar topics.
Experience with scientific programming in Python or R.
Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree, or working towards completion of a graduate degree, in from an accredited college or university in Biology, Ecology, Statistics/Data Science, Oceanography, Environmental Science/Engineering, or a closely related field.
Three or more years of experience in statistical or quantitative modeling and analysis of biological communities, population dynamics, or ecosystems, with an emphasis on estuarine, coastal, or marine ecosystems.
Experience with advanced statistical methods, including hierarchical Bayesian modeling, multivariate statistics, and/or spatiotemporal statistics.
Experience in linking hydrological, hydrodynamics, water quality, or nutrient analyses or models into ecological modeling/analysis systems.
Experience in mechanistic ecological modeling, such as biophysical or food-web models.
Advanced programming/computational abilities including experience with probabilistic programming (PyMC, Stan, NIMBLE, or similar HMC/MCMC methods), data visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, ggplot2), and dashboard creation (PowerBI, Shiny, Streamlit)
Experience in project management and stakeholder outreach/engagement.
Strong data management and technical skills including demonstrated experience with Git/Github and Unix/Linux command line workflows.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Coastal Science Department and Surface Water Division.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Knowledge of scientific, statistical, modeling, ecological, and hydrological principles, techniques, and 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 developing, applying, or running ecological or other computational/numerical models.
Skills in project management and grant/contract administration, including time-management and prioritization.
Skills in effective written and oral communications.
Skills in conducting systematic and comprehensive literature reviews.
Skills in scientific data collection, management, interpretation, visualization and dissemination, particularly of ecological and hydrologic data.
Skills in using numerical/visualization tools (e.g., Scipy/Numpy, Matplotlib, PowerBI, etc).
Skills in programming/scripting languages, such as R and Python, or equivalent, for developing and modifying software and scripts for conducting analyses and to maintain automated processes.
Skills in statistical, modeling, and spatial data analysis techniques (e.g., ArcGIS, etc.).
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
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 with others in a team environment and cooperate with supervisors, co-workers, and others.
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 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 shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to train others.

REMARKS

A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants should complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

Reference checks will be conducted on top candidate for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

All interviewed candidates must complete the HR-101 - Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA-48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

JOB LOCATION

Candidate must be able to report to and work from the noted work location and comply with the agency¿s Return to Office (RTO) requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS

An evaluation of your coursework must be uploaded if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, you will not receive credit for degree progress and completion.

SPONSORSHIP

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

TWDB participates in E-Verify! Information from each new employee¿s Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at-will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 475-2142

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About Texas Water Development Board

Texas Water Development Board

Austin, Texas

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