Groundwater Monitoring Specialist

Job Title: Groundwater Monitoring Specialist (Hydrologist I)

The Texas Water Development Board is seeking a highly skilled Groundwater Monitoring Specialist (Hydrologist I) to join our team. As a key member of our Groundwater Monitoring Department, you will be responsible for conducting statewide inventories of wells and springs, measuring water levels, and collecting field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct statewide inventories of wells and springs, measuring water levels, and collecting field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis.
• Organize equipment ahead of field work and plan travel logistics for site visits.
• Conduct research on potential well sites from agency databases and other sources.
• Establish and maintain site access through coordination with landowners and other entities.
• Enter, proofread, and correct data in the agency databases and maintain the databases, paper files, and records.
• Provide data and/or replies to public inquiries for groundwater information and assist other TWDB departments as needed.
• Demonstrate TWDB monitoring techniques to groundwater conservation districts.
• Conduct field work and travel outside of the office for 50 percent of the time within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month requiring several consecutive overnight stays at a time.
• Assist in the analysis and interpretation of water-related data and document work performed through short reports and analysis papers, including creating maps and hydrographs.
• Attend meetings and engage in TWDB committee activities as necessary.
• May assist in the Recorder Well Program as needed to install and repair recorders, transmitters, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensure individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and disposed of in accordance with TWDB records retention procedures and schedule.
• Requires operation of a state vehicle for business purposes, including the ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed and to maintain a driver's license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Requires working alone outdoors and in remote locations, including walking over various terrains while carrying field equipment weighing up to as much as 40 lbs. in various weather conditions and pulling cables weighing up to 40 lbs. from deep wells.
• 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.
• Assists with maintaining master hard copies and electronic copies of TWDB personnel information, policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, forms, and reference materials.
• Assists with any special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Hydrology, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• One year of relevant experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology or natural resources work.
• Direct experience with and participation in field work and field data collection activities.
• Must be able and willing to conduct field work and travel 50 percent of the time throughout the State of Texas (approximately two weeks each month).
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geological Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field with emphasis in hydrology or water resources.
• More than one year of experience in hydrology and water resources work and field data collection.
• Direct experience with using groundwater monitoring equipment to collect water level measurements and water quality samples.
• Basic knowledge of Texas geology, geography, hydrologic, and hydrogeologic concepts.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems and applications to create maps displaying environmental data.
• Experience with database software, data upload/entry, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Experience in map interpretation and navigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Monitoring Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of geography, Texas geology, and hydrologic principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of groundwater level measurement and groundwater quality sample collection techniques, data collection procedures, and chemical analysis.
• Skills and proficiency in map reading, navigation, and use of hand-held GPS receivers.
• Skills in scientific data management, in collecting and assessing hydrologic data, and applying hydrologic concepts.
• 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.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work in order to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
• 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 the 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 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 and coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
• Ability to work alone outdoors and in remote locations – including walking over various terrain while carrying field equipment weighing up to as much as 40 lbs. in various weather conditions and pulling cables weighing up to 40 lbs. from deep wells.
• 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 50 percent of the time throughout the State of Texas - this equates to approximately two weeks out of the office each month, requiring several consecutive overnight stays at a time.
• Ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions.
• 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 eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

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