TDA - FIN - CDBG Grant Program Specialist (58574)

TDA - FIN - CDBG Grant Program Specialist Organization: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Primary Location: Texas-AustinWork Locations: SFA OFFICES AUSTIN - 2 FLOOR 1700 N. Congress Ste. 1100 Austin 78701

Job: Office and Administrative Support

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-timeStandard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

State Job Code:

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 21 20

Salary (Pay Basis): 4, , Monthly)

Number of Openings: 1

Overtime Status: Exempt

Job Posting: Nov 13, 2025, 12:27:19 PM

Closing Date: Dec 2, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Description

CDBG GRANT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

(Contract Specialist/Coordinator, Project Management or Community Program Administration)

Salary Information: B19, $4,450; B21, $5, $5,302.50/MO.

State Classification: Grant Specialist II/III – 1920/1921

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/Exempt

Posting Number: R

Location: Austin, TX

Telework Option:TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physical present for work.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, grants, and contracting.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The CDBG Grant Specialist will perform complex/highly complex grant administration and technical assistance work associated with the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) program and other community and economic development programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). You will be responsible for completing various complex/ highly complex federal planning, program design and reporting requirements for approved grant applications. Work under general/limited supervision with moderate/considerate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

In addition, the following apply to the Grant Specialist III position:

The Grants Specialist III may serve as a subject matter expert providing direction to others.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Review and evaluate complex grant applications submitted for funding assistance to determine eligibility, completeness, scoring, and compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to TDA programs. Develop funding recommendations and draft grant agreements for projects to be awarded.

Provide technical assistance to rural communities, governmental agencies, community organizations, small businesses and the general public to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in CDBG programs and services and to secure support for rural areas. Serve on task forces, panels or teams as assigned.

Participate in planning, developing and evaluating the effectiveness of programs or projects to assist rural Texas with community development, economic development, planning and housing needs.

Assist as the subject matter expert with one or more specialized compliance areas, such as federal labor standards, competitive procurement, or environmental review, as assigned. Assist with record retention activities and Public Information Requests related to the CDBG program.

Assist in updating the TxCDBG Project Implementation Manual, standard operating procedures, and external or internal training opportunities, as assigned.

Remain apprised of changes and updates to CDBG policies, rules and regulations. Conduct research as assigned to contribute to the division's understanding of federal, state, and program requirements.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition, the following primary responsibilities apply to the Grant Specialist III position:

Review and evaluate complex to highly complex grant applications submitted for funding assistance to determine eligibility, completeness, scoring, and compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to TDA programs. Develop funding recommendations and draft grant agreements for projects to be awarded.

Serve as the subject matter expert with one or more specialized compliance areas, such as federal labor standards, competitive procurement, or environmental review, as assigned. Assist with record retention activities and Public Information Requests related to the CDBG program.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST II - B19, $4,450.00 /MO. (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).

Work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist/coordinator, contract specialist/coordinator, project management, public engagement, or community program administration.

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related field may substitute for required work experience.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION FOR GRANT SPECIALIST III - B21, $5, $5,302.50/MO. (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).

Two (2) years work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist/coordinator, contract specialist/coordinator, project management, public engagement, or community program administration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field.

Work experience with CDBG programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of CDBG program and its policies, rules, or regulations; CDBG programs application development and/or contract administration and accounting methods and systems and generally accepted auditing standards and procedures.

Skill in public speaking and making presentations to groups; providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers; operating a computer with applicable software.

Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; and to communicate effectively. Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; and to communicate effectively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position 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 work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 15%*), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA 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.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa

BENEFITS

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:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

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 Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• 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

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

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.

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 Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

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.

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 for assistance.

Go to , , or for assistance 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 Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes.