TWDB - 25-54: Groundwater Modeler (Geologic Specialist II/Hydrologist II)

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) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these 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***

Salary Ranges:

• Geologic Specialist II:  $5,300.00/month - $5,914.75/month***
• Hydrologist II:  $5,300.00/month - $5,800.00/month***

Job Description Summary

Performs complex (journey-level) geosciences or hydrological work. Work involves the compilation and documentation of source information, adherence to set processes and standards, and use and manipulation of various programming scripts. Develops and calibrates numerical groundwater flow models, and analyzes and interprets groundwater modeling results and water budgets. Utilizes GIS software to prepare maps, geodatabases, process data, and/or review input/output from models. Writes reports and provides presentations. Reviews, analyzes, coordinates, and/or oversees the collection and analysis of data and samples for technical reports and projects. Prepares, reviews, and/or evaluates model designs, results, analysis and reports. Ensures compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. May train others. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Modeling Department. 

Essential Job Functions

• Collects and reviews technical data, analyzes findings, assists with data calculations, and the development of recommendations for programs or projects. 
• Conducts scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. This includes statutorily required model simulations, development of groundwater models, water budget analysis, model-related data evaluations, and documentation of related activities. 
• Studies and documents quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of groundwater and surface water in support of groundwater modeling. 
• Maintains and prepares records and reports, presents technical evaluations, and plans.
• Implements technical projects and completes design preparation, plans, estimates, and calculations.
• May develop or use hydrogeologic models for various applications.
• Reviews the activities of contractors funded through the Groundwater Modeling Program.
• Researches and delivers written and verbal responses to public, inter, and intra-agency inquiries, may include presentations at public meetings summarizing modeling studies and simulations.
• Adheres to and develops quality assurance procedures.
• May train or mentor others.
• 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. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Geology, Hydrogeology, Natural Resources, Geography, or a related field.
• Work Experience:
  • Geologic Specialist II - Two years of work experience in a related field.
  • Hydrologist II -Two years of work experience in a related field.
• License:
  • Geologic Specialist - Geoscientist-in-Training license is required.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in groundwater modeling.
• Experience in programming in Python.
• Experience in groundwater modeling using MODFLOW and/or FloPy.
• Familiar with the Groundwater Modeling Program.
• Experience in developing and interpreting numerical groundwater flow models, including analyzing water budgets.
• Experience in setting up predictive simulations to interpret changes in water levels or discharge to surface water, extracting data for estimates of groundwater volumes, and using PEST for model calibration or optimization.
• Experience with developing, using, or manipulating programs/scripts for model data extraction, adjustments to model files, and/or to process and manipulate ASCII data files for scientific applications. Examples may include Python, SQL, Fortran, or PERL.
• Experience with GIS applications, prefer experience using ESRI ArcPro software product suite with knowledge of the spatial analyst extension and exposure to geodatabase use and design.
• Experience or familiarity with ArcPy or use of Python scripting within the ArcGIS geoprocessing environment to perform geospatial data analysis, data conversion, data management, and automated map and table reports.
• Experience or familiarity with geostatistical methods.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Access.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Modeling Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of basic hydrological and geological concepts, techniques, and analysis.
• Knowledge of numerical groundwater flow modeling.
• Knowledge in developing and/or using commercial pre- and post-processors for numerical groundwater flow models.
• Knowledge of programming including the ability/aptitude to acquire, manipulate, and develop water resources data in multiple formats and/or from various sources.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and aptitude to visualize three-dimensionally.
• Knowledge of the principles of groundwater flow including various components of the water budget.
• 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 using programs such as Outlook, Sharepoint, OneDrive. 
• Skills in conducting virtual meetings using Teams.
• Skills in designing and implementing regional and local spatial analysis for groundwater studies.
• Skill in writing, editing, and reviewing technical scientific reports.
• 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 and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• 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 up to 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.

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