TWDB - 25-56: Government Relations Specialist I

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) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee 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. 

To be considered for this position, applicants must provide 3 writing samples. Applications without writing samples will not be considered. 

Each writing sample should be no more than 5 pages. Upload your 3 writing samples with your application submission.

Previous applicants for 25-56: Government Relations Specialist I will automatically be considered for this posting. There is no need to reapply. 

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Job Description Summary 

Performs complex (journey-level) legislative and consultative work of the Texas Water Development Board’s Government Relations Division. Work involves serving as a liaison between a state agency and governmental and legislative entities. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of the Government Relations Division. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Participates in agency activities related to the legislative session.
• Attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons. 
• Coordinates responses to legislative inquiries and reviews and edits legislative correspondence. 
• Coordinates communication with legislative support and executive agencies. 
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to agency management. 
• Prepares report summaries of meetings and hearings. 
• Assists with preparing reports on newly enacted laws and pending state and federal legislation. 
• Assists with developing proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff. 
• May identify a need for, develop, schedule, and conduct legislative training for employees within an agency.  
• Represents the agency at appropriate conferences and seminars.
• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with other state agencies, legislative staff, associations, organizations, advocacy groups, and the general public.
• Participates in program activities as assigned to achieve common goals and advances the work of the agency.
• 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 Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Policy, Planning, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• One year of relevant work or internship experience in government relations or related field.
• Experience writing a variety of documents.
• Submission of three writing samples with the application.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate-level degree with major coursework in Business Administration, Marketing, Policy, Planning, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Experience related to local, state, or federal water policy.
• Experience with water planning, science, conservation, infrastructure financing, or natural resources policy.
• Experience with responding to legislative requests.
• Experience with development of policy recommendations.
• Experience writing legislation, legislative recommendations or testimony
• Experience writing legislative correspondence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Government Relations Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Texas water laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process and practice.
• Knowledge of program planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, strategic planning, personnel management, and leadership techniques.
• Skills in conducting research, evaluating research findings, and drafting responses to inquiries and position papers.
• Skills in diplomatically providing information to both internal and external customers.
• Skills in effectively conveying information and encouraging an exchange of ideas.
• Skills in identifying, defining, and solving problems.
• 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.
• Ability to use a legislative tracking system.
• Ability to remain flexible and calm under pressure.
• Ability to learn from mistakes and not take decisions personally.
• Ability to focus on job responsibilities.
• Ability to adjust to changing workplace demands.
• 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 with to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 25% 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 eight 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