TWBD - 25-86: Agricultural Water Geographic Information Specialist (Geographic Information Specialist III)

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. 

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

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

General Description

Performs highly complex (senior-level) geographic information system work involving the input and manipulation of geographic information to develop annual estimates of agricultural irrigation water use in Texas. Work involves the development of complex remote sensing methodologies for estimating statewide irrigation water use, collecting and validating data, and mapping crop field boundaries. Performs quality control and statistical analysis of irrigation water use data. Prepares technical reports and maps on statewide irrigation and agricultural water use trends. May train others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Agricultural Water Conservation Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, coordinates, develops, and analyzes crop water use estimates using Geographic Information Systems and reports on statewide annual agricultural irrigation water use. 
• Performs assessments of irrigation water use data to assist with monitoring trends in agricultural water use.
• Compiles, evaluates, and interprets geographic data from various sources including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
• Enters required data into a geographic information system. 
• Collects, compiles, reviews, and validates irrigation metering data reported by program participants in the voluntary irrigation metering program.
• Develops maps of statewide agricultural irrigation water use by crop and irrigation rates. 
• Evaluates metering data for comparison with the annual irrigation water use estimates.
• Evaluates software for remote sensing applications, agricultural irrigation analysis, and data management and validation.
• Updates existing published reports and prepares new reports on irrigation water use, agricultural water conservation trends, and irrigation best management practices in Texas.
• Troubleshoots and tests system issues for geographic information system.
• Provides technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducts outreach to stakeholders via email, phone, and in person at field days and other public events.
• Performs the duties of a contract manager as required by contract guidelines.
• Monitors progress of agricultural water conservation grant projects related to irrigation water use.
• Serves as a point of contact between TWDB and Contractors in collecting quarterly reports and monitoring progress of grant projects.
• Reviews budgets, scope of work, and project invoices in processing payment reimbursements. Work may potentially involve troubleshooting and/or resolving problems in a professional manner.
• 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 Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Water Resource Management, Agriculture or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant work experience using Geographic Information Systems for water data analysis, research, compilation, and/or reporting work.
• Experience with computer programming (e.g., Python), ArcGIS Pro, and remote sensing (e.g., Google Earth Engine Code or other cloud computing GIS tools).
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a Master's or Doctorate in Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Water Resource Management, Agriculture or a related field.
• Experience in production irrigated agriculture and/or working knowledge of irrigation systems, evapotranspiration, and crop water use.
• Experience with relational databases, including querying, reviewing, reporting, visualizing, and managing data.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Agricultural Water Conservation Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques, theories, and database development concepts.
• 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 the use and maintenance of scientific instruments, sensors, and remote sensing applications.
• Skills in the use of personal computers, geographic information systems, and computer programming.
• 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 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 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