TWDB - 25-95: Agricultural Water Conservation Specialist (Program 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 in-office requirements**

General Description

Performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves managing grant contracts, providing technical assistance, and outreach to agricultural stakeholders. Plans, develops, and implements agricultural water conservation programs and promotes agricultural water conservation best management practices. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Agricultural Water Conservation Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages grant contracts in accordance with the contract management policies and procedures.
• Develops methods for improved management of grants.
• Reviews and approves payments, receives and reviews contract deliverables, and maintains contract files.
• Provides effective technical assistance to agricultural stakeholders via email, phone, and in-person.
• Promotes agricultural water conservation by conducting outreach, attending field days, and exhibiting at trade shows and conferences.
• Provides presentations and training to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepares, assembles, and distributes educational materials on agricultural water conservation.
• Prepares, reviews, writes, and assists with processing documents and technical reports.
• Assists with the development of agricultural water conservation literature and updates to the best management practices guide.
• Collaborates in the planning, development, and implementation of the agricultural water conservation program.
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of statutes, rules, policies, and/or procedures related to agricultural water conservation.
• Researches and reviews technical papers, permits, publications, and reports.
• Performs data collection, research, analysis, and evaluations related to agricultural conservation.
• May assist with planning, coordinating, developing, and evaluating crop water use estimates and reports on statewide annual agricultural irrigation water use.
• 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 Water/Natural Resources, Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geographic Information Systems, or a related field.
• Two years of relevant work experience in water conservation, agriculture, stakeholder outreach, or other related fields.
• 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 master’s or doctorate degree in Water/Natural Resources, Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geographic Information Systems, or a related field.
• Experience in agricultural water use and conservation, managing contracts, providing technical assistance, or other related duties.
• Experience working with groundwater conservation districts, irrigation districts, river authorities, and other water management entities.
• Familiarity with agriculture production, practices, and irrigation water use in Texas.

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 days 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