TWDB - 26-112: GW Modeler (Geoscientist I-II/Hydrologist II-III)

Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)•Austin, TX

2d•$5,800 - $7,166•Onsite

About The Position

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. This role involves complex to highly complex geosciences or hydrological work, including the compilation and documentation of source information, adherence to processes and standards, and the use of programming scripts. The position will develop and calibrate numerical groundwater flow models, analyze and interpret groundwater modeling results and water budgets, and utilize GIS software for data preparation and analysis. Responsibilities include writing reports, conducting presentations, reviewing data collection and analysis, and ensuring compliance with statutes and regulations. The role may involve training others and requires general to limited supervision with latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Modeling Department.

Requirements

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.
At least two years of experience performing geosciences or hydrological work.
Geoscientist I - Two years of relevant experience and must be licensed as a Professional Geoscientist by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.
Geoscientist II - Five years of relevant experience and licensed as a Professional Geoscientist by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.
Hydrologist II - Two years of relevant experience.
Hydrologist III - Five years of relevant experience.
Experience in groundwater modeling using MODFLOW and/or FloPy.
Experience in programming in Python.
Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Familiar with the Groundwater Modeling Program.
Experience in developing and interpreting numerical groundwater flow models, including analyzing water budgets. 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 using Python and or/SQL.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
Studies and documents quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of groundwater and surface water in support of groundwater modeling.
Maintains and prepares records and reports and 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 present 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.