TWDB - 26-97: Municipal Water Conservation Specialist/Water Loss Specialist (Program Specialist III)

Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)•Austin, TX

8d•$5,134 - $5,293•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking a Municipal Water Conservation Specialist/Water Loss Specialist to perform complex consultative services and technical assistance work. This role involves assisting utilities across the state with their water loss audits, water loss audit validations, water conservation plans, and annual reports. The specialist will also provide training on these processes, review and analyze submitted documents for data errors and compliance with statutory and loan application requirements, and offer technical assistance to all stakeholders. This position supports the activities of the Municipal Water Conservation Department and may involve training others. The role operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, reporting to the Municipal Water Conservation Department Manager.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Water Resources, Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Sciences, Engineering, Planning, or a related field.
Three years of relevant work experience in water loss, water utility operations and processes, water conservation, conservation reporting or other areas related to the job duties.
Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Municipal Water Conservation Department.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
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 identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
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 all 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.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources/Sciences, Engineering, Planning, or a related field.
Experience with water loss and related terminology, calculations, and industry standards.
Experience in best management practices related to water conservation and water loss.
Experience in water loss audits, water loss validation and related reporting requirements in in Texas and other states.
Experience in water utility operations and processes, and conservation reporting.
Experience in preparing, writing, and editing reports.
Experience in data analysis and reporting, both verbally and in writing.
Experience in public speaking, customer service, and stakeholder interaction.

Responsibilities

Serves as primary support staff members for water loss or water conservation plans and annual reports.
Reviews municipal water conservation plans and annual reports for utilities.
Conducts water loss audit reviews and validations for utilities.
Analyzes water loss audits or water conservation plans and annual reports for data errors and fixes them.
Reaches out and meets with utilities to discuss their water loss audits and validations or water conservation plans and annual reports.
Provides technical assistance and training to water utilities on how to complete and submit a water loss audit or water conservation plan and annual report.
Follows process documents for water loss validation and completes and saves proper documentation.
Prepares summary reports for water loss audit validations.
Tracks and reports lessons learned for water loss validations conducted over the year.
Uses Microsoft Bookings and Planner to manage and track water loss validations.
Uses Microsoft Teams to conduct water loss validation meetings.
Filters excel sheets to obtain water loss audit submittals.
Completes summaries of water conservation plans for TWDB loan applications.
Calculates water loss thresholds and completes water loss documentation for TWDB loan applications.
Maintains and updates process documents relating to conducting validation of water loss audits and reviews of water loss thresholds, waiver requests, water conservation plans and annual reports.
Proficient with the online application used by utilities to submit audits, plans, and reports.
Recommend improvements to the online application based on user and stakeholder input.
Completes user authorized testing for application enhancements and new year setup.
Maintains inventory of leak detection equipment including tracking units loaned to water utilities.
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 require 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.