TWDB - 26-123 Recorder Program Geoscientist (Geoscientist II)

Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)•Austin, TX

4d•$6,000 - $6,667•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking a highly complex (senior-level) geoscientist to perform groundwater monitoring work, primarily in support of the TWDB Recorder Well Program. This role involves installing and maintaining a statewide network of automated groundwater monitoring systems for remote data collection. The position requires collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geological and hydrogeological data, including work on cross-office projects related to surface water and groundwater interaction. Responsibilities include reviewing, downloading, and formatting recorder data with quality assurance/quality control procedures, creating hydrographs, maps, and reports, and participating in special investigations. The role requires independent work, extensive travel within Texas, and may involve training others. The position operates under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, reporting to the Manager of the Groundwater Monitoring Department.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field.
Five years of relevant work experience performing geosciences work.
Licensed as a Professional Geoscientist by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.
Must be able and willing to conduct fieldwork and overnight travel 50% of the time throughout the State of Texas (approximately two weeks each month).
Proficiency with basic hand tools, low-voltage wiring, and electronics testing equipment.
Requires operation of a state vehicle for business purposes, including the ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed and to maintain a driver's license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Monitoring Department.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Knowledge of geography, Texas geology, and geosciences principles, concepts, and techniques.
Knowledge of geosciences testing methods, processes, and procedures.
Knowledge of the practical application of geosciences and technology.
Knowledge of groundwater data collection procedures and dissemination techniques.
Knowledge of recorder well installation, maintenance, and monitoring techniques.
Knowledge of water well construction standards and requirements.
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 using programs such as Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive and conducting virtual meetings using Teams and similar platforms.
Skills in communicating politely and effectively with a variety of people in order to collect data, perform research, perform services, or engage in related activities.
Skills in scientific data management.
Skills in collecting and assessing geological, geochemical, geohydrological, and geophysical data.
Skills and proficiency in construction trades, including carpentry, electrical work, and welding.
Skills and proficiency in map-reading, navigation, and use of hand-held GPS receivers.
Skills in using GIS applications and other applicable software and in applying statistical procedures.
Skills in using logic and reasoning and applying critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and to evaluate data quality and determine whether data products are reasonable and supported.
Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
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 and coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to identify areas of potential problems and devise solutions.
Ability to plan and coordinate projects, conduct inspections, and apply geological concepts.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts, prepare reports, and create maps documenting program monitoring locations and data collection activities.
Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 40 lbs.
Ability to work alone outdoors and in remote locations – including walking over various terrain while carrying field equipment weighing up to as much as 40 lbs. in various weather conditions and pulling cables weighing up to 40 lbs. from deep wells.
Ability to work with a partner when performing physically intensive tasks with field equipment weighing up to as much as 80 lbs. or as needed for site work.
Ability and willingness to travel 50% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
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 operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions as needed.
Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to train others.

Nice To Haves

Relevant work experience, training, or volunteer work related to hydrology, hydrogeology, or water resources.
Direct experience with and participation in field work and field data collection activities related to water resources, environmental monitoring, or sensor/electronics instrumentation system deployment and troubleshooting/maintenance.
Experience using groundwater monitoring equipment to collect water-level measurements.
Experience installing and maintaining data loggers, water-level sensors, telemetry systems, or electronic instrumentation systems.
Experience conducting aquifer testing and interpreting associated results.
Basic knowledge of Texas geology, geography, hydrologic, and hydrogeologic concepts.
Basic knowledge of water well construction standards and requirements.
Experience using Microsoft Excel or similar software tools.
Experience using ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, or data visualization platforms, such as Power Bi.
Experience using Microsoft SQL Server tools or similar database applications.
Experience performing data downloads/uploads and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
Experience preparing technical data and maps and writing reports.
Relevant experience in outreach, public service, or public assistance.

Responsibilities

Install and repair recorders, transmitters, water-level sensors, dataloggers, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment for the Recorder Well Program.
Conduct statewide well inventories, measure water levels in wells, and collect field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis.
Conduct borehole camera inspections and aquifer testing to assess well integrity and construction.
Conduct or coordinate geological and hydrogeological field studies or technical projects to collect and evaluate data for various applications.
Prepare, organize, and troubleshoot equipment for field installation.
Plan travel logistics for site visits and ensure completion of field assignments within prescribed time periods.
Follow all required site visit documentation and equipment protocols and processes.
Collect, review, analyze, interpret, and manage geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, and recorder well data.
Prepare plans, estimates, and calculations or develop recommendations for programs and projects.
Conduct research on potential well sites and assist in reviewing well completion information.
Establish and maintain site access through coordination with landowners and other entities.
Perform data system updates to document field activities and recorder maintenance.
Enter, proofread, and correct data in agency databases and inventory tracking systems.
Review, download, format, upload, and quality-check recorder data using established Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures.
Use spreadsheet, database, and data visualization tools to identify trends and potential data issues.
Assist the Recorder Program Team Lead with research and purchases of recorder equipment.
Work on projects that advance understanding of surface water and groundwater interaction in Texas.
Prepare and review records, reports, technical data, and maps.
Provide data and/or replies to public inquiries for groundwater information.
Assist other TWDB departments as needed.
Demonstrate TWDB recorder maintenance tasks and monitoring techniques.
Provide outreach to groundwater conservation districts and landowners.
Assist with training and operational documents and educational materials for the Recorder Well Program.
May review the activities of contractors, operators, and civic authorities.
Attend meetings and engage in TWDB committee activities.
Prepare and conduct presentations for cooperators/districts, agency staff, or management.
Maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
Adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
Make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
Perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
Perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
Perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
Complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
Interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
Provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to all stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
Work and cooperate with others in a team environment and coordinate with other staff to ensure continuity and consistency.
Manage multiple tasks and schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
Identify areas of potential problems and devise solutions.
Plan and coordinate projects, conduct inspections, and apply geological concepts.
Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts, prepare reports, and create maps documenting program monitoring locations and data collection activities.
Maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Ensure individual and team files are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
Maintain required certifications and licenses and meet the continuing education needs and requirements of the position.
Perform other duties as assigned.