20-16 Agricultural Water Conservation Specialist (Natural Resources Specialist II)

Performs complex (journey-level) natural resources and technical assistance work. Work involves assisting with planning, developing, and implementing agricultural water conservation programs, managing grant contracts, providing technical assistance and outreach to agricultural stakeholders, local political subdivisions, and the public. Promotes agricultural water conservation best management practices. 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.

· Manages grant contracts in accordance with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) contract management policies and procedures.

· Reviews and approves payments, receives and reviews contract deliverables, and maintains contract files.

· Performs data collection, research, analysis, evaluations, inspections, or surveys to determine the impact on natural resources.

· Provides effective technical assistance to agricultural stakeholders via email, phone, and in-person.

· Represents the agency by attending field days and exhibiting at trade shows and conferences.

· Provides outreach to the public in promoting water conservation.

· Prepares, assembles, and distributes educational materials; and conducts educational presentations and training programs.

· Assists with the development of conservation literature and updates to the best management practices guide.

· Collaborates in the planning, development, and implementation of programs.

· Monitors and reviews compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for assigned program.

· Prepares comprehensive reviews of literature, statutes, rules, and/or policies and prepares administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.

· Researches, prepares and reviews technical papers, permits, publications, and reports.

· May provide guidance to 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.

· Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Water Resources, Agriculture, Business, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.

· Three years of internship, volunteer activities, work experience, and/or education and training related to the job duties.

· Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Water Resources, Agriculture, Business, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Resources, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.

· More than three years of work experience managing contracts, providing customer service, or other related duties.

· Familiarity with production agriculture, irrigation water use concepts, and water resources.

· Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to agriculture, water science, conservation, and the principles and practices of public administration.

· Knowledge in the contract management and state government contracting principles and practices.

· Knowledge of irrigation water use concepts and agricultural best management practices.

· 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 of ArcGIS software.

· 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 assist with the management and oversight of department initiatives and projects.

· Ability to relate and understand concerns of agricultural and rural stakeholders.

· 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 with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.

· Ability and willingness to travel 20% 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.

Please see complete job description at http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/index.asp