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21-16 River Science Hydrologist (Hydrologist II/III)

Texas Water Development Board
Email
Only candidates who apply via email to (HR “at” TWDB.texas.gov) with an official State of Texas Application or through the WorkInTexas.com website will be considered for this position. View this position and apply at https://tinyurl.com/y59u83na
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours 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
Job Description Summary
Performs complex (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) hydrological work and provides technical and field support for the River Science program in the Surface Water Division. Work involves leading and conducting field studies in Texas rivers to collect the necessary datasets for supporting hydraulic, hydrologic, and sedimentation models to support environmental flow, instream flow, and other studies for regional and state flood planning. Work includes coordinating the collection, processing, QA/QC, archiving, and dissemination of river survey data, as well as GIS modeling and analysis of hydrologic and hydraulic systems; maintaining data collection equipment, vehicles, hardware and software; preparing reports; and conducting scientific studies of ecological, hydrologic, or hydraulic nature. May train others. Works under general to limited supervision, with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the River Science Department.
Essential Job Functions
  • Provides technical support of field studies, including planning, on-site work, equipment installation, and data acquisition, management, documentation, and dissemination, for the River Science Department.
  • Coordinates with staff of other entities, scientific peer review groups, and stakeholders to plan and conduct studies.
  • Coordinates the collection and compilation of river survey data; prepares charts, graphs, and spreadsheets.
  • Creates GIS files of river bathymetry and performs data processing quality-control duties.
  • Edits and analyzes river survey data; uses data processing software packages to quantify survey results.
  • Participates in external stakeholder committees, such as for the Senate Bill 2 (2001) Texas Instream Flows Program and Senate Bill 3 (2007) environmental flows process.
  • Writes, reviews, and evaluates technical reports describing methodology and results and makes recommendations regarding findings; provides presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Documents field methods, data, analysis procedures, and results in written reports and by other means.
  • Uses personal computers and hydroacoustic software/equipment, including GPS surveying systems.
  • Maintains, transports, and operates boats on Texas water bodies to collect bathymetric and geomorphic data.
  • Serves as contract manager for research and monitoring contracts including review of contractors work products.
  • Performs work outdoors on boats and possibly during inclement weather or under hot or cold temperatures.
  • Requires workdays to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
  • May travel up to 40% of the time.
  • 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 agencys 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 major coursework in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Biology or related field with emphasis in hydrology, hydrodynamics, aquatic biology, water resources, or scientific computing.
  • Three to five years of experience conducting studies of surface water hydrology, riverine systems, environmental flows, or related experience.
  • Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Hydrology, Natural Sciences, Resource Management, Engineering, or Physical Sciences with emphasis in hydrologic/hydraulic/ hydrodynamic modeling, surface water resources, riverine ecology, or a related field.
  • More than five years of experience conducting studies of surface water hydrology, riverine systems, environmental flows, or related experience.
  • Experience leading or participating in studies of surface water hydrology, riverine systems, and environmental or instream flows, or related experience.
  • Experience with surveying and water quality, level, and velocity equipment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the River Science Department, including water management and environmental flows in Texas, and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
  • Knowledge of hydrologic and/or ecological principles, techniques, and procedures as applied to riverine systems.
  • Knowledge of hydrologic or water quality models and water management techniques.
  • Knowledge in the use of surveying tools, equipment and instruments, including GIS and GPS systems.
  • Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Access.
  • Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database software, and in the use of standard tools of the profession.
  • Skills in scientific data collection, management, and interpretation, particularly hydrologic data.
  • Skills in applying modeling and statistical procedures.
  • Skills in the use of mechanical and electrical equipment, including water quality, water velocity, and surveying tools such as GPS systems as well as boats and trailers.
  • Skills in the use of surveying tools, equipment and instruments, including GPS systems (e.g., Trimble, Hypack, depth sounders, etc.).
  • Skills in conducting field studies, including use of equipment such as pressure transducers, data loggers, depth sounders, flow meters, and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers.
  • Skills in the use of GIS software (e.g., ArcInfo, ArcView, etc.).
  • Skills in the use of hydraulic (e.g. HEC-RAS) and rainfall-runoff (e.g. HEC-HMS) modeling software.
  • Ability to conduct field research, including the use of field equipment, such as flow meters and water quality instruments, and to learn small boat operations.
  • Ability to meet public/government officials to initiate studies and to request data pertinent to studies.
  • Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner and persists until tasks are completed.
  • Ability to accept assignments from multiple authorities.
  • Ability to maintain filing systems.
  • Ability to lead field operations and perform duties as assigned without direct supervision.
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. over variable terrain, in varying weather, and to work in small boats.
  • Ability to work outdoors possibly during inclement weather or under hot and cold temperatures.
  • Ability to operate and transport motorized boats up to 25-ft in length safely, effectively, and independently or a willingness to learn.
  • 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 in order 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 and schedule work in order to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files or boxes up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a drivers license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
  • Ability and willingness to travel 40% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
  • Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
  • Ability to train and to assign and/or supervise the work of others.