TCEQ - Natural Resources Specialist V

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

457 plan

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid holidays

Professional development

Longevity pay

Wellness program

Onsite Nurse Practitioner

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin seeks a senior Natural Resources Specialist to conduct advanced reviews of water right applications, assess compliance with Water Conservation/Drought Contingency Plans, and ensure alignment with Regional and State Water Plans.

The role involves expert testimony in hearings, public meetings, and clear communication of regulatory concepts to applicants and stakeholders. Strong technical writing and presentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Six years of full-time environmental activities experience with degree.
• Experience with Texas statutes, rules, and policies related to surface water rights.
• Advanced business or technical writing skills and experience presenting to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Review Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans for compliance with rules.
• Review Regional and State Water Plans.
• Communicate with staff, applicants, and the public on complex water rights matters.
• Provide information to support responses to inquiries and participate in hearings as needed.

Skills

Texas water rights

Public speaking

Advanced writing

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor's in natural/physical science or engineering

Master's degree in related field

Doctorate in engineering/science or related fields

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Natural Resources Specialist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency? Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state's public health and natural resources.

Note: To determine qualifications, TCEQ job postings require fully completed applications with a detailed job history. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. See below for more details.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As a Natural Resource Specialist V within TCEQ's Office of Water, you will join the Water Availability Division's Environmental and Conservation Team in the Water Rights Technical Review Section. You will work with other experienced staff from the Section's Hydrology and Modeling Team and the Water Rights Permitting and Data Section to process highly complex water right permit applications.

See Details About What We Do.

See details about surface water rights and water availability.

Here's What You'll Be Doing

As a senior Natural Resources Specialist, you will be responsible for completing advanced reviews of applications for Texas water rights, including determining whether Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans meet the requirements in TCEQ's rules and whether water rights applications are consistent with the Regional and State Water Plans. You can be called upon to provide advanced level support in public meetings, alternate dispute resolutions, and Commission agenda meetings and serve as an expert witness in contested case hearings. This position requires the ability to communicate technical or regulatory information to applicants, agency staff, water rights stakeholders, and the public.

Specifically, You Will

• Review Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans to ensure that the plans meet the requirements in TCEQ's rules.
• Review Regional and State Water Plans.
• Communicate with agency staff, applicants, or applicant representatives regarding inquiries related to complex water rights applications, processes, and related statutes and rules.
• Develop information to support responses to legislative or other public or internal inquiries.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with Texas statutes, rules, and policies related to surface water rights.
• Experience with Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans.
• Experience reviewing Regional and State Water Plans.
• Experience making presentations and communicating with the public.
• Advanced business or technical writing skills.
• Experience with administrative hearings and trials.

Required Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, or related field, plus six years of full-time experience in environmental activities.

One year of full-time experience in the field of environmental activities may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

OR A master's degree from an accredited college or university in the degrees listed above, or related fields plus five years of the required experience.

OR A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, science, environmental science, or related fields plus four years of the required experience.

OR Career Progression: Two years of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Specialist IV at the TCEQ.

Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS Or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Water Availability Division.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment. In compliance with ADA, if you need accommodation during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at [phone].

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under `Occupational Category' for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.