TWDB - Recorder Program Geoscientist; Geoscientist II

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

Full-time

Compensation: USD 6,000 - USD 6,666.67 - monthly

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

The TWDB's main responsibilities are threefold: collecting and disseminating water-related data; assisting with regional water supply and flood planning that contributes to preparing the state water plan and state flood plan; and administering cost-effective financial programs for constructing water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.

Performs highly complex (senior-level) geosciences and groundwater monitoring work, primarily in support of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Recorder Well Program. Work involves installing and maintaining a statewide network of automated groundwater monitoring systems equipped for remote data collection. Collects, analyzes, and interprets geological and hydrogeological data. Work includes cross-office projects related to surface water and groundwater interaction and other technical projects.

Reviews, downloads, and formats recorder data using appropriate Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures to ensure data are properly entered into the Groundwater Database. Creates hydrographs, maps, and reports. Participates in special investigations and performs other duties as assigned. Works independently, traveling 50% of the time within the state of Texas on a flexible schedule, with compensatory time off for overtime work hours and the chance to experience the sights of Texas.

May train others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Monitoring Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Works in the Recorder Well Program to install and repair recorders, transmitters, water-level sensors, data loggers, solar panels, concrete pads, and other associated equipment.
• Use frequent independent judgement to determine site maintenance and repair decisions and consults with senior staff and management as necessary.
• Conducts statewide well inventories, measures water levels in wells, and collects field measurements and water samples for chemical analysis as needed.
• Conducts borehole camera inspections and aquifer testing to assess well integrity and construction.
• Conducts or coordinates geological and hydrogeological field studies or technical projects to collect and evaluate data for use in regional development, resource management, environmental investigations, land use, site selection, and development of other projects or compliance with laws and specifications.
• Prepares, organizes, and troubleshoots equipment for field installation.
• Plans travel logistics for site visits and ensures completion of field assignments within prescribed time periods.
• Follows all required site visit documentation and equipment protocols and processes.
• Collects, reviews, analyzes, interprets, and manages geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, and recorder well data from field measurements, agency databases, well reports, maps, and other sources.
• Prepares plans, estimates, and calculations or develops recommendations for programs and projects.
• Conducts research on potential well sites from agency databases and other sources and assists in reviewing well completion information to assign aquifers to wells.
• Establishes and maintains site access through coordination with landowners and other entities.
• Conducts field work and travel outside of the office for 50% of the time within the State of Texas, with approximately two weeks out of the office each month, including overnight travel.
• Performs data system updates to document field activities and recorder maintenance and submits required field forms in a timely manner upon field work completion.
• Enters, proofreads, and corrects data in the agency databases and inventory tracking systems and maintains the databases, paper files, and records.
• Reviews, downloads, formats, uploads, and quality-checks recorder data using established Quality Assurance-Quality Control procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and proper entry into agency databases.
• Uses spreadsheet, database, and data visualization tools to identify trends and potential data issues and recommends follow-up review or corrective action as needed.
• Assists the Recorder Program Team Lead with research and purchases of recorder equipment.
• Works on projects in Water Science and Conservation that advance understanding of the surface water and groundwater interaction in Texas.
• Prepares and reviews records, reports, technical data, and maps.
• Provides data and/or replies to public…