RRC - Natural Resources Specialist II - Permit Writer – Environmental Permits

Job Overview

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transport, and surface mining operations. The RRC seeks a Natural Resources Specialist II, Permit Writer – Environmental Permits ) to evaluate moderately complex permits for the Environmental Permits and Support Unit in the Technical Permitting Section of the Oil and Gas Division.

The position is located in Austin, Texas.

• Review permit applications (new, renewals, amendments, or transfers) relating to surface waste management operations and prepare draft permits.
• Perform technical review of moderately complex permit applications filed under the Commission's oil and gas waste management regulations, including Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, Part 1, Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
• Participate in moderately complex soils, geological, and hydrological studies and identify potential problems resulting from the maintenance, use, and closure of oil and gas waste management facility operations.
• Review and interpret soil maps, geological maps, cross‐sections, engineered drawings, and plats or other subsurface or surface information.
• Evaluate data and analysis of issues, and assist in the preparation of reports and recommendations.
• Interpret, review, compare, and evaluate documentation and literature to enforce Commission rules and statutes.
• Review moderately complex waste treatment and disposal applications for technical accuracy and completion.
• Assist client inquiries by phone, e‑mail, or in person and resolve issues or discrepancies through written or verbal communication with operators and their representatives.
• Research and interpret hardcopy records, microfilm, and databases.
• Meet and maintain measured work standards with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform additional related essential tasks to maintain production workflow.
• Occasional travel may be required (approximately 5% of the time).

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in environmental science, natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of environmental protection practices and statistical methods for assessing natural resources data.
• One or more years of experience with a regulatory agency, environmental protection, oil and gas industry, or related field (experience may be substituted for education on a year‑for‑year basis).
• Valid Texas Driver's license and a good driving record.
• Demonstrated ability to work 8 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday in downtown Austin, with occasional flexible hours, overtime, and weekends.
• Proficiency in Windows‑based applications and/or terminal‑based systems and databases.
• Excellent verbal, written, and telecommunication skills.

• Licensed as a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) by the Soil Science Society of America; or Professional Geoscientist (PG) or Geoscientist in Training (GIT) in Texas or a U.S. state with reciprocity.
• Two to three years of experience with a regulatory agency, environmental protection, waste management industry, or related field.
• Effective writing, reading, grammar, and communication skills.
• Experience in environmental services, remediation, and assessment.
• Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions and/or oilfield operations.
• Knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.

• Effective writing, reading, grammar, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of professional office procedures and protocols.
• Skill in college‑level mathematics, geometry, chemistry, and a working knowledge of scientific principles and techniques.
• Understanding and ability to apply geological and environmental quality concepts, theories, and principles.
• Technical writing skill, excellent organizational skills, and high accuracy.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record.
• Skill in using mainframe, Microsoft Office, and other Windows‑based software applications.
• Skill in basic data analysis techniques.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
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