19-72 Groundwater Modeler/GIS Analyst (Hydrologist/Geoscientist I-IV)

Texas Water Development Board - Austin, TX

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://wit.twc.state.tx.us/WORKINTEXAS/wtx?u=1562177939666&pageid=EM_JP_JOB_DETAILS&id=3122665&referralPage=JV_POSTING_BROWSE_RESULTS&frompage=JV_POSTING_BROWSE_RESULTS&pageNo=1&sort=0

Job Description Summary

Performs routine (journey-level), complex (journey-level), highly complex (senior-level), or advanced (senior-level) geosciences or hydrological work. Work involves the compilation and documentation of source information; adherence to set processes and standards; the use and manipulation of various programming scripts; development and calibration of numerical groundwater flow models; analysis and interpretation of groundwater modeling results and water budgets; the use of GIS software to prepare maps, geodatabases, process data, and/or review input/out from models; writing reports; providing presentations; reviewing, analyzing, coordinating, or overseeing the collection and analysis of data and samples for technical reports and projects; preparing, reviewing, or evaluating model designs, results, and analysis and reports; and ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. May train or supervise others. Works under moderate to minimal supervision, with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Groundwater Availability Modeling Department.

Essential Job Functions

Collects and reviews technical data, analyzes findings, and assists with data calculations and the development of recommendations for programs or projects.

Conducts scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions; specifically, statutorily required model simulations, development of groundwater models, water budget analysis, model-related data evaluations, and documentation of related activities.

Studies and documents quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of groundwater and surface waters in support of groundwater modeling.

Maintains and prepares records and reports and presents technical evaluations and plans.

Implements technical projects and completes design preparation, plans, estimates, and calculations.

May develop or use hydrologic models for various applications.

Reviews the activities of contractors funded through the Groundwater Availability Modeling Program.

Researches and delivers written and verbal responses to public, inter, and intra-agency inquiries. May include presentations at public meetings summarizing modeling studies and simulations.

Adheres to and develops quality assurance procedures.

May train 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Geology, Hydrogeology, Natural Resources, Geography, or related field.

One to three years of work experience in related field for Hydrologist/Geoscientist I.

Three to five years of work experience in related field for Hydrologist/Geoscientist II.

Five to seven years of work experience in related field for Hydrologist/Geoscientist III.

Seven or more years of work experience in related field for Hydrologist/Geoscientist IV.

Licensed as a Professional Geoscientist is required for Geoscientist I-IV classification.

Experience with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.

Experience and educated may be substituted for one another.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in groundwater modeling using MODFLOW and Groundwater Vistas.

Familiar with the Groundwater Availability Modeling Program.

Experience in developing and interpreting numerical groundwater flow models including analyzing water budgets, setting up predictive simulations to interpret changes in water levels or discharge to surface water, extracting data for estimates of groundwater volumes, and using PEST for model calibration or optimization.

Experience with developing, using, or manipulating programs/scripts for model data extraction, adjustments to model files, and/or to process and manipulate ASCII data files for scientific applications. Examples may include Fortran, PERL, Python, or SQL.

Experience with GIS applications; prefer experience using ESRI ArcGIS 10 (or later) software product suite with knowledge of the spatial analyst extension and exposure to geodatabase use and design.

Experience or familiarity with ArcPy or use of Python scripting within the ArcGIS geoprocessing environment to perform geospatial data analysis, data conversion, data management, and automated map and table reports.

Experience or familiarity with Seequent Leapfrog 3D visualization of geologic frameworks.

Experience or familiarity with geostatistical methods.

Experience or familiarity with computer network administration.

Experience analyzing and interpreting geological and geophysical well log information from sources such as well logs, well reports, and published and unpublished literature.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Groundwater Availability Modeling Department; and of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of basic hydrological and geological concepts, techniques, and analysis.

Knowledge of water budget development and interpretation.

Knowledge in developing and/or using commercial pre- and post-processors.

Knowledge of numerical groundwater flow modeling.

Knowledge of programming including the ability/aptitude to acquire, manipulate, and develop water resources data in multiple formats and/or from various sources.

Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and aptitude to visualize three-dimensionally.

Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.

Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

Skills in designing and implementing regional and local spatial analysis for groundwater studies.

Skill in writing, editing, and reviewing technical scientific reports.

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 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 10% 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $3,974.00 to $6,503.00 /month

Experience: