Natural Resources Specialist

This position is funded through August 31, 2027.

Pay

The annual salary for this position ranges from $44,000 to $48,000.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Hybrid work environment (remote & in-office)
• Infrequent travel (e.g., annually) for activities such as job skills training or participating in institutional and client meetings and conferences
• 10% travel

About the role

Assists with the evaluation, review, selection, adaptation, and modification of standards, techniques, procedures, and criteria for public water systems design for the Plan and Technical Review Section of the Water Supply Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Responsibilities

• Assists in the review of requests for exceptions to public water system design standards submitted by licensed professional engineers and other water supply professionals.
• Reviews and evaluates design and performance data and applies regulations in a manner consistent with sound engineering practices and public health principles.
• Prepares reports and correspondence to record decisions.
• Completes/participates in special projects and technical training as assigned by management.
• Provides assistance to senior staff as requested.
• May mentor newer staff as needed throughout the training process.
• Provides general technical assistance to city and county officials, water system owners and operators, agency staff, and the general public.
• Performs administrative duties.
• May participate in professional development as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental quality management, environmental science, natural resources, engineering, chemistry, public utilities, business administration, data analysis, or related field; and six (6) months of work experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year experience in environmental quality management, public utilities, business administration, data analysis, or related field.

Skills

• Skilled in using Microsoft Teams, Word, and Excel; and PCs.
• Solid working knowledge of database entry.
• Ability to learn TCEQ databases.
• Solid working knowledge of TCEQ and Environmental Protection Agency rules, regulations, and procedures related to publicly owned treatment works and pretreatment programs.
• Skill in organization, attention to detail, determining proper courses of action, performing basic data entry skills, and managing time and assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to integrate complex concepts, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to communicate verbally with clients, customers, coworkers to gather information and/or explain policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative under general supervision.
• Ability to draft routine correspondence, reports, documents, policy, procedures, case narratives, or prepare other lengthy documents.
• Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Lifting and moving objects.
• Position may be designated security-sensitive based on job duties or location.

Benefits

This position is benefits eligible. The University of Texas at Arlington offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, visit https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

About the organization

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work.

• Enrollment of more than 42,000 students, making it the second largest in the University of Texas System.
• Designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service.
• Ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal).
• Designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
• Ranked No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).
• Global alumni network of approximately 280,000, including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas.
• Contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth, scheduled to open in fall 2028.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume
• Cover letter
• References (minimum of three)

This position may require a pre-employment background check. If the position has access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.