Sr Natural Resources Specialist

About the role

The position reviews and processes information, applications, documentation, and data submitted by regulated entities to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It involves contributing to the development and improvement of processes to enhance the overall efficiency of the department.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine reviews of information, applications, documentation, and data submitted by regulated entities to TCEQ; research regulated entity information and determines compliance with rules, regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Initiates and responds to communications and inquiries; provides assistance and technical information about natural resource and environmental rules and regulations or emerging issues to city and county officials; businesses; water system owners, operators, engineers, and lawyers; agency staff; other governmental entities and the general public.
• Inputs information into institutional databases; documents research and compliance determinations; follows established protocol for records management.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, standard operating procedures, and other documents; tracks and reports on status of assignments; provides guidance to junior staff, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, environmental law, criminal justice, or related field and two (2) years of experience performing environmental natural resource specialist tasks related to compliance determinations and provision of technical assistance to internal and external customers OR six (6) years of an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with databases and reviewing technical documents; paralegal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with databases and reviewing technical documents; paralegal experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Word, and Excel; and PC’s.
• Skilled in database entry.
• Follows all applicable institutional standard operating procedures; and adheres to institutional paper and electronic file management requirements.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Able to communicate technical information to non-technical individuals, and customer service.
• Able to mentor newer staff as needed throughout the training process.
• Able to integrate complex concepts, procedures, and processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in preparing routine correspondence, reports, documents, policies, procedures, case narratives, or other lengthy documents.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Able to work professionally and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Able to complete all physical tasks.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm Hybrid eligible. Infrequent travel (i.e., annually) for activities such as job skills training or participating in institutional and client meetings and conferences.

Purpose of Position

The position is set to continue until the start of fiscal year of 8/31/2027.

Benefits

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

University Information

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. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It 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). 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. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.