TCEQ - Aquatic Scientist I

About the Role

Join TCEQ's Office of Water, specifically the Water Quality Division, to contribute to ensuring clean and available water and protecting Texas' water resources. This role involves implementing water quality standards, evaluating impacts of wastewater discharge applications, and coordinating with various stakeholders to improve water quality management.

Responsibilities

• Implement water quality standards and evaluate impacts of journey-level wastewater discharge applications and federal projects.
• Evaluate water quality, assign standards, and assess impacts to water bodies affected by wastewater discharge permits.
• Evaluate proposed federal permits for dredge and fill operations and recommend mitigation measures for potential water quality impacts.
• Assist in implementing water quality standards, site-specific water quality criteria, and water quality management procedures.
• Coordinate, conduct, participate, and evaluate water quality studies and other projects.
• Coordinate with management, staff, other agencies, and the public to convey information and improve water quality management.
• Assist with establishing, coordinating, and evaluating whole effluent toxicity testing requirements in wastewater discharge permits when needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aquatic science or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in conducting and evaluating whole effluent toxicity or similar biomonitoring tests.

Required Education & Experience

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural science such as biology, zoology, wildlife/fisheries science, toxicology, environmental science, or a closely related field. These degrees must include nine semester hours in specific courses related to aquatic science.
• OR a bachelor's degree plus two years of full-time experience in environmental activities related to the examples of work performed.

Additional Requirements

Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure. The ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Individual and work group schedules are determined by the TCEQ Water Quality Division.

Condition of Employment

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search and driving history (if required) on candidates offered employment. In compliance with the ADA, special accommodations during the employment process are available upon request.