TCEQ - Natural Resources Specialist II

About the role

Join the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a Natural Resources Specialist in the Office of Air. This position is part of the Stationary Source Programs Team within the Air Quality Planning Section of the Air Quality Division. You will contribute to protecting and restoring Texas' air quality by revising rules to ensure nonattainment areas meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards and addressing visibility impairment in areas like national parks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, developing, and implementing stationary source control strategies, including evaluating data, researching new emission control technologies, and developing emission reduction strategies in collaboration with TCEQ offices, state/federal agencies, affected entities, environmental organizations, and the public.
• Coordinate and draft revisions to air quality regulations, State Implementation Plan revisions, policies, or procedures in response to federal or state requirements, agency initiatives, or rulemaking. Provide technical assistance and manage rule projects as a team member or project manager.
• Evaluate and recommend responses to requests for rule interpretations by analyzing rule language, preambles, background documents, and prior interpretations.
• Communicate the status of control strategy and rule development activities to management, agency staff, other agencies, affected entities, environmental organizations, and the public. Facilitate open negotiations via calls and correspondence.
• Participate in and represent the agency at meetings, workshops, and trainings.
• Assist in coordinating, organizing, and implementing special assignments for air quality projects, including research, environmental surveys, assessments, report presentations, and developing required plans or documents.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, or a related field.
• One year of full-time experience in environmental activities may substitute for each year (30 semester hours) of required education.
• Experience or training in project management related to environmental issues, technical writing, data analysis, fiscal analysis, sources of air emissions, or air pollution control technologies.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure (e.g., communication systems, cybersecurity, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment, or water treatment facilities) as required for employment.

A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials may be required if needed to verify qualifications.

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement plans.
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid time off for national and state-observed holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Longevity pay based on years of state service.
• Wellness Program and activities.
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner at headquarters.
• Work-life balance initiatives.