TCEQ - Natural Resources Specialist III

About the role

Join the TCEQ Office of Water, Water Quality Division, supporting the logistical and operational structure for TCEQ statewide.

Responsibilities

• Conduct highly complex technical reviews of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), sludge, and land application authorizations, and provide technical support on agronomy and soil science issues.
• Review highly complex permit applications and compile, analyze, and interpret data to assess potential impacts of wastewater irrigation with produced water, hydrostatic test water, and gas plant effluent and other types of wastewaters, on surface-water and groundwater quality.
• Prepare evaluations in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations, and TCEQ policies and guidelines.
• Perform calculations to determine appropriate agronomic rates, water balance, and other related calculations for appropriate application.
• Develop recommendation memos.
• Ensure all updates are accurately made to the appropriate tracking databases in a timely manner.
• Review Nutrient Utilization Plans (NUP), Waste Utilization Plans (WUPs), and Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) authorizations and sludge permits; coordinate with management and other appropriate staff regarding issues with NUPs, WUPs, NMPs, and soil reviews.
• Perform pre-tech reviews of permit applications for produced water and other types of wastewaters.
• Perform Executive Review Committee (ERC) draft permit reviews.
• Assist in the development of Response to Comments (RTC) documents.
• Ensure data is entered in database.
• Review laboratory data for permit compliance purposes.
• Oversee, coordinate, and conduct agronomic studies and special projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, or related field, plus two years of full-time experience in environmental activities. One year of full-time experience in the field of environmental activities may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.
• OR a master's degree from an accredited college or university in the degrees listed above, plus one year of the required experience.
• OR a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, science, environmental studies, or related fields.
• OR Career Ladder Progression: Two years of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Specialist II at TCEQ.
• Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, 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.

Required documents

A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Austin Office.

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