TCEQ - Natural Resources Specialist V (Technical Specialist) (TCEQ Water Supply Division Employees Only)

About the role

This position is a member of the Water Supply Division at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), providing technical assistance and leadership for the Drinking Water Standards Section.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to the Drinking Water Standards (DWS) Section Manager in the management and oversight of Section staff, and the coordination of activities and projects related to policies, rules, guidelines, and technical requirements associated with drinking water systems and issues for the DWS Section of the Water Supply Division of TCEQ.
• Assist the Drinking Water Standards Section Manager in conducting the management and oversight of section staff and projects to ensure section goals and timelines are met.
• Provide technical review and consultation regarding the development and implementation of programs associated with state and federal rules and regulations involving the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Coordinate program activities and other tasks related to the Act.
• Mentor and assist in the professional development of Section staff.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to section management, agency staff, stakeholders and the public regarding activities related to drinking water systems, as well as legislative activities and initiatives.
• Consult on division strategic planning activities.
• Coordinate and ensure responses to inquiries and requests are complete and submitted in a timely manner.
• Oversee special projects and tasks, as assigned, and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Review and evaluate technical records, data, reports, and procedural systems and provide recommendation to management and appropriate staff.
• Provide primary technical support for other agency staff and management who represent the agency at state, regional, and national committees on drinking water issues and regulations.
• Respond to telephone calls, correspondence, and other requests, and provide appropriate technical assistance concerning compliance with, or understanding of, the TCEQ rules and regulations pertaining to drinking water to other agency staff, governmental entities, industry, and the public.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring technical staff and/or providing technical consultation.
• Experience in project management and/or coordinating the work of staff.
• Experience with developing rules and recommendations.
• Experience working with the regulatory requirements and/or technical aspects of public drinking water systems.
• Experience preparing, proofreading, and editing technical documents.
• A 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 six 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.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in the degrees listed above, or related fields plus five years of the required experience.
• A doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, science, environmental science, or related fields plus four years of the required experience.
• Career Ladder Progression: Two years of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Specialist IV at the TCEQ.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure (communication, cybersecurity, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment, water treatment facilities) as required by Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2).

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA