Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is hiring: TWDB - 25-18 - Flood Modeling Da

Company Description

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

Job Description

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system. 

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 
  
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.
 
The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 
 

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

 

Job Description Summary

Performs complex (journey-level) data analysis, data research, and modeling work within the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Flood Modeling Department. Work involves conducting the execution of technical projects as part of a successful floodplain modeling program and coordinating flood mapping and analytics tasks with existing agency efforts to support regional and state flood planning. Serves as an advisor on engineering and data-related matters and may oversee applicable work conducted by staff. With some direction from others, conducts detailed analysis and extensive research on flood risk data, providing results, and reports. Ensures compliance of flood data analysis and modeling with agency-approved technical standards, procedures and accuracy of models and associated data. Operates under the direction of others to establish goals and objectives, develop guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations. Develops schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals. Supports development of outreach material like presentations about flood risk data, modeling, mapping, and management in the state. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Flood Modeling Department. 

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts scientific data collection, compilation, management, analysis, visualization, and dissemination of flood data to advance science in Texas.
• Supports development of the Water Data for Texas web portal to provide enhanced data and model services.
• Provides analytical support to Flood Modeling staff and collaborates with other data analysts and scientists within the Flood Science & Community Assistance division.
• Performs statistical and geospatial analyses of flood data to identify and interpret patterns and trends.
• Implements data and metadata standards, management, visualization, and archival guidelines.
• Develops, implements, and monitors data quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity.
• Identifies data gaps, errors, anomalies, inconsistencies, and redundancies by analyzing the content, structure, and relationships within data.
• Ensures efficiencies in obtaining, processing, and maintaining data, associated databases, and information.
• Writes, executes, and maintains programs and scripts using R, Python, ArcGIS, and other software.
• Skills in using numerical/visualization tools, e.g., Matlab, Surfer, Octave, Scipy/Numpy, Matplotlib, Tecplot, Gnuplot, HEC-DSS, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau etc.
• Develops and applies software scripts and programs for automated data retrieval, analysis, visualization, and dissemination of data and model results.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in developing, applying, or running hydrologic/hydraulic models (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, InfoWorks, AdH, GSSHA, etc.) or other computational/numerical models.
• Skill with GIS applications; skill using ESRI ArcGIS 10 (or later) software product suite with knowledge of Spatial and 3D Analyst extensions and exposure to geodatabase use and design.
• Uses geographic information systems and other software for development of maps and data visualization tools.
• Participates in data collection studies, including planning, on-site work, data acquisition, and data management.
• Writes, reviews, and evaluates technical memos, reports, work process and policy documents.
• Provides presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provides data in response to agency/public requests for flood data, studies, and information, as required.
• Supports contract manager for research and monitoring contracts.
• Works with internal agency departments to maintain updated websites.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Analytics, Engineering, or related field.
• Four years of experience working with large scientific data compilation, analysis, research, and reporting of data with an emphasis on water resources related fields.
• Experience with statistical and geospatial analysis techniques.
• Experience in the use of computer programming/scripting, such as R or Python, SQL, C#, and/or Visual Studio and numerical/visualization tools, such as MATLAB, SciPy/NumPy, Matplotlib, PowerBI, etc.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree, or working towards completion of a graduate degree, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Analytics, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience using ESRI products including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience in collaborative programming environments and version control systems such as GitHub or Subversion.
• Experience in database design and maintenance, web-programming languages, and various operating systems.
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Experience in Contract/Project management.
• Certifications related to GIS and Data Analyses
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Flood Modeling Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of relational database concepts, scientific data standards, and data management practices.
• Knowledge of scientific, statistical, and modeling principles and data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of quality assurance/quality control of scientific measurement data.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in scientific data compilation, management, interpretation, visualization, and dissemination, particularly of hydrologic data.
• Skills in using numerical/visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, SciPy/NumPy, Matplotlib, Tecplot, Gnuplot).
• Skills in programming/scripting languages, such as R, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or equivalent, for developing and modifying software and scripts for conducting analyses and maintaining automated processes.
• Skills in spatial data analysis techniques (e.g., ArcGIS) and common statistical analysis techniques including univariate and multivariate statistics.
• Skills in analyzing problems and devising effective solutions.
• Ability to compile, review, and analyze data.
• Ability  to prepare reports, to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to plan and conduct scientific studies and perform duties as assigned without direct supervision.
• Ability to utilize analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems and devise effective solutions.
• Ability to meet public/government officials to initiate studies and to request data pertinent to studies.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 10% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas. 
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

Additional Information

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov