TCEQ - Geoscientist II

Are you an experienced Geoscientist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency? 

Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state’s public health and natural resources.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As part of TCEQ’s Office of Water, you would contribute to ensuring clean and available water and protecting Texas’ water resources. See details about what we do.

This position is a member of our Water Quality Assessment Unit of our Water Quality Division.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Review complex permit applications and associated information to evaluate the potential impact of wastewater irrigation with produced water, hydrostatic test water, and gas plant effluent and other types of wastewaters, on surface and groundwater quality. Compile, analyze, and interpret complex groundwater data to complete permit application reviews. Maintain documentation on reviews. Review draft permits for consistency with recommendations.

• Review Notices of Intent (NOIs) for the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) General Permit to assess possible impacts to groundwater quality. Review and prepare written documentation in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations, and TCEQ policies and guidelines.  

• Review complex groundwater data for permit compliance purposes for produced water and other types of wastewaters. Ensure data received comply with permit requirements and meet applicable National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) requirements. Coordinate with regulated community when data are insufficient. Update permit files and electronic records as needed.

• 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. Attend public meetings and provide technical assistance to others. Respond to inquiries from staff, agency executives, government entities, applicants, permittees, and the public. 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in environmental activities.

• Experience compiling, analyzing, and/or in interpreting groundwater data.

• Experience interpreting USGS 7.5 min. topographical maps.

• Experience giving presentations and/or in preparing technical correspondence.

• Experience in the regulatory permitting process.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Licensed as a Geoscientist by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) plus two years of full-time geoscientist experience beyond licensure.

OR

Seven years of full-time geoscientist experience and must obtain Geoscientist licensure within twelve (12) months of hire date by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG).

A graduate degree in a geoscience discipline may substitute for one year of the required experience, with a maximum of two years substitution allowed.

Career Ladder Progression

Two years of full-time TCEQ experience as a Geoscientist I.

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.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK: 

See instructions on how to attach 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.

CURRENT TCEQ EMPLOYEES

This position is also available as a lateral transfer opportunity (LTO) to TCEQ employees within the Geoscientist II state classification. The selected candidate must meet the minimum qualifications of the corresponding job in the Geoscientist II series.

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the Water Quality Assessment Unit of our Water Quality Division.

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

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodation during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at (512) 239-0102.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under ‘Occupational Category’ for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.