TWDB - 26-95: Planning Economist (Economist I-II)

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

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

Salary Ranges:

• Economist I: $5,000.00/month - $5,280.00/month***
• Economist II: $5,281.00/month - $5,800.00/month***

TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S MISSION

Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

WORKING AT THE TWDB

See why our work makes an impact!

Find out why the TWDB is a great place to work.

Make a positive difference for the state of Texas. We encourage you to apply for positions that match your qualifications.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit: 
http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

Please visit TWDB Career Page: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/ for more information.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 65WX Cost Analysis, or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at  
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The TWDB’s Projections and Socioeconomic Analysis Department is seeking a detail-oriented and data-driven professional to join our high-performing team responsible for managing demographic and economic information and water use trends for statewide regional water planning. This is a close-knit team that is part of a larger division, offering opportunities to contribute to the big picture and ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

Performs routine (journey-level) to complex (journey-level) economic and demographic work. Work involves assisting with the development of socioeconomic impact analysis for regional and state water plans. Reviews economic analyses related to water and flood planning requested by agency leadership, and identifies and evaluates economic factors related to agency’s programs. Assists with population and water use estimates, and with projections, economic, and planning research projects. May train others. Works under moderate to general supervision with limited to moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Projections & Socioeconomic Analysis Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts socioeconomic impact analysis. 
• Develops 16 regional impact reports for regional state water plans and conducts presentations on the findings.
• Conducts research and analysis to determine the economic value of water in agricultural, industrial and human uses. 
• Prepares technical memorandums describing the methodology and results of analyses.
• Determines the direct and indirect economic impacts of water resource needs and projects.
• Assists with economic studies and analyses. 
• Prepares reports and work process documents.
• Provides technical advice on economic relationships and conditions, and advises on implications.
• Performs ad-hoc economic analysis as requested by agency leadership and legislature.
• Assists in the development and analysis of population and water demand projections for local, regional, and statewide water resources planning activities.
• Assists with the collection of socioeconomic data and statistics from federal, state agencies, and various academic and research institutions.
• Conducts research and data analyses associated with water supply and use, as related to agricultural, steam electric power, mining, commercial, and manufacturing activities.
• Collects and maintains tabular and geographic data associated with water use estimates, population, economics and related topics.
• Studies economic trends and potential impacts on water use and supplies and prepares summary reports. 
• Prepares written reviews of regional water planning studies relating to economic and demographic characteristics and water requirements.
• Reviews and assesses population and water use data for all Board financial assistance requests.
• Develops a water impact statement (WIS) for legislation that includes the creation of water districts.
• Provides technical assistance and information to all customers.
• Trains and provides guidelines to other staff.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Participates in Supervisor-approved Career Development Plan activities, including the establishment of employee goals and identification of job-related training opportunities. 
• 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. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business, Planning, Geography, or a related field.
• Professional Experience:  
  • Economist I: One year of relevant work experience in economic data analysis.
  • Economist II: Two years of relevant work experience in natural resources economic data analysis.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with data analysis in water-related technical work or water planning.
• Previous work experience with IMPLAN database and economic model development.
• Previous experience with geographic information system (ArcGIS) and spatial analysis.
• Previous work experience with relational databases MS SQL, SAS, SPSS or MS Access.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Projections & Socioeconomic Analysis Department. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. 
• Knowledge of economic principles, with special emphasis on input/output modeling and benefit-cost analysis.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology and practices of socio-economic and demographic analysis.
• Knowledge of IMPLAN database and model.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and SQL.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skill in performing statistical computations and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Skills in evaluating and analyzing large amounts of data.
• Skills in using statistical software programs such as R, SPSS, or SAS. 
• Skills with Microsoft Access or SQL Server Management Studio.
• Skills in collecting and analyzing demographics and statistics.
• Skills in applying statistical tools to data.
• Skills with ESRI ArcGIS software.
• Skills in problem-solving and critical thinking. 
• Skills in organization and project management.  
• Skills in paying attention to details.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to evaluate planning material.
• Ability to conduct research.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• 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 all 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.

   

REMARKS

• A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
• Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

• Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

• Reference checks will be conducted on top candidate for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

• All interviewed candidates must complete the HR-101 - Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA-48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

JOB LOCATION

• Candidate must be able to report to and work from the noted work location and comply with the agency’s Return to Office (RTO) requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• 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.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

• Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS

• An evaluation of your coursework must be uploaded if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, you will not receive credit for degree progress and completion.

SPONSORSHIP

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

• Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

• TWDB participates in E-Verify!  Information from each new employee’s Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

• Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at-will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

• The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 475-2142