24-113 - Water Use Survey Research Specialist (Research Specialist II)

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 moderately complex (journey-level) research and data analysis. Work involves assisting with quality control checks for data accuracy, updating and maintaining historical water use information. Assists in the daily operation of the annual water use survey. Conducts research as assigned to expand and maintain data gathering capabilities of the survey. Operates computer software and coding utilized by the Water Use and Planning Data Department. Prepares and provides technical assistance to internal and external customers. Visualizes and disseminates water use estimates. Mails and receives correspondence, answers phone calls and email to assist public water systems and survey respondents. Reviews and enters water use surveys. Responds to requests for water use and planning data. Assists with detailed and specialized research projects pertaining primarily to water use and planning data using SQL queries. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Water Use and Planning Data Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists in conducting the annual water use survey to include tasks related to mail handling, survey maintenance, and organization of files and tables related to historical data.
• Performs survey data entry and quality assurance/quality control review of data sets to improve data integrity, accuracy, and reliability.
• Answers phone calls and providing technical assistance for water utilities in completing the survey and responds to requests for water use and planning data.
• Prepares correspondence related to completion of the survey.
• Assists in data collection, review, and summary of water use operations for all categories of water use and planning as may be assigned.
• Assists in survey mailout.
• Scans, imports, and indexes submitted surveys into the Hal File storage applications.
• Assists with the design of survey forms, letters, and procurement of supplies used in mailing the survey.
• Assists with water use survey enhancement, testing applications and documentation.
• Assists with water use survey data analysis and visualization.
• Researches water use trends for residential, commercial and industrial water use.
• Updates the water use survey webpages as assigned.
• Develops and participates in Supervisor-approved Career Development Plan activities. 
• 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 Planning, Resource and Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Administration, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Two years of relevant work experience in data review and/or analysis.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of work experience with relational databases, including querying, reviewing and reporting data.
• Previous experience querying data using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
• Previous experience in water use or planning data.
• Experience in data QC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Water Use and Planning Data Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of research techniques, statistical methods and geographical concepts and their application to data analysis.
• Knowledge of relational databases and data management.
• 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.
• Skills in querying data using software such as Microsoft Access or SQL Server.
• Skills in building data-related reports using software such as Microsoft Access, Crystal Reports, or Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services.
• Skills in graphical, tabular and geographical presentation of data.
• Skills in organizational, interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• 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 30lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 5% 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.
• Ability to manage, manipulate, and analyze complex databases.
• Ability to schedule work to maintain regular progress on assignments and meet deadlines.