TWDB - 25-46: Coastal Ecologist (Data Analyst III)

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 in the CAPPS online application system at Please visit our job opportunities page at 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 Boards Mission  Leading the states efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers 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 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***

General Description

Performs moderately complex (journeylevel) ecological data analysis and modeling work for the Coastal Science Department in the Surface Water Division. Work involves developing maintaining and applying statistical and ecological models to support freshwater inflow needs and environmental impact analysis water resources planning and oil spill response. Investigates develops and implements the use of quantitative methods and data for hydroecological modeling and analyses. Provides technical support in the planning execution and summary of scientific and engineering field studies of state streams rivers bays and estuaries. Attends public meetings and provides technical support to stakeholders and customers. Communicates modeling analyses and study results to general and technical audiences. May train others. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Coastal Science Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts statistical data analysis and ecological modeling of state surface water resources primarily to evaluate freshwater inflow needs and impacts for Texas estuaries.
• Investigates develops maintains and applies quantitative ecological methods data and models.
• Assists with implementation of ecological modules for hydrodynamic models of Texas estuaries. 
• Conducts systematic and comprehensive literature reviews on related topics such as coastal ecology modeling and oil spills.
• Initiates scientific studies including the development of detailed scopes of works for contracted studies.
• Performs and leads existing or new outreach programs initiated by the Coastal Science Department.
• Writes executes and maintains relevant R Python and ArcGIS programs and scripts.
• Writes reviews and evaluates technical memos reports work process and policy documents.
• Develops coordinates and conducts program outreach activities targeting key stakeholders.
• Delivers presentations on study results to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Works with other departments to post updates of data and publications to the agency website. 
• Provides data models information and technical support to stakeholder groups scientific committees and customers.
• Serves as subject matter expert and/or contract manager for research and monitoring contracts. 
• Participates in field studies including planning onsite work and data acquisition management and analysis.
• 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 agencys 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 including the transport and operation of boats and equipment. 
• May perform work outdoors on boats and possibly during inclement weather or under hot and cold temperatures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with a bachelors degree in Biology Ecology Hydrology Oceanography Environmental Science/Engineering or a closely related field.
• One year of experience conducting statistical or quantitative modeling and analysis of biological communities population dynamics ecosystems or similar topics.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a yearforyear basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree or working towards completion of a graduate degree in from an accredited college or university in Biology Ecology Hydrology Oceanography Environmental Science/Engineering or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience in statistical or quantitative modeling and analysis of biological communities population dynamics or ecosystems.
• Experience in linking hydrological hydrodynamics water quality or nutrient analyses or models into coastal ecological modeling/analysis systems.
• Experience with advanced statistical methods geospatial analysis techniques and using ESRI products including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience using scripting/programming languages such as R and Python using numerical/visualization tools such as Scipy/Numpy Matplotlib and creating dashboards using PowerBI or other products.
• Experience in project management and stakeholder outreach/engagement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local state and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Coastal Science Department and Surface Water Division. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of scientific statistical modeling ecological and hydrological principles techniques and procedures.
• 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 ecological or other computational/numerical models.
• Skills in project management and grant/contract administration including timemanagement and prioritization.
• Skills in effective written and oral communications.
• Skills in conducting systematic and comprehensive literature reviews.
• Skills in scientific data collection management interpretation visualization and dissemination particularly of ecological and hydrologic data.
• Skills in using numerical/visualization tools (e.g. Scipy/Numpy Matplotlib PowerBI etc).
• Skills in programming/scripting languages such as R and Python or equivalent for developing and modifying software and scripts for conducting analyses and to maintain automated processes.
• Skills in statistical modeling and spatial data analysis techniques (e.g. ArcGIS etc.).
• 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 nonroutine work assignments accurately and ontime 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 with others in a team environment and cooperate with supervisors coworkers and others.
• 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 drivers 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 in the CAPPS online application system Please visit our job opportunities page 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)

Email: HR(AT)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime