TWDB - 26-07: Government Relations 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 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. 

*Must meet agency in-office requirement*

**This is a repost of TWDBGovernment Relations Specialist II

Applicants who applied to 25-122 will be considered and do not need to reapply**

To be considered for this position applicants must provide 3 writing samples. Applications without writing samples will not be considered.

Each writing sample should be no more than 5 pages. Upload your 3 writing samples with your application submission.

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

Job Description Summary

Performs advanced (senior-level) legislative and consultative work of the Texas Water Development Boards Government Relations Division. Work involves serving as a liaison between a state agency and governmental and legislative entities. May train others. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of the Government Relations Division.

Essential Job Functions

• Participates in agency activities related to the legislative session.
• Attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators legislative staff and other legislative liaisons.
• Coordinates responses to legislative inquiries and reviews and edits legislative correspondence.
• Coordinates communication with legislative support and executive agencies.
• Monitors standing and interim committee schedules and agendas and communicates relevant information to agency management.
• Prepares report summaries of meetings and hearings.
• Assists with preparing reports on newly enacted laws and pending state and federal legislation.
• Assists with developing proper protocol and procedures for communicating with legislators and staff.
• May identify a need for develop schedule and conduct legislative training for employees within an agency.
• Represents the agency at appropriate conferences and seminars.
• Develops and maintains effective communication and working relationships with other state agencies legislative staff associations organizations advocacy groups and the general public.
• Participates in program activities as assigned to achieve common goals and advances the work of the agency.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in Business Administration Economics Marketing Policy Planning Political Science Psychology Sociology or a related field.
• Three years of relevant work or internship experience in government relations or related field.
• Experience writing a variety of documents.
• Submission of three writing samples with the application.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate-level degree with major coursework in Business Administration Marketing Policy Planning Political Science Psychology Sociology or a related field.
• Experience related to local state or federal water policy.
• Experience with water planning science conservation infrastructure financing or natural resources policy.
• Experience with bill tracking and analysis.
• Experience with responding to legislative requests.
• Experience with development of policy recommendations.
• Experience writing legislation legislative recommendations or testimony
• Experience writing legislative correspondence.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local state and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Government Relations Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Texas water laws rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative processes and state government administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process and practice.
• Knowledge of program planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of business and management principles strategic planning personnel management and leadership techniques.
• Skills in conducting research evaluating research findings and drafting responses to inquiries and position papers.
• Skills in diplomatically providing information to both internal and external customers.
• Skills in effectively conveying information and encouraging an exchange of ideas.
• Skills in identifying defining and solving problems.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to use a legislative tracking system.
• Ability to remain flexible and calm under pressure.
• Ability to learn from mistakes and not take decisions personally.
• Ability to focus on job responsibilities.
• Ability to adjust to changing workplace demands.
• 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 with to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 25% 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 eight 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:

Email: HR(AT)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time