Organization: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 

Primary Location: Texas-Austin 

Work Locations: 

Headquarters (582-HQAUS) 

12100 Park 35 Circle 

 Austin 78753

Job: Life, Physical, and Social Science 

Employee Status: Regular 

Schedule: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 

State Job Code: 2686  

Salary Admin Plan: B 

Grade: 24  

Salary (Pay Basis): 6,499.00 – 6,499.00 (Monthly) 

Number of Openings: 1 

Overtime Status: Non-exempt 

Job Posting: Jun 12, 2025, 12:01:00 AM 

Closing Date: Jun 26, 2025, 11:59:00 PM 

Description

Are you an experienced Natural Resources Specialist, 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 will be a member of our Water Availability Division. This functional role is a Senior Water Conservation Specialist on the Resource Protection Team in the Water Rights Permitting and Availability Section.   Conservation staff’s main function includes supporting the Section in managing surface water rights through legislative support and performing conservation technical reviews for water right permit applications.  In addition, conservation staff are responsible for program administration of the 5-year submittal cycle of water conservation and drought contingency plans to TCEQ.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Conducting senior-level technical reviews of water conservation and drought contingency plans
•  Engaging with the public, the regulated community, and legislative officials related to water conservation and drought related issues
•  Testifying at legal proceedings related to contested water right permit applications
•  Creating and maintaining team standard operating procedures and mentoring staff

Water rights, water conservation, and drought related issues often have significant legislative and public interest.  This position is responsible for applying state statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines during reviews, interactions with the public, and during legal testimony.

Water conservation and drought contingency plans may be submitted as part of water rights applications or may be updated plans that are required every five years. The skills needed to review the plans include technical writing, an attention to detail for editing and proofreading, and customer service.   

Other conservation and drought related tasks include serving on stakeholder committees as a TCEQ representative, attending internal and external conservation and drought meetings, and presenting technical information to the public.  In addition, the position is responsible for facilitating and documenting revision of water conservation and drought contingency template plans and development of briefing papers for management.  Skills required include an ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and critical thinking. A background and/or knowledge of state and regional water planning process, water conservation and drought preparedness strategies, and/or water rights is essential for this position.

Qualifications

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with water conservation planning, drought preparedness, and/or regional and state water planning.
• Experience with local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to water resources.
• Experience reviewing proposed legislation and/or implementing legislation, and environmental policies.
• Experience serving on a stakeholder group or working with stakeholders.
• Experience serving as an expert witness for contested case hearings.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a natural or physical science, engineering, environmental studies, urban planning, agricultural science, economics, public administration, public affairs, or related field, plus six years of full-time experience in environmental activities. 

One year of full-time experience in the field of environmental activities may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

OR

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the degrees listed above, or related fields plus five years of the required experience.

OR

A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, science, environmental science, or related fields plus four years of the required experience.

OR

Two years of full-time experience as a Natural Resources Specialist IV at the 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 Natural Resources Specialist V state classification. The selected candidate must meet the minimum qualifications of the corresponding job in the Natural Resources Specialist V 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 TCEQ Water Availability 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 accommodations 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.

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