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***

Salary Ranges:

• Economist I: $4,020.33/month - $5,280.00/month***
• Economist II: $5,281.00/month - $5,800.00/month***

Job Description Summary

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 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, and identifies and evaluates economic factors related to agency's programs. Assists with the population and water use estimates and projections, and economic and planning research projects. May train others. Works under moderate to general supervision with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Reports to the Manager of the Projections & Socioeconomic Analysis Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts socioeconomic impact analysis and develops regional impact reports for regional state water plans and conducts presentations on the information.
• 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 the analysis.
• Determines the direct and indirect economic impacts of water resource needs and projects.
• Assists with economic studies and analyses and 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 and state agencies and various academic and research institutions that are organized and available for use in demographic and economic analysis.
• 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 for use in historical water use estimates and projections of water demands for regional and statewide water planning.
• Studies economic trends and potential impacts on water use and supplies and prepares summary reports.
• Prepares written review 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 external and internal customers.
• Trains and provides guidance 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 as discussed with supervisor.
• 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 closely related field.
• Work Experience:
  • Economist I: One year of relevant work experience in natural resources 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.
• Skills 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.