Job Description
The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.
To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match - you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.
Job Description:
The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in regulation of oil and gas exploration, seeks an Environmental Protection Specialist III - Biologist in the Field Operations - Site Remediation Section of the Oil and Gas Division in Austin, Texas. The biologist will take on both administrative and management tasks relating to the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) federal grant and endangered species review.
Performs advanced (journey-level) environmental work to coordinate and manage biological and natural resources activities associated with federal grant projects for Field Operations. Work involves coordinating with staff at other state, federal, and regulatory agencies, and various environmental groups across Texas. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Please note: This is a grant funded position with funding expected to continue until 9/30/2030.
Essential Job Duties:

• Completes environmental investigation work plans and risk assessment reports for the IIJA endangered species review around well plugging and site remediation sites across Texas. May also provide oversight of contractors who perform endangered species reviews, including review of associated work orders and assessment reports.
• Provides subject matter and technical expertise while serving as liaison with state and federal resource agencies, as well as environmental and special interest groups.
• Consults and coordinates with district office staff on refinement of processes to avoid and minimize environmental impacts.
• Prepares complex correspondence, technical reports, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities; monitors and evaluates policies and procedures; and directs performance activities.
• Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Performs related work as assigned.

For Military Crosswalk information, please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Natural Resources (texas.gov)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Biology, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• At least five years of biological, environmental, project management or other relevant experience.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8AM - 5PM with occasional flexible hours, overtime, weekends, and on-call duty.
• Position requires some overnight travel (10-20% as needed).
• Valid Texas Driver's license and a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in consultations with USFWS for Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
• Experience with data within ArcGIS systems.
• At least two years of experience in oil and gas regulatory functions, rules, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable to extensive knowledge of biological resources management methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and mitigations requirements, pertaining to natural resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply scientific principles and evaluate environmental scientific data.
• Skill in writing methodologies and strategies to develop appropriate informational and educational materials related to environmental studies and activities.
• Ability to research, analyze, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and technical information specific to a functional area.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to build, establish and maintain working relationships and coalitions while settling differences in direct and diplomatic paths without damaging relationships.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to present technical material to a wide variety of audiences, including the regulated industry, state and federal agencies, and the public.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework based on the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.
Due to the high volume of applications we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.
The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age
or disability in employment or in the provision of services.
The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.