GLO - Natural Resources Specialist I (Oil Spill Prevention and Response- Nederland)

General Job Description:
The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources. This position is with Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program Area in Region 1, Nederland, TX.

Performs routine (Journey-level) natural resources work. Work includes training on and conducting technical and natural resources pollution investigations and enforcing the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act (1991). Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of the Oil Spill department. To be successful the candidate must model the GLO's competencies of Integrity, Open Communications, Teamwork, Innovation and Proficiency.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsman with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of Army - 92W Water Treatment Specialist; Navy - AG - Aerographer's Mate; Coast Guard - MST - Marine Science Technician; Marine - 6842 Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Analyst Forecaster; Air Force - 9S 100 Scientific Applications Specialist; or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirement may meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:
http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_NaturalResources.pd
In order to receive Veteran's preference, a copy of the DD #214 is required at the time of interview.

Benefits:

• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
• Medical Insurance - State pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. State pays 50% of the eligible part-time employee’s premium and 25% for eligible dependents.
• Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Minimum of 96 Hours of Annual Leave a year **Annual leave increases with length of service.
• Telework Policy

Essential Duties:

• Responds to, investigates, and drafts spill reports on actual or threatened coastal marine oil spills which may include assisting and directing contractors at small spills. Trains to conduct the collection and analysis of petroleum pollutants.
• Trains to conduct inspections on waterfront oil handling facilities, review oil spill contingency plans for facilities and OPN OSPRA vessels, conduct transfer monitors, conduct patrols; trains to complete proper forms and makes recommendations regarding findings; and conducts follow-up inspections as needed.
• Operates and maintains technical equipment including boats (up to and including 27 ' boat), skimmers, other basic spill response equipment, performs preventative maintenance and the preparation of all paperwork.
• Trains to serve as liaison with local industry groups, the general public and local/state/federal agencies. Trains to conduct educational presentations and training programs.
• Employee may be responsible for assisting the program and the agency during post-storm recover operations. This assistance will be provided in a manner consistent with the employee's experience, training and availability and will be done in close coordination with regional management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances, laws, rules, procedures, policies, and practices including the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act (1991).

Skill in spill clean-up strategies and of petroleum pollutant analysis. Skill in the operation and maintenance of natural resources equipment; and in the use of a personal computer with proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Ability to become qualified to operate boats up to 27 feet in length and proficient in the operation of basic response equipment within six months; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to conduct inspections; to analyze environmental hazards; to prepare concise reports; to walk, climb, and stand; to lift up to 50 pounds; and to work hours other than 8 to 5, including weekends and holidays as required.

This position is required to have an annual physical in order to confirm physical and mental capabilities for responding to oil spills and other field events.

Physical Requirements
This position requires the employee to primarily perform non-sedentary work; mobility (moving around the work-site)
is routinely required to carry out some duties including extensive moving upon and traveling across uneven surfaces, rough terrain and/or desolate areas. Duties require the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and/or steer a boat as needed. The position also requires normal cognitive abilities requiring the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies. It requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions. This position requires the ability to read printed materials and computer screens. The position may require extensive computer, telephone and clienU customer contact and communication. The individual must be able to move and transport records, documents, boxes, equipment and all materials and related tools, weighing up to 50 pounds, when required. The individual must be able to remain stationary for long periods of time when commuting to and from assigned destination and when traveling on state business including fieldwork and training assignments. This position requires the ability to work outside and adapt to adverse weather conditions to include sea, sky and land environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college/university with a degree in either natural sciences, marine transportation, or environmental studies or related field. Applicant may substitute education on a year for year basis full-time work in one of the following fields: natural science, environmental studies, emergency management, maritime industry, oil handling operations, shoreline cleanup assessment or related experience.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to launch, operate, and trailer a boat.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience responding to or operating in coastal oil spills. Experience pulling trailers and operating boats up to 27 feet in length. Federal or state regulatory experience. Experience operating in an Incident Command System with training in ICS-100 & 200. Current 40-hour certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Responder, or current 8-hour refresher certified.