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Job Title

Program Specialist II

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Texas Water Resource Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Weslaco, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description

The Program Specialist II, under general supervision, works collaboratively with TWRI and Weslaco AgriLife Research and Extension Center leadership and faculty to plan, develop and implement programs and to support water resource management, research and extension efforts locally and statewide as appropriate. Specifically, the Program Specialist II will spend considerable time (≥75%) on watershed implementation-based activities. However, we are seeking a proactive and innovative team member that will collaborate on development of new initiatives focused on the use of alternative water resources while addressing emerging water resource concerns. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including agronomists, engineers, environmental scientists, hydrologists, planners, public health experts, community stakeholders, and others, to research, design, and implement sustainable water solutions. Responsibilities include contributing to identifying emerging technologies, supporting pilot projects that promote the use of non-traditional water sources such as recycled, reclaimed, or harvested water. This role requires strong collaboration skills, creativity, and a passion for advancing sustainable water management practices.

Responsibilities

- Work independently and by facilitating partnerships and collaborations to lead the stakeholder engagement aspects of watershed-based plan implementation.

- Identify local educational resource needs and work to develop, deliver, and disseminate needed resources to watershed stakeholders.

- Establish and facilitate local working relationships to foster watershed-based planning and implementation.

- Facilitate, coordinate, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to identify and prioritize local water resource issues.

- Coordinate, plan and conduct scientific investigations to answer specific research questions or develop strategies to address water resource issues.

- Conduct project management duties such as ensuring on-time deliverables, project reporting and judicious fiscal management.

- Track, document, and report progress implementing local watershed management activities

- Lead efforts and assist in identifying and working to secure funding opportunities.

- Work with TAMUS administration and faculty; research and Extension personnel; federal and state agencies; non-profit organizations; personnel with other universities, centers, and institutes; and other partners to plan and develop projects and grant proposals to address critical water issues in Texas.

- Plan, implement and evaluate programs. Assist in establishing goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

- Support AgriLife faculty in the Valley in efforts to develop water resource research initiatives

- Prepare reports on program activities.

- Prepare educational resources including factsheets, PowerPoint slides, webpages, social media, videos, newsletters and news releases, and related materials to support subject matter expertise dissemination.

- Publish scholarly activity in refereed journals and presents findings at relevant scientific meetings and conferences.

- Support other related water management programs underway or under development at the Texas Water Resources Institute.

Required Education and Experience

+ Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental science, hydrology, urban planning, water management, or related program plus minimum 2 years' experience

Preferred Education and Experience

+ Preferred: Master’s or PhD degree in agronomy, environmental science, hydrology, urban planning, water management, plus 2 years' experience

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Experience in area of specialization, ability to write grant proposals to secure external funding

- Ability to communicate effectively

- Competent in the use of personal computers; navigating communications, team collaboration, word processing and spreadsheet software (MS Office specifically); and using appropriate statistical-analysis software

- Ability to interact effectively with groups including the public, agricultural interests, city and county officials, non-profit and environmental advocacy organizations, river authorities and water resource personnel from Land Grant Universities and state and federal agencies.

- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

- Ability to travel statewide as necessary to perform salaried job duties.

- Ability to work beyond normal business hours as job duties require.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Bi-lingual in Spanish.

THIS IS A GRANT SUPPORTED POSITION AND IS CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING. CONTINUED FUNDING AVAILABILITY IS CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT’S ABILITY TO DEVELOP AND SECURE EXTRAMURAL FUNDING.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.