Job Description

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

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 accounthttps://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) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these 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.

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) attorney work. Work involves assisting the General Counsel and Team Lead for the Water Supply and Infrastructure Team (WSI Team) in planning and organizing work, interpreting laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Performs legal services for the Board, Executive Administrator, and agency staff. Assists with and conducts reviews of rule concepts and draft rules. Participates in briefings and meetings. May train others. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Reports directly to the General Counsel of the Office of General Counsel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Represents and advises state agency clients concerning state and federal laws and rules relating to agency programs.
• Reviews applications and securities documents for agency programs to ensure they adherence to legal requirements.
• Negotiates, drafts and reviews documents for loan applications and closings.
• Conducts legal research concerning state and federal financial assistance programs and municipal finance laws.
• Drafts rules, conducts rulemaking proceedings, and monitors changes in state and federal laws, as required.
• Drafts contracts in accordance with agency's legal authority and with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.
• Drafts and analyzes state and federal legislation
• 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.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. or L.L.B. degree.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and experience in water, environmental, real estate, administrative, or government law.
• Knowledge of and experience in the state or federal legislative process.
• Experience in water policy and planning.
• Knowledge of contract law, government law, and Texas state agency contracts.
• Knowledge of bond and loan transactions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Texas Water Development Board.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of environmental law.
• Knowledge of bond and loan transactions.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skill in conducting efficient legal research, including the use of Westlaw and other online resources.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to identify legal issues.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

Additional Information

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page 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, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov