Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
RRC - Engineering Specialist III - Oil and Gas Environmental Permitting and Support Unit
🇺🇸Austin, Texas, United States5 hours ago
$51,156 – $73,188Senior
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:
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 Environmental Permitting and Support (EPS) Unit is seeking a Geologist or Engineer to evaluate complex compliance data for the Compliance Team, focusing on monitoring, compliance, and enforcement activities at oil and gas waste management facilities regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas. This position will report directly to the Environmental Compliance Manager and will work closely with the Manager of the EPS Unit and the Environmental Compliance Manager for this team.
EPS serves within the Technical Permitting Section of the Oil and Gas Division. The role requires applied knowledge of engineering and geological principles, practices, and techniques to evaluate compliance and monitor permitted facilities for surface management of oil and gas waste.
Responsibilities include processing complex compliance and monitoring reports, evaluating technical documentation, coordinating with District Offices, and participating in field inspections. The EPS also provides technical assistance to internal and external clients.
In addition, EPS analyzes groundwater monitoring data and associated constituents, assessing trends and identifying potential impacts on groundwater quality. The role also includes reviewing and evaluating soil test results during facility closures to determine whether the soils meet regulatory standards and are free of contamination.
Successful applicants must be highly organized; proficient in conducting field inspections and investigations; knowledgeable in engineering and geological principles; and capable of working with Windows-based applications, terminal-based systems, and databases. Strong verbal, written, and telecommunication skills are essential for effective customer interaction.
Essential Job Functions
• Review Compliance & Monitoring Reports — Perform technical review of complex compliance and monitoring reports filed under the Commission's oil and gas waste management regulations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and regulatory adherence.
• Analyze Groundwater Monitoring Data — Conduct inspection-level analysis of groundwater monitoring data and constituent concentrations to identify trends, anomalies, and potential impacts to groundwater quality.
• Evaluate Soil Testing for Closures — Review soil sampling results during facility closure activities to determine whether soils meet regulatory standards and are free from contamination.
• Conduct Geological & Hydrological Studies — Perform complex geological and hydrological evaluations to identify potential environmental or operational problems associated with the maintenance, use, or closure of oil and gas waste management, treatment, recycling, and disposal facilities.
• Interpret Technical Maps & Drawings — Review and interpret geologic maps, cross sections, engineered drawings, plats, and other subsurface or surface information to support permitting and compliance decisions.
• Evaluate Technical Data & Prepare Reports — Assess technical data, identify issues, and prepare written reports, recommendations, and summaries to support regulatory actions.
• Interpret Scientific Documentation — Review, compare, and evaluate scientific literature, technical documentation, and regulatory materials using applied engineering and geological knowledge to enforce Commission rules and statutes.
• Support Application Reviews — Assist in reviewing complex compliance and monitoring data submitted with applications for waste treatment, recycling, and surface disposal of oil and gas waste.
• Ensure Permit Compliance — Verify that permit conditions necessary to prevent pollution of surface and subsurface waters remain in compliance with Commission rules and statutes.
• Prepare Deficiency Notices & Requests — Prepare requests for supplemental data, identify deficiencies, and complete notices of violation when required.
• Conduct Field Inspections — Coordinate with District Offices and participate in on-site inspections and investigations to verify operational practices and environmental controls.
• Assist Clients & Resolve Issues — Respond to inquiries by phone, email, and in person; resolve discrepancies through written or verbal communication with operators and their representatives.
• Research Technical Records — Research and interpret hardcopy records, microfilm, and electronic databases to support permitting and compliance evaluations.
• Maintain Specialized Databases — Participate in creating and maintaining specialized databases to accurately track and support the Unit's core regulatory functions.
• Meet Production & Accuracy Standards — Meet and maintain measured work standards with a high degree of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Deliver Professional Presentations — Represent the agency by preparing and delivering clear, technically accurate presentations at conferences, workshops, and internal meetings, effectively communicating complex geological, hydrological, and regulatory concepts to public audiences, industry stakeholders, and organizational leadership.
• Support Workflow Needs — Perform additional related essential tasks as needed to maintain production workflow and support the Unit's mission.
• Travel as Required — Occasional travel may be required to support inspections, meetings, or field operations.
For Military Crosswalk information, please visit: Engineering and Design.
Minimum Qualifications
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a B.S. in Engineering, Geoscience, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Four years of experience with a regulatory agency, waste management industry, or related field.
• Valid Texas Driver's license and a good driving record.
• Applicants must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Austin area.
• Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) or a Professional Geoscientist (PG) in the State of Texas, or in a U.S. State with license reciprocity.
• Preferred coursework in geological sciences, soil sciences, or related fields and/or industry experience.
• Three years conducting field inspections or investigations.
• Experience evaluating soil and groundwater data for compliance and monitoring of regulated facilities.
• Experience in oilfield operations.
• Experience in all aspects of environmental services, remediation, and assessment.
• Experience in oil and gas regulatory functions.
• Knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of professional office procedures and protocols.
• Skill in college-level mathematics, geometry, chemistry, and a working knowledge of scientific principles and techniques.
• Demonstrate understanding and ability to apply geologic and engineering concepts, theories, and principles.
• Skill in technical writing, excellent organizational skills, and maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Possess a valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record.
• Skill in using mainframe, Microsoft Office, and other Windows-based software applications.
• Skill in basic data analysis techniques
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill in working on tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail and maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to retrieve and analyze information from hard copy files, microfilm, and computer database(s).
• Ability to understand, communicate, and interpret complex engineering and geological information to others.
• Ability to learn and understand oil and gas policy and procedures, and interpret processes.
• Ability to accurately file, sort, organize, and distribute documents and retrieve files.
• Ability to operate copy machine, fax, scanner, and other general office equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, reach low and high, push and pull heavy file drawers and/or cart.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time while performing administrative or technical duties.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and be flexible.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to maintain punctuality and regular attendance.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy.
• Ability to discern colors and read diagrams/charts/maps/reference materials.
• Ability to work downtown Austin, TX, Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, with occasional flexible hours, overtime, and weekends.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Ability to reach high and low; open, close, and retrieve files from file cabinets as well as operate the computer keyboard and appropriate office equipment. Must walk/stand for considerable amounts of time in all weather conditions. Must use sense of smell; must also have visual acuity, depth perception, and the ability to discern colors.
Work Environment:
Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment. Occasional overnight travel to permitted facilities in all weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to moderate indoors and low to high in the field.
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 alternative schedules for employees, provided they do not adversely affect operations or service levels and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework in accordance with the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules 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 log in: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
Remarks:
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 to 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.