Company 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.

Job Description

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) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee 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. 

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Job Description Summary

Performs advanced (senior-level) legal work. Work involves organizing and planning legal activities, coordinating the preparation of legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel to the agency as a whole and specifically to the Operations and Administration (O&A) Division and Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) Division. Work includes advising and representing the agency in employment law and procurement matters. Supervises the work of the staff assigned to the O&A and PCS Team in the General Counsel Division. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the General Counsel.

Essential Job Functions

• Organizes and coordinates legal and administrative activities for the Team.
• Coordinates, formulates, and establishes policies and procedures applicable to the Team.
• Coordinates the provision of legal advice and services to the agency regarding human resources and employment related matters, state agency contracting, the Texas Public Information Act, and other issues pertinent to the Team. 
• Coordinates the preparation and review of documents needed for agency procurement and contracting functions.
• Provides oversight and assistance for the agency records management and Public Information Act functions. 
• Conducts investigations related to internal complaints, employment litigation and arbitration.
• Develops and presents agency-wide training in ethics and related subject matters. 
• Drafts and reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and bills and amendments for legislative consideration.
• Supervises the work of others.
• Evaluates Team performance and recommends and leads improvement.
• Recommends hiring, separations, disciplinary actions and employee performance rewards for the Team.
• Monitors and assists the General Counsel in representation of the agency in matters involving litigation.
• Assists the General Counsel with facilitating Board Meetings and Work Sessions.
• 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 Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Admission and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Ten years of full-time experience in the practice of law. 
• Experience with employment law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with contracts and procurement, state government ethics laws, administrative law, legislation, and the Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Public Information Act

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Office of General Counsel.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of employment law, contract law, government law and Texas state agency contracts.
• Knowledge of environmental law concepts, including natural resources laws.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• 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.
• Skills in efficient legal research including use of Westlaw and other internet legal research.
• Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Skills in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• 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 identify relevant legal issues.
• 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