RRC - Data Analyst V - Seismologist - Oil and Gas Technical Permitting

Job Description

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


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:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match - you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at


Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in the regulation of oil and gas exploration and production, seeks a Seismologist (Data Analyst V) to provide technical and analytical work in the Technical Permitting Section of the Oil and Gas Division, and will work closely with the State Seismologist and Oil & Gas Injection Permits Unit (OGIP). Major responsibilities include interfacing with academic (e.g., TexNet) and industry researchers, reviewing literature related to seismicity in Texas, extracting and organizing data, producing reports relating to seismicity and injection, evaluating factors related to seismicity and injection disposal, and reporting findings and recommendations to the OGIP Manager, Assistant Director of Technical Permitting, and the State Seismologist. The Seismologist will use engineering data, geologic data, geographic information systems, and other software applications. The Seismologist will work under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and may supervise and train other staff as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitor seismicity in Texas.

• Review literature related to induced seismicity.

• Interfaces with academic and industry researchers.

• Develop procedures, tools, and resources for evaluation of induced seismicity.

• Plans and coordinates programs, activities, studies, and projects related to induced seismicity.

• Make recommendations to the State Seismologist, Asst. Director and UIC Manager.

• Collects, validates, and analyzes data relating to seismicity.

• Produce reports and visualizations.

• Monitor injection well activity for compliance with plans to reduce seismicity.

• Perform seismicity reviews for disposal well permits.

• Prepares plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and related documents for compliance with laws and standards; and makes recommendations for improvements.

• Inspects the work of applicants and operators for compliance with laws and specifications.

• Prepares correspondence and technical reports.

• Performs engineering or environmental assessments, modeling, and monitoring.

• May provide technical guidance on the evaluation of data, coordination of research, analysis of issues, and preparation of reports and recommendations.

• May assist with evaluating data and conducting research to analyze environmental and safety issues.

• May supervise and train others.

• Performs additional related essential tasks to maintain production workflow.

For Military Crosswalk information, please visit: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Planning, Research, and Statistics


Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in seismology, geology, geophysics, or a closely related field.

• Five (5) years of experience in engineering, geophysical, and/or geological work.

• Applicants must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Austin area.

• Valid Texas Driver's license and a good driving record.

• Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of experience in engineering, geophysical, and/or geological work.

• Experience in preparing and presenting written reports, studies, and other documents for distribution to the public and to technical experts.

• At least 12 months of experience leading technical projects.

• Knowledge of the Railroad Commission's rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; measurement, testing, and evaluation; and research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.

• Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, in the use of a computer and applicable software, and in the use of statistical tools and programs.

• Ability to plan, organize, and administer research projects; to evaluate research data; to ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity; to interpret and publish research findings; and to communicate effectively.

• Knowledge of engineering, geoscience, and seismological data analysis techniques.

• Ability to apply science and engineering concepts, to conduct inspections, to perform maintenance activities, to review design work, to review construction work, to organize and analyze data, to communicate effectively, and to train others.

• Knowledge of engineering, geosciences, and seismological principles, techniques, and procedures; of testing methods, processes, and procedures; of mathematics and statistics; and of the practical application of engineering and geosciences technology.

• Skill in scientific data management; in collecting and assessing geological, geohydrological, and geophysical data; in the use of a computer and applicable software; and in the use of standard tools of the profession.

• Knowledge of professional office procedures and protocols.

• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.


• Ability to understand, communicate, and interpret complex engineering and geological information to others.


• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

• Ability to work independently and on a team.


• Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

• Ability to discern colors and read diagrams, charts, maps, and reference materials.

• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM with occasional flexible hours, overtime, and weekends.

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:

Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
• Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.

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.