TCEQ - Public Information Request (PIR) Specialist

Are you an experienced Public Information Request (PIR) Specialist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency? 
Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state’s public health and natural resources.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM
As part of TCEQ Administrative Services, you would help support the logistical and operational structure for TCEQ statewide -- the business foundation for the whole agency. See details about what we do.
This position is a member of our Information Resources Division.

Here’S What You’Ll Be Doing

• Provide internal and external customer support for the agency's Public Information Request (PIR) processes and procedures for the Information Resources Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Provide support and collaborate in the preparation, analysis, dissemination, and documentation of the Public Information Request (PIR) and Data Requests for the agency in compliance with the Public Information Act (PIA) and agency standards. Serve as the primary program area liaison to agency staff, outside entities, community organizations, and the public to explain and provide technical assistance on PIR and PIA requirements. Identify gaps in processes and procedures, recommend improvements to PIR Coordinator, Team Lead, and aid in that decision, and implement new processes to program areas. Train and provide guidance to less experienced staff. 
• Monitor and review compliance of PIR program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules, as needed, with PIA Attorney guidance. Lead the collection, organization, analysis, and/or preparation of materials in response to requests for public information and reports information to the Office of the Attorney General and agency management. Serve as the lead screener for the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) on PIR-related matters.
• Review, process, and respond to customer requests for PIRs in compliance with the PIA and agency standards; coordinate and track the entry of information into the agency supported software (PIRCS) and filing systems; ensure letters and other correspondences are processed. Participate in development and implementation of changes to PIRCS.
• Serve as the primary contact for coordinating requirements relating to the Information Resources Division’s records. Work closely with the Central File Room and the Records Administrator to ensure agency records management policies and procedures are followed within the division to include records retention, storage, access, and destruction.
• Serve as a technical support contact for internal users of the PIRCS Application. Grant and terminate user access, monitor and respond to service requests, and provide technical assistance to troubleshoot and resolve issues within the application.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with Public Information Requests (PIRs) and laws. (specifically, PIRs, and Laws).
• Experience in preparing, proofreading, and editing correspondence.
• Experience providing customer service. 
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Outlook, Excel, and Word).
• Experience providing technical support or troubleshooting user issues in applications (e.g., access management, system errors)

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or equivalent, plus five years of full-time record management work or customer service experience, which involves receiving and responding to inquiries related to records/files information.

Fifteen semester hours of accredited college coursework may be substituted for each six months of the required experience. 
Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2).  Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

• TRANSCRIPT / COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK 
• See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.
• WORK SCHEDULE
• Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Financial Administration Division.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance
• CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
• TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.
• In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at (512) 239-0102.
• MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (M.O.S.) CODES
• M.O.S. codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. 
• Please click the hyperlink under ‘Occupational Category’ for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.