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HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE 

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Business Development division is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in rural Texas through its community and economic development programs. Division staff work with small rural hospitals, rural communities, Texas businesses, and various organizations and associations throughout the state. 

 

The Grants Office oversees numerous state and federal grant programs, including but not limited to: Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Program, rural nursing stipends, Young Farmer Grant, State Trade Expansion Program, Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance, Home Delivered Meals Grant, Urban Schools Agricultural Grant, Boll Weevil Eradication, Surplus Agricultural Grant, Specialty Crop Block Grant, and the State of Texas Agricultural Relief program.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Grants Specialist will perform complex grant administration work including preparing, monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating all aspects of multiple programs, including those impacting rural hospitals, small businesses, non-profits and agricultural producers. Your primary tasks will include review of grant reimbursements and administrative review of grant applications. Work under general/limited supervision, with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

 

In addition, the following apply to the Grant Specialist III position:

The Grants Specialist III will perform additional work including planning, implementation, and coordination for assigned grant programs You may serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Coordinate/Review and approve requests for reimbursement from grantees.
  • Review grant applications submitted for funding consideration and determine eligibility for award based on established criteria, coordinate review panels, and evaluations of grant applications.
  • Develop/Prepare grant agreement details for grant award execution, review requests for grant agreement revisions.
  • Coordinate and/Maintain grant files and records and perform timely and accurate data entry of information.
  • Respond to constituent requests/concerns in an accurate and timely manner, either in writing, telephone or in person. This may include training/consultative and technical guidance to staff, agencies/grantees, counties and community organizations regarding grant application process, reporting and general grantee requirements.
  • Ensure grantee compliance with conditions of grant award by monitoring and analyzing agreements, expenses, activities, and federal and state regulations. 
  • Address issues, develop solutions and resolve non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving discrepancies and complaints or other concerns.
  • Review grant closeout materials to determine completion of the project.
  • Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

In addition to the Primary Responsibilities listed above, the following apply to the Grant Specialist III position:

  • Maintain/update program guidelines/procedures and policies.
  • Assist in the coordination of special activities and projects, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST II

  • Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).
  • Work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist, contract specialist or grants and contracts coordinator/management to include education, training or experience performing work related to the primary responsibilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST III

  • Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).
  • Two (2) years’ work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist, contract specialist or grants and contracts coordinator/management to include experience performing work related to the primary responsibilities independently and with minimal supervision or as a subject matter expert. 

PREFERRED

  • Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and/or contract administration; business administration principles and practices; and of research and budgeting processes. 
  • Skill in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; report writing; budget development and monitoring; and in the use of a computer and applicable software. 
  • Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgement and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%* in the assigned area), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees 
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Longevity Pay
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Optional Life Insurance
  • Voluntary AD&D Insurance
  • Dependent Health & Life Insurance
  • Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

 

*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423. 

 

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. 

 

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

 

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

 

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes.