The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established by Congress to provide the Nation with reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
USGS is a scientific agency that
- provides credible, relevant, impartial, and timely information to cooperators, stakeholders, and the public;
- does not have any natural resource management or regulatory responsibilities; and
- is known for its long-term and extensive data-collection networks and impartial research of natural-resources issues.
The USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) primarily addresses water issues faced by Oklahomans and Texans.
The mission of the OTWSC is to collect high-quality hydrologic data and conduct objective scientific investigations on the quantity, quality, and use and availability of surface- and groundwater resources within the great states of Oklahoma and Texas.
OTWSC works in cooperation with over 150 municipalities, river authorities, groundwater districts, and State and Federal and other agencies to provide reliable, impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. Funding for the OTWSC comes from a variety of sources, including direct Federal appropriations, other Federal agencies, and a cooperative program that allows the OTWSC to partially match funding with state and local agencies.
OTWSC studies the occurrence, distribution, quantity, movement, and chemical and biological quality of surface water and groundwater in Oklahoma and Texas. Specific water-resources activities of the OTWSC are categorized into six Science Theme areas:
Scientific activities include
- maintenance and analysis of long-term (more than 100 years) quantitative and qualitative data for streams, reservoirs, sediment, and groundwater; and
- short-term (typically about 2 to 5 years) interpretive studies of specific water-resources issues on a local, State, regional, and National level.
In addition to interpretive studies, OTWSC operates continuous data collection sites for acquiring information on surface-water, groundwater, water-quality, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions.
OTWSC has staff in twelve offices: Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Oklahoma City, San Angelo, San Antonio, Tulsa, Wichita Falls, and Woodward. Staff consists of scientists, technicians, and operational personnel committed to providing accurate and timely natural-resource information.
Interested in Working With Us?
Read more about USGS Acquisitions, Contracting, and Partnership programs
Contact our Public Information Officer for information about opportunities at OTWSC.
Email: otpublicinfo@usgs.gov
Interested in Working For Us?
USGS employment opportunities are posted on USA Jobs.
Internship and Student opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities are posted on Volunteer.gov
