Environmental Program Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Environmental Program Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

The Environmental Program Coordinator serves as a central point of contact for the Austin Community Garden Program, providing leadership in recruiting and establishing new gardens as well as oversight and troubleshooting for existing gardens. The Environmental Program Coordinator serves as the point person for communications and programming and works in close conjunction with internal and external stakeholder agencies.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Serves as coordinator or liaison for interdepartmental and interagency issues and projects
• Communicates project and program information to internal and external customers
• Assists in management or resolution of interdepartmental and interagency conflicts
• Facilitates closure of litigated cases
• Negotiates permit and/or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors Develops/establishes service agreements with other programs, departments and agencies
• Develops and manages contracts
• Manages and reviews environmental remediation plans
• Provides technical advice and assistance to City management, staff, contractors, and businesses
• Evaluates projects, programs and criteria
• Assists in the development and adoption of new City Code regulations, policies and procedures
• Assists in development of new/revised interdepartmental or interagency protocol or procedures
• Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to City Code, rules, policies and legislative bills
• Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to technical reports, studies and contract documents
• Reviews site plans, environmental site assessments and stormwater/effluent discharge proposals
• Evaluates existing conditions, collects samples, interprets sampling data, and develops corrective action plans
• Educates and conducts presentations to public
• Assists in the development of short and long range plans
• Prepares written reports, memoranda, letters, RFP/RFQ/IFBs and Standard Operation Procedures
• Assists in the development and monitoring of budgets
• Attends City Council, Board, Commission Meetings, etc. as a City/Department staff representative
• Responds to requests from the media

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, plus six (6) years of experience in a related field.
• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
• Related experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with community gardening including current issues and best practices.
• Experience working with diverse populations, groups, and staff.
• Experience working with volunteer groups and coordinating volunteer projects in parks.
• Experience in program coordination involving multidisciplinary stakeholders, including executives, elected officials, traditional media, and the public about sensitive issues related to natural resources management.
• Experience building partnerships, including non-profit management and public and private partnerships.
• Experience navigating City of Austin permitting processes.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Experience with project management.
• Experience in public presentations and public speaking.
• Experience in meeting facilitation and professional development.
• Experience with communication skills, including community engagement, dispute resolution and conflict mediation.
• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) will be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Salary:

$68,660.00 - $85,830.00 Annually.

Work Location:

Mayfield Park - 3505 W. 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703

Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Weekend work will occur monthly.
• Opportunity for some telecommuting after probationary period.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
• This position will require traveling to multiple sites throughout the workday.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-19