Program Manager I (Austin Parks & Recreation)

Job Description:

Program Manager I (Austin Parks & 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:

Program Manager I

Purpose:

The Park Stewardship Program Manager leads the development, coordination, and implementation of citywide environmental stewardship initiatives across parkland. This role strengthens ecological health through volunteer activation, community partnerships, restoration projects, and interdepartmental collaboration. The role also oversees the intake and review of community-initiated projects and the implementation of ecological restoration and natural trail projects proposed through the Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) Program.

The Program Manager will develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive stewardship program that supports ecological restoration, natural trails, green stormwater infrastructure, habitat management, and long-term landscape health. The Program Manager will manage the CAPP intake and coordination process for Austin Parks and Recreation. For
environmental stewardship focused projects, the Program Manager will serve as the subject matter expert for the review and oversight for the implementation.

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.

• Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.
  
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies and procedures.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders.
  
• Monitors and evaluate programs effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Manages the budget of assigned program and associated projects and provides financial information.
  
• Assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast information.
  
• Manages, coordinates, implements and monitors projects associated with assigned program.
  
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
  
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
  
• Provides technical advice and assistance to department management, city management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for discharge.

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 principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects and programs.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job, one (1) year of which was in a lead, supervisory, project or program management capacity.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing or coordinating stewardship activities or improvement projects on public lands, including oversight of volunteers, contractors, or partner organizations.
  
• Experience facilitating discussions between external partners and internal city staff.
  
• Experience in nonprofit governance practices.
  
• Experience scoping and implementing ecological restoration work
  
• Knowledge of central Texas flora, fauna, and vegetation communities.
  
• Experience communicating with executives, elected officials, traditional media, and the public about complex and sensitive issues.
  
• Experience with trail maintenance in a public land setting.
  

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) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR 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.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas class “C” Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 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: APR 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: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary Range:

$65,390 - $81,740 Annually

Work Location:

COA Parks & Recreation Annex

919 West 28 1/2 Street

Austin, Texas

Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 08:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• Telework may be available after probationary period under COA Flexible Work Arrangement.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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: 2026-02-05