Project Assistant, Austin Parks and Recreation

Job Description:

Project Assistant, 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:

Project Assistant

Purpose:

Under direct supervision, this position provides support to project management team by organizing various projects, contract agreements, and programs. Participates in the development of a project and provides support in scheduling, budgeting, and implementation phases of the project.

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.

Assists in planning stage of projects, including the coordination of existing bonds and future bond projects.

• Assists in planning, scheduling, or coordination of project activities to meet deadlines.
  
• Provides assistance in creation of a communication plan to field staff, including Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
  
• Creates and maintains project progress monitoring data to track each project.
  
• Coordinates status updates for project related matters including providing updates to internal and external customers.
  
• Updates and maintains schedule data to ensure project consistency and optimization.
  
• Assists in resolution of project issues including any potential risks to team members by providing supporting documentation including policies and procedures.
  
• Communicates roles, expectations, and accountabilities to all team members on a regular basis.
  
• Advises management of problems, issues, and status of ongoing projects.
  
• Provides assistance to ensure established project deadlines and related tasks are completed as assigned.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.
  

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 basic project practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws applicable to bond projects.
  
• Knowledge of applicable City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
  
• Skill in project planning and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in oral and written format to a variety of audiences.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and available software packages.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in the fields of construction, engineering, architectural, or oversight of capital improvement projects.
  
• Experience in interpreting maps, plans, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory codes related to project delivery.
  
• Experience in supporting teams with the planning, coordination, tracking, and execution of capital improvement projects.
  
• Experience undertaking independent research tasks and special projects related to parkland.
  

Preferred Knowledge:

• Knowledge of engineering and architectural design principles, practices, procedures, scheduling, and estimating techniques.
  
• Knowledge in working with the City of Austin land development and building codes, regulations, and permitting related to project delivery.
  
• Knowledge of Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in construction.
  
• Knowledge of Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification and public playground construction.
  
• Knowledge of sustainable design and land development with LEED, SITES, or Envision accreditation.
  

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification, or ability to obtain CPSI certification, within six (6) months of hire.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Project Assistant position is to provide support to the Park Planning Division of Austin Parks and Recreation by assisting on various projects, contract agreements, and programs. This position will monitor and review park development projects that are associated with parkland dedication fees, grants, mitigation fees or other funds. This position will assist these projects through construction, ensure administrative clarity for construction documentation, review and track contractor deliverables, project schedule and budgets. In addition, this position may monitor Chapter 26 mitigation projects, utility construction on parks and park encroachment issues.

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.
  
• Driver Safety Standards: This position requires candidate to possess a valid Texas Class C Driver’s 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. If you cannot meet these conditions, you may be deemed ineligible for this position.
  
• 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 you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: 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.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All 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 Range :

$29.89 - $37.37 per hour

Work Location:

APR Annex - 919 W. 28th ½ St., Austin, TX 78705

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  
• 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.
  

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: 2026-02-10