Environmental Program Coordinator (Parks & Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Environmental Program Coordinator (Parks & Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• 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 or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, 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.

This Environmental Program Coordinator position will work within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) Land Management Program and report to the Land Management Program Manager. The mission of the Program is to restore parkland natural areas to mitigate risk, improve resilience, and provide ecosystem services to Austin in perpetuity. The Program is responsible for operating the Austin Nature Preserve System, as well as implementing restoration activities across approximately 10,000 acres of parkland natural areas with particular focus on reducing wildfire risk and improving climate resilience.

The purpose of this Environmental Program Coordinator position is to facilitate large-scale ecological restoration activities in Austin parkland natural areas. Strategies may include direct implementation as well as coordination and communication with volunteer groups, researchers, other agencies, and the general public. This will involve activities such as:

• Planning, overseeing, and implementing large-scale ecological restoration activities such as selective thinning, invasive species removal, planting and seeding, and prescribed burning.
• Cultivating, guiding, and facilitating the work of volunteer groups.
• Facilitating research and coordinating PARD’s research permit process.
• Creating and distributing information and innovative content to the public via websites, social media, presentations, signage, and individual conversation.
• Building and maintaining public support for active ecological restoration activities.
• Providing technical information and/or assistance.
  
  

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.

Pay Range
$32.23 - $40.29 per hour

Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 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.
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 02/04/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 2200 Lakeshore Blvd., Austin, TX 78741 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience with large-scale ecological restoration including operation and maintenance of tools and equipment such as hand tools, chain saws, UTVs, tractors, trucks, and trailers.
• Knowledge of central Texas flora, fauna, and vegetation communities.
• Knowledge and experience with wildland fire operations such as prescribed burning.
• Experience creating and distributing innovative visual, video, and audio content to the public via websites, social media, signage, and presentations.
• Experience recruiting and coordinating volunteer organizations in ecological restoration or related work.
• Experience communicating with executives, elected officials, traditional media, and the public about sensitive issues related to natural resources management.
• Experience working with diverse populations, groups, and staff.
  
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

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.


Serve as coordinator or liaison for interdepartmental and interagency issues and projects. Communicate project and program information to internal and external customers. Assist in management or resolution of interdepartmental and interagency conflicts. Facilitate closure of litigated cases. Negotiate permit and/or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors. Develop/establish service agreements with other programs, departments and agencies. Develop and manage contracts. Manage and review environmental remediation plans. Provide technical advice and assistance to City management, staff, contractors, and businesses. Evaluate projects, programs and criteria. Assist in the development and adoption of new City Code regulations, policies and procedures. Assist in development of new/revised interdepartmental or interagency protocol or procedures. Review, evaluate and recommend revisions to City Code, rules, policies and legislative bills. Review, evaluate and recommend revisions to technical reports, studies and contract documents. Review site plans, environmental site assessments and stormwater/effluent discharge proposals. Evaluate existing conditions, collect samples, interpret sampling data, and develop corrective action plans. Educate and conduct presentations to public. Assist in the development of short and long range plans. Prepare written reports, memoranda, letters, RFP / RFQ /IFBs and Standard Operation Procedures Assist in the development and monitoring of budgets. Attend City Council, Board, Commission Meetings, etc. as a City/Department staff representative. Respond to requests from the media.

Responsibilities- Supervision 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
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.

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.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires 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. Do you meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position will involve tasks including 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 in these conditions.

• I acknowledge, understand, and am able to meet this requirement of the position.

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout the work day?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents