Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection

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:

Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Director, this position directs the activities of personnel involved in providing development review and inspection services, including reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution for the City of Austin.

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.

• Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, plans, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial support, fiscal management, program planning, and evaluation.
  
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the division.
  
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practice, policy, and procedure governing the division.
  
• Ensures division is in compliance with all governmental regulations, ordinances, directives, and City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Assists in the development, management, and monitoring of the departmental budget, ensuring department operates within appropriated budget.
  
• Recommends and, as applicable, approves major purchases and expenditures.
  
• Acts as liaison to City departments, consultants, contractors, and governmental agencies.
  
• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
  
• Prepares and presents reports by compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data; provides written and/or oral reports.
  
• Investigates and resolves consumer and citizen inquiries and/or complaints.
  
• Presents to City Council; boards; County, State, and Federal officials; vendors; contractors; and the general public.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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 fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of and skill in supervisory, managerial techniques, and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Engineering, Business, Natural Science, or Public Administration plus six (6) years of supervisory or management experience in the environmental field, public or business administration.
  
• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Notes to Candidate:

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:
Please learn more about our department and how we serve our community: What does the Watershed Protection Department do?

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

To view the detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Watershed Protection offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

The Assistant Director of Austin Watershed Protection is an experienced servant leader with forward-thinking leadership values and the flexibility to adapt to the evolving demands of the City of Austin and its community. They understand and appreciate the importance of equity and empathy in the workforce and have extensive experience and knowledge to effect positive change.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Proven experience managing a very diverse program portfolio (Finance, Safety Resources, Communications, Marketing & Engagement, Community Education, Human Resources, and Administrative Services).
  
• Communicates Effectively: Demonstrates the ability to convey and receive information and ideas in an open, clear, and articulate way with respect to cultural differences and others’ perspectives.
  
• Community Collaborator: Experience in collaborating and presenting to internal and external stakeholders on projects and programs that might include public outreach, City Council updates, and program implementation.
  
• Continuous Quality Improvement: Establish and maintain organizational capacity and resources to support continuous quality improvement.
  
• Proven executive experience working in or with government teams to support the delivery of complex projects.
  
• Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
  
• Politically Savvy: Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy and be comfortable in high-visibility public settings (e.g., council, commissions, community meetings).
  

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by April 17, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

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.