Assistant Director, Austin Water Environmental, Development, and Planning Services

City of Austin•Austin, TX

8d•$215,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

About Austin Water: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over one million people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. Austin Water sources its supply from the Colorado River via the Highland Lakes system, treating it at three regional water treatment plants — Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich — which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day. The utility also operates two major wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, which together can treat up to 150 million gallons of wastewater daily. Job Description: Assistant Director, Austin Water Environmental, Development, and Planning Services Purpose: Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position is responsible for the Environmental, Planning, and Development Services program area. Provides a wide range of planning support functions to achieve optimum incorporation of integrated resources planning in the core structure and activities of the Utility.

Requirements

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 Local, State, and Federal water and wastewater utility regulations.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.
Knowledge of supervisory and 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 managing multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution
Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations
Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials
Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets
Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.
Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Engineering, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.
State of Texas Professional Engineer

Nice To Haves

Strategic, collaborative leader with experience in water utilities, environmental stewardship, and community growth planning.
Experience guiding complex projects, building strong partnerships across municipal departments, and aligning infrastructure and resource strategies with long‐term community needs.
Demonstrates sound judgment, clear communication, and a commitment to reliable service, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development.
Expertise in guiding organizations through complex regulatory environments, driving operational efficiency, supporting modernization initiatives, and ensuring safe, dependable service delivery to customers and communities.
Expertise in coordinating utility infrastructure to support orderly, sustainable community growth, including collaboration with municipal partners and alignment of projects with development needs.
Ability to assess current and future water needs, evaluate supply options, and guide long-term strategies that ensure reliable, sustainable water resources for the community.
Ability to build agreement, resolve differences, and secure favorable outcomes through effective communication, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem‐solving.
Ability to lead the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, and staffing priorities; ensures alignment with citywide objectives and allocates resources accordingly.
Ability to coordinate closely with other City departments and external agencies.
Ability to build meaningful connections, understand others' responses, and guide interactions effectively.
Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspectives of both internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

Directs assigned division and section activities, including analyzing and forecasting supply and demand to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies and analyzes trends and determines methodologies to implement changes.
Develops and implements plan steps for asset management plans for water and wastewater vertical, horizontal and real assets, including asset condition, criticality, and risk assessments.
Develops and implements short- and long-range water, wastewater, and reclaimed water system supply and infrastructure planning, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial and engineering support, program planning, and evaluation.
Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for Environmental, Development, and Planning activities within assigned divisions.
Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.
Develops and reviews water and wastewater hydraulic performance analysis of pipeline systems design and criteria. Provides long range planning through project prioritization on the 5- and 10-year Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) spending plans.
Develops and reviews water, environmental, and natural resource plans to ensure resource protection, availability, conservation, and sustainability in compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements and needs.
Reviews, approves, and implements quality and safety systems and programs.
Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.
Represents the department at City Council meetings, citizens groups, boards and commissions and external agencies and organizations.
Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed.
Investigates and resolves Citizen inquiries and complaints.
Reviews, analyzes, and prepares both written and oral reports.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal