Associate Hearing Officer (Austin Municipal Court)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $26 - $31

About The Position

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. The Municipal Court is the judicial branch of local government, the City of Austin. The court decides the lowest level criminal offenses in the state of Texas, including traffic, city ordinance, juvenile, and disabled parking. Court services are handled both onsite and online, or by telephone, email, and mail. Purpose: Under minimal supervision of the Hearing Office, investigates and evaluates disputed civil violations and determines liability and appropriate enforcement actions.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal enforcement proceedings.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret laws and ordinances governing municipal civil violations or other administrative hearings.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Business Administration, Social Science, or other related field plus two (2) years’ experience in a related field.
• Experience may substitute education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interpreting laws and ordinances governing municipal civil violations or experience in conducting administrative hearings.
• Experience with personal computers.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to include excellent proofing and editing abilities.
• Ability to travel between offices of court's main location and City Hall depending on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Performs hearing officer functions, including managing and conducting recorded hearings in person, virtually, or in writing to determine liability of civil violations, and makes judgments based on examination of ordinances, maps, files and other documentary evidence.
• Researches and applies appropriate laws regarding contested civil violations and determines liability.
• Answers pre- and post-hearing correspondence.
• Performs research to determine ownership of vehicles accumulating multiple civil violations.
• Communicates information and detailed explanations to internal and external customers about the civil parking enforcement program, hearing dates, report data, etc.
• Performs research and executes independent discretion to confirm boot eligibility; confirms and orders the authorization to boot and/or tow vehicles in violation of City of Austin ordinances.
• Schedules hearings, if necessary, and rules on extensions, continuances, and receipt of evidence.
• Investigates civil violation sites and signage and communicates with stakeholders to determine validity of disputed claims.
• Enters findings and other information into courts case management system.
• Negotiates payment plans for boot-eligible vehicles to forestall booting and/or towing.
• Recommends changes to civil case handling policies and procedures to the Hearing Officer.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree