Consulting Engineer (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

1d•$118,900 - $152,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Under nominal direction, the Consulting Engineer interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates engineering assignments and plans and develops projects involving unique or controversial problems that affect major City programs or projects. The position serves as a technical expert and plans, develops, and manages the Parks and Recreation department’s sustainability and resilience framework, integrating ecological health, resource management, and climate-responsive strategies into park infrastructure and operations. The role develops a framework for decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and restoration; implements resource management aligned with department and City plans; and coordinates engineering work supporting capital improvement projects and the operation and maintenance of park facilities. The position may lead or guide technical personnel and requires travel to multiple work locations. The work location is the Austin Parks and Recreation Annex in Austin, Texas. Telework opportunities may be available, and hours or location may change based on department needs. The role may require work during special events, evenings, weekends, holidays, and City emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in a field related to engineering.
Eight years of engineering experience, acquired before and/or after professional engineer licensure.
Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas, or, if licensed in another state, ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six months of employment.
Knowledge of fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts and their application to theoretical or practical civil engineering problems.
Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques, including trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques in the assigned engineering discipline.
Knowledge of terminology and techniques in one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering.
Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.
Knowledge of engineering principles and methods, plans review and inspection processes, cost estimates, engineering and feasibility reports, and applicable local and state laws and regulations.
Oral and written technical and general communication skills, including preparation of written reports.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to perform complex engineering computations accurately and rapidly.
Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
Ability to analyze and evaluate civil engineering problems and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
Ability to monitor objects and data for compliance with operating or safety standards and to use blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, and other visual aids.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Ability to perform the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physical ability to perform tasks involving bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or exerting force equivalent to lifting up to 10 pounds; prolonged sitting at a desk and computer use; and communicating, responding, and working with participants’ needs and safety issues.
A detailed, complete online application is required, with related work and/or volunteer experience listed in the Employment Record and dates stated by month and year. Resume dates should match the application; a resume alone or “See Resume” entry is not accepted.
Applicants must include a resume and cover letter. Skills assessments may be required. Applicants claiming military or veteran status must provide a DD-214 or comparable valid document at the time of interview.

Nice To Haves

Major coursework in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, Building Science, or a related field.
Professional experience designing or commissioning commercial buildings, including multiple building types.
Professional experience with LEED BD+C or LEED O+M and other green building rating systems such as SITES, Envision, or WELL.
Experience conducting and communicating quantitative and qualitative research related to energy, water, and the environment.
Strong communication skills, including presenting complex technical information to leadership and stakeholders.
Professional Engineer license in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering.
LEED accreditation, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), and/or Project Management Professional (PMP).

Responsibilities

Develop or oversee technical specifications and standards using engineering principles, methods, materials, equipment, and techniques; review and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and related documents.
Manage and coordinate programs and projects, including monitoring progress and reviewing plans and development proposals for impacts.
Plan, research, design, and implement engineering studies, projects, and program areas using advanced engineering knowledge.
Manage and negotiate contracts, including reviewing progress reports, verifying quantities and costs, compiling documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
Coordinate with consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, and City staff; resolve changes, errors, and deficiencies and ensure compliance with project requirements.
Interact with internal and external customers to ensure their requirements and needs are met.
Review plans and recommend changes, solutions, or implementation approaches.
Monitor regulatory compliance and provide consultation and determinations regarding regulations and policies.
Manage or lead technical personnel, assign and monitor tasks, and provide technical training to staff and field personnel.
Develop and monitor project budgets and assist with short- and long-term City budget forecasting and planning.
Provide advanced engineering and technical advice and direction, troubleshoot complex technical problems, and perform advanced engineering design.
Develop a park-system framework addressing decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and restoration.
Implement a resource management program aligned with APR’s Long Range Plan, the City’s Climate Equity Plan, and the Resilient Austin Playbook.
Coordinate and oversee engineering work for capital improvement projects and the operation and maintenance of park facilities.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.