Environmental Program Coordinator (Austin Water)

City of Austin

1d•$68,660 - $85,830•Hybrid

About The Position

Under minimal direction, coordinates interdepartmental and interagency environmental and/or conservation programs or projects, serves as a liaison for interdepartmental and interagency environmental/conservation issues, and coordinates and supports the environmental/conservation activities of a division/section for various projects and programs. This Environmental Program Coordinator position focuses on community engagement in support of Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation division. Working closely with the larger Wildlands team, this position helps to grow interest and goodwill for its conservation programs – the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Water Quality Protection Lands – through collaborations with community organizations and partners, media and events, and in-person guided hikes and volunteer projects. The role involves both office and field work and a wide range of responsibilities related to communication and ecological conservation.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with diverse populations, organizations, and staff.
Experience working with members of the public or volunteers in a remote or wildland setting.
Experience creating, documenting, and planning community outreach programs and previous work managing records.
Ecological restoration or land management experience, including operation and maintenance of tools and equipment such as hand tools, chain saws, UTVs, trucks and trailers.
Strong writing and editing skills to support the creation and maintenance of training material, websites, social media, presentations, reports, etc.
Experience creating and distributing innovative visual, video, and audio content to the public via websites, social media, signage and presentations.
Experience monitoring, assessing and planning activities associated with threatened/endangered species or species of concern, managing preserves for the protection of species and management for enhancement of watershed function.
Knowledge and experience with wildland fire operations such as prescribed burning; ability to obtain National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
Experience communicating with executives, elected officials, traditional media and the public about sensitive issues related to natural resources management.
With or without accommodations, the ability to bend, lift, hike, carry equipment and tools over uneven terrain; and the ability to work in extreme temperatures or inclement weather.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

Serves as coordinator or liaison for interdepartmental and interagency issues and projects
Communicates project and program information to internal and external customers
Assists in management or resolution of interdepartmental and interagency conflicts
Facilitates closure of litigated cases
Negotiates permit and/or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors
Develops/establishes service agreements with other programs, departments and agencies
Develops and manages contracts
Manages and reviews environmental remediation plans
Provides technical advice and assistance to City management, staff, contractors, and businesses
Evaluates projects, programs and criteria
Assists in the development and adoption of new City Code regulations, policies and procedures
Assists in development of new/revised interdepartmental or interagency protocol or procedures
Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to City Code, rules, policies and legislative bills
Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to technical reports, studies and contract documents
Reviews site plans, environmental site assessments and stormwater/effluent discharge proposals
Evaluates existing conditions, collects samples, interprets sampling data, and develops corrective action plans
Educates and conducts presentations to public
Assists in the development of short- and long-range plans
Prepares written reports, memoranda, letters, RFP/RFQ/IFBs and Standard Operation Procedures
Assists in the development and monitoring of budgets
Attends City Council, Board, Commission Meetings, etc. as a City/Department staff representative
Responds to requests from the media
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others