Environmental Program Coordinator

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•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 position will serve as one of the lead coordinators within Watershed Protection Department's (WPD's) Policy section and will be responsible for developing departmental recommendations related to negotiated development agreements, Planned United Developments, code amendments, and other similar items. This position will assist the departmental Intergovernmental Relations coordinator on departmental responses to legislative matters related to WPD's mission. This position will at times be responsible for reviewing site plan and subdivision applications for compliance with wetland and floodplain restoration requirements set forth in negotiated agreements such as PUDs, Development Agreements, and other similar Council-approved documents. This position will provide public-facing departmental representation to Boards, Commissions, City Council, stakeholder groups, and the media. Lead candidates must have a strong ability to negotiate for positive environmental outcomes, must have excellent customer service skills, and must be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Requirements

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
Six (6) years of experience in a related field
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

Nice To Haves

Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years
Related experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years
High level of familiarity with city, state, and federal environmental laws relating to water resource protection, particularly wetlands, floodplains, and hydrogeologic features
High level of familiarity with City of Austin site development permit application review procedures, including approval procedures for ordinances, rules changes, and development agreements or Planned Unit Developments
Familiarity with restoration techniques within sensitive environmental areas such as riparian corridors, floodplains, karst geology, Blackland prairie, or wetlands
Ability to successfully navigate highly controversial and complex situations and negotiate with adversarial parties to improve environmental outcomes
Ability to communicate complex scientific and legal information both orally and in writing

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