Program Consultant – Transit Enhancement Program and Project Connect

City of Austin • Austin, CO

24d • $97,450 - $125,200 • Onsite

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.
Austin Transportation and Public Works (TPW) is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains infrastructure for our community. Our vision is for Austin to be the model for safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation. We value safety, unity, reliability, accountability, integrity, community, and employee fulfillment.
Purpose: Under minimal direction and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, coordinate various program activities for engineering, construction, and architectural projects.
Austin Transportation and Public Works (TPW) has an opening for a full-time Program Consultant to supervise and provide key leadership in program development for several high-profile, transit-focused initiatives for its Transit Enhancement and Project Connect Programs. The Program Consultant will serve as the primary liaison between Austin Project Connect (APC) and TPW, specifically for work related to the Project Connect transit system. This role provides seamless coordination, communication, and issue resolution across City departments and partner agencies involved in the design and construction of the Austin Light Rail, rapid bus system, and associated transportation projects. The Program Consultant will also oversee the Transit Enhancement Program within TPW. The Transit Enhancement Program is responsible for advancing transit speed and reliability and access projects related to local bus service. The program includes oversight of 2020 Mobility Bond dollars related to transit enhancement as well as the interlocal agreement between Capital Metro and TPW to advance local transit projects. The ideal candidate is proficient in transit planning and program leadership, can work in a bustling work environment, and can effectively communicate with the public and elected officials. This position is expected to function at a high level, managing multiple aspects of project development and prioritization for multiple projects in various phases of project development.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of contract provisions and their implementation to the contract.
• Knowledge of the mediation process.
• Knowledge of real estate practices.
• Knowledge of manual and automated financial systems.
• Skill in negotiating with multiple parties.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in evaluating contract agreements.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in writing and interpreting legal descriptions of leases, real estate, easements and similar properties.
• Skill in negotiating with property owners to accomplish objectives.
• Skill in designing and maintaining complex spreadsheet and database models and utilizing word processing and presentation software.
• Skill in giving public presentations.
• Skill in completing projects within the required scheduling, and the ability to make prompt decisions and develop new and relative ideas for providing a quality product and quality customer service with little or no supervision.
• Skill in determining need, gathering, analyzing and presenting data to provide accurate information for management's use.
• Ability to exercise a good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all pubic dealings.
• Ability to understand and use standard application development design, report and project management tools.
• Ability to perform objective analyses and re-engineering of business processes to maximize quality service and cost-effectiveness.
• Ability to coordinate demolition, inspection, security, title clearance, soil testing, site location, property management, and preparation of files for federal auditing with little or no supervision.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or related field plus five (5) years of related work experience including two (2) years as a project manager.
• OR Nine (9) years of work experience in engineering, architecture or related area including two (2) years as a project manager.
• A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in transit planning, program leadership, and staff supervision.
• Experience in communication with a wide variety of stakeholders including elected officials.
• Experience in Transportation Planning, Transportation Engineering, Public Transportation, Community Engagement, and Local, State, and Federal Policies.
• Experience managing large and complex projects, including short- and long-range plans, preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Experience working cooperatively with other departments, agency officials, non-government organizations, outside agencies, and members of the community.
• Experience developing and monitoring program operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Experience managing feedback from a diverse team of transportation planners, engineers, technical staff, and/or stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Resolve escalated project claims, disputes and contentious issues.
• Manage, review, approve and process contracts and documents.
• Manage and initiate review and/or design of engineering/architectural projects, including related documentation.
• Assigns projects, establishes schedule, monitors performance of staff, provides guidance and leadership, and ensures project completion within timelines.
• Inspect and monitor projects for legal, regulatory and initiative compliance.
• Develop standard operating procedures, policies, and ordinances.
• Develop and monitor performance criteria.
• Manage project budget and schedule.
• Administer consultant, licensed professional, and Legal Department services.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to city management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
• Attend City Council, board meetings, etc. as City staff representative.
• Coordinate the analysis of site selection.
• May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees