Program Manager I (Hydrogeologist) - Austin Water

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $65,390 - $81,740 • Hybrid

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. We are committed to public service, guided by principles of Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity, to deliver 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 Water has been providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services for over 100 years, serving over 1,000,000 people across more than 548 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. We lead with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation, consistently ranking among the best in the country for water quality and protecting environmental resources through wastewater treatment and recycling. This Program Manager I position, under general direction, is responsible for managing programs that integrate multiple elements or projects to achieve a defined objective. The role is part of the Water Resources Team in the Systems Planning Division, which manages the City’s water rights, water supply contracts, performs water supply analyses, leads the development and implementation of long-range water resource plans (like Water Forward), participates in regional water supply planning, supports the City’s partnership with the LCRA, and engages in climate resiliency, innovative water strategies, social equity, affordability, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects and programs.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to the job.
• Three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job.
• One (1) year of experience in a lead, supervisory, project or program management capacity.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with groundwater availability modeling (GAM), hydrogeological assessments, and reviewing scientific groundwater reports.
• Experience reviewing consultant deliverables for ASR or brackish groundwater desalination projects including field testing reports and analyses, and pilot or full-scale project plans, designs, and reports.
• Experience managing projects or programs related to groundwater-related supply strategy implementation.
• Experience using ArcGIS to create, edit, analyze, and visualize geospatial data.
• Experience with water supply planning and implementation in the context of climate change adaptation, community resilience, racial equity, and environmental justice.
• Experience identifying and building collaborative relationships with diverse individuals, groups, and work units.
• Strong ability to understand and communicate complex technical information to a diverse audience using written reports, web content, and information visualization.

Responsibilities

• Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders.
• Monitors and evaluate programs effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
• Manages the budget of assigned program and associated projects and provides financial information.
• Assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast information.
• Manages, coordinates, implements and monitors projects associated with assigned program.
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to department management, city management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
• May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for discharge.
• Leading or supporting hydrogeologic projects, groundwater studies, and groundwater availability modeling.
• Reviewing hydrogeological and environmental data to provide expert recommendations to staff, consultants, and leadership based on groundwater expertise and review of scientific literature and reports.
• Reviewing consultant work to include test well drilling, field testing, and laboratory and desktop analyses to inform planning for potential future pilot and full-scale Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) and brackish groundwater desalination projects.
• Using GIS for analysis, mapping, and integrating geospatial datasets with hydrogeologic models.
• Leading or supporting project and/or program management of water supply strategy implementation activities, including feasibility analyses, testing and piloting; and coordination with Systems Planning, Engineering, and Operations staff, capital project delivery teams, communications and governmental relations teams, Executive management, and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• 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.
• Health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level