Program Manager I (Austin Parks & Recreation)

City of Austin

8d • $65,390 - $81,740

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM 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. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. 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. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Program Manager I Purpose: The Park Stewardship Program Manager leads the development, coordination, and implementation of citywide environmental stewardship initiatives across parkland. This role strengthens ecological health through volunteer activation, community partnerships, restoration projects, and interdepartmental collaboration. The role also oversees the intake and review of community-initiated projects and the implementation of ecological restoration and natural trail projects proposed through the Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) Program. The Program Manager will develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive stewardship program that supports ecological restoration, natural trails, green stormwater infrastructure, habitat management, and long-term landscape health. The Program Manager will manage the CAPP intake and coordination process for Austin Parks and Recreation. For environmental stewardship focused projects, the Program Manager will serve as the subject matter expert for the review and oversight for the implementation.

Requirements

• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job, one (1) year of which was in a lead, supervisory, project or program management capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing or coordinating stewardship activities or improvement projects on public lands, including oversight of volunteers, contractors, or partner organizations.
• Experience facilitating discussions between external partners and internal city staff.
• Experience in nonprofit governance practices.
• Experience scoping and implementing ecological restoration work
• Knowledge of central Texas flora, fauna, and vegetation communities.
• Experience communicating with executives, elected officials, traditional media, and the public about complex and sensitive issues.
• Experience with trail maintenance in a public land setting.

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.

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.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

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