Temporary – Project Assistant (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, this position provides support to the project management team by organizing various projects, contract agreements, and programs. This position participates in the development of a project and provides support in scheduling, budgeting, implementation, and maintenance phases of the project. The purpose of the Temporary – Project Assistant position is to support the coordination, development, and implementation of nature play initiatives across Austin Parks and Recreation, ensuring projects, programming, and partnerships advance accessible, sustainable, and equitable nature-based play opportunities for the community.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Knowledge of basic project practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws applicable to bond projects.
Knowledge of applicable City practices, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
Skill in project planning and prioritizing.
Skill in oral and written format to a variety of audiences.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and available software packages.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers.
Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching in rugged terrain.
Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement.
Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.

Nice To Haves

Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders and cross-divisional teams to support project implementation and maintenance, including supporting community partnerships, impact reporting, and inter-departmental coordination.
Experience in planning, developing, and leading training sessions, policy reviews, and operational procedures.
Experience in exploring and managing grants, funding opportunities, and budget tracking for an assigned program area.
Experience in managing a lending or inventory program and coordinating material acquisition, maintenance, and replacement.
Experience in integrating nature-based programming and infrastructure into recreation facilities and non-traditional community spaces.
Experience in preparing reports aligned with citywide plans, goals, and departmental priorities.

Responsibilities

Assists in planning stage of projects, including the coordination of existing bonds and future bond projects.
Assists in planning, scheduling, or coordination of project activities to meet deadlines.
Provides assistance in creation of a communication plan to field staff, including Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
Creates and maintains project progress monitoring data to track each project.
Coordinates status updates for project related matters including providing updates to internal and external customers.
Updates and maintains schedule data to ensure project consistency and optimization.
Assists in resolution of project issues including any potential risks to team members by providing supporting documentation including policies and procedures.
Communicates roles, expectations, and accountabilities to all team members on a regular basis.
Advises management of problems, issues, and status of ongoing projects.
Provides assistance to ensure established project deadlines and related tasks are completed as assigned.