Project Manager (Project Connect/Austin Water)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

3d • $85,120 - $109,400

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 Water (AW) has an opening for a full-time Project Manager to provide key leadership and coordination for several high-profile transit projects as part of Project Connect. The Project Manager will serve as the primary liaison between Austin Project Connect (APC) and AW, 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 Project Manager will assist in planning, directing, and coordinating AW resources related to Project Connect. The role requires meeting with management staff to identify and resolve problems, assigning tasks to staff members, and reviewing and evaluating work products and procedures. The ideal candidate is proficient in water utility systems design and regulations, 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

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or major coursework in project management, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in managing projects.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and codes associate project assignment.
• Knowledge of project accounting and methodologies and the principles, methods, and practices of project management.
• Knowledge of design principles, practices, procedures, and estimating techniques.
• Knowledge of budget policies and principles.
• Knowledge of contract policies and procedures.
• Skill in adapting, interpreting, and applying guidelines and standards.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Skill in using available applicable software packages.
• Skill in evaluating contract agreements.
• Skill in negotiating with various audiences to accomplish objectives.
• Skill in written and oral communications including public presentations.
• Skill in completing projects within the required scheduling.
• 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.
• Ability to perform all facets of projects with little or no supervision.
• Ability to plan, execute, and control a project (establishing realistic estimates and reporting metrics).
• Ability to assess and analyze project risks and exposures, identify options and alternatives, make decisions, and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and difficult situations.
• Ability to communicate in oral or written format to a variety of audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with state and local governmental agencies and departments in underground utility design and construction.
• Experience with utility design in relation to light rail.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the City’s Land Development Code, Austin Water’s Utilities Criteria Manual, TCEQ utility design criteria, and/or other code and criteria related to water, reclaimed water, and wastewater infrastructure.
• Experience in communication with a wide variety of stakeholders including elected officials.
• Experience managing feedback from a diverse team of planners, engineers, technical staff, and/or stakeholders.
• Experience developing and monitoring program operating budgets, costs, and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Manages the design, development, and implementation of projects to include, but not limited to, gathering and defining the project requirements; obtains staffing requirements; and forms projected teams.
• Manages the selection process and administers consultant services, including negotiating contract terms and fees by negotiating the contract, approving the consultant's product, approving payment to consultant, initiating poor performance remedies, etc.
• Develops short- and long-range plans for future to ongoing projects, including estimating timelines for start-up and completion of projects.
• Manages, monitors, and reviews contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including administering change orders and estimates.
• Coordinates and prepares reports and correspondence in response to requests for information from City Manager's Office, Mayor, and City Council Offices; prepares City Council agenda material such as ordinance memorandums and presentations.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to the City Manager, management team, and department directors.
• Suggests and implements management solutions to address new or ongoing challenges faced by the City organization.
• Manages the performance of professional staff in work involving organizational structure review and operations research and related work reviewing departments, divisions, and programs.
• Assists in planning, directing, and coordinating, through subordinate level staff, the department work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to City management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
• May provide leadership and/or supervision to assigned employees or project management.

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: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees