Assistant Director, Austin Water Environmental, Development, and Planning Services

Austin, Texas; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks an experienced senior manager to lead water and wastewater planning within the Environmental, Development and Planning divisions. You will direct asset management, evaluate system needs, and drive long-range capital programs with fiscal discipline.

Responsibilities include budgeting, policy development, interdepartmental coordination, and representing the department at City Council meetings and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with six years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three years with water/wastewater utility.
• Experience guiding organizations through complex regulatory environments and driving operational efficiency.
• Ability to lead departmental goals, policies, staffing priorities, and cross-department collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Directs division activities including asset management planning for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develops and implements long-range capital improvement plans (5- and 10-year CIP).
• Manages budgeting, policy development, and reports; represents department at City Council and external agencies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget oversight

Regulatory compliance

Water/wastewater utility knowledge

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Project management software

AutoCAD/engineering software

Job description

* Directs assigned division and section activities, including analyzing and forecasting supply and demand to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies and analyzes trends and determines methodologies to implement changes.* Develops and implements plan steps for asset management plans for water and wastewater vertical, horizontal and real assets, including asset condition, criticality, and risk assessments.* Develops and implements short- and long-range water, wastewater, and reclaimed water system supply and infrastructure planning, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial and engineering support, program planning, and evaluation.* Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for Environmental, Development, and Planning activities within assigned divisions.* Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions. Ensures divisions are following all City practices, policies, and procedures.* Develops and reviews water and wastewater hydraulic performance analysis of pipeline systems design and criteria. Provides long range planning through project prioritization on the 5- and 10-year Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) spending plans.* Develops and reviews water, environmental, and natural resource plans to ensure resource protection, availability, conservation, and sustainability in compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements and needs.* Reviews, approves, and implements quality and safety systems and programs.* Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.* Represents the department at City Council meetings, citizens groups, boards and commissions and external agencies and organizations.* Provides support and coordination to other City departments and agencies as needed.* Investigates and resolves Citizen inquiries and complaints.* Reviews, analyzes, and prepares both written and oral reports.* Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.* Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water and wastewater utility regulations.* Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.* Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.* Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.* Skill in oral and written communications.* Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.* Skill in using computers and related software applications.* Skill in managing multiple programs, projects, and tasks.* Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution* Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations* Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials* Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets* Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.* Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.* Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.* Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Engineering, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.* Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.* **Utility Experience** - Expertise in guiding organizations through complex regulatory environments, driving operational efficiency, supporting modernization initiatives, and ensuring safe, dependable service delivery to customers and communities.* **Land Development Experience** - Expertise in coordinating utility infrastructure to support orderly, sustainable community growth, including collaboration with municipal partners and alignment of projects with development needs.* **Water Supply Planning Experience** - Ability to assess current and future water needs, evaluate supply options, and guide long-term strategies that ensure reliable, sustainable water resources for the community.* **Negotiation Experience** - Ability to build agreement, resolve differences, and secure favorable outcomes through effective communication, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.* **Department Leadership & Strategy** - Ability to lead the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, and staffing priorities; ensures alignment with citywide objectives and allocates resources accordingly.* **Cross-Departmental Collaboration** - Ability to coordinate closely with other City departments and external agencies.* **Social Intelligence** - Ability to build meaningful connections, understand others' responses, and guide interactions effectively.* **Customer Focused** - Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspectives of both internal and external customers.* A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. *Please be sure to upload your Résumé and Cover Letter for consideration.** Verification of employment history dates on résumé should match online Employment Application.* Employment history dates must include month and year.* This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).* To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by **October 4, 2026**. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.* This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.* Financial Disclosure Requirement: This position is subject to the City of Austin's financial disclosure requirements. Under City Code Chapter 2-7, Article 5, individuals serving in designated positions are required to file public statements of financial information with the City Clerk.**Competitive Benefits**: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.**Career Growth**: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.**Competitive Benefits**: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.**Career Growth**: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.