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

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 215,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low‑cost medical

Competitive retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin seeks an Assistant Director for Environmental, Development, and Planning Services in Austin Water. The role reports to the Director, guiding environmental and planning programs and coordinating regulatory compliance across water and wastewater systems.

The ideal candidate will lead long-range planning, asset management, and departmental budgeting while engaging with City Council and external stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable service and sustainable growth for the Austin region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field with six years of progressively responsible management experience in a related area, including at least three years in water/wastewater.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Directs division activities, including forecasting supply and demand for efficiency.
• Develops asset management plans for water and wastewater assets.
• Oversees planning for capital improvements (CIP) on 5- and 10-year horizons.
• Represents the department at City Council meetings and with external agencies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Master's degree substitute for experience

Tools

Public sector budgeting

Job description

About This Position

About Austin Water: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over one million people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. Austin Water sources its supply from the Colorado River via the Highland Lakes system, treating it at three regional water treatment plants — Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich — which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day. The utility also operates two major wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, which together can treat up to 150 million gallons of wastewater daily.

Job Description

Assistant Director, Austin Water Environmental, Development, and Planning Services Purpose: Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position is responsible for the Environmental, Planning, and Development Services program area. Provides a wide range of planning support functions to achieve optimum incorporation of integrated resources planning in the core structure and activities of the Utility.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required

State of Texas Professional Engineer

Ideal Candidate

• 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.

Salary Range

$215,000 to $225,000 annually.

Benefits

• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

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.

ESOP and EEO Statements

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.