Consulting Engineer (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 119,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Consulting Engineer to lead and coordinate engineering projects within the Parks and Recreation department. You will develop sustainability and resilience frameworks, oversee capital improvements, and provide advanced technical guidance to staff and stakeholders.

Position requires PE licensure in Texas, a Bachelor’s in engineering, and extensive project leadership experience. Travel and flexible scheduling may be involved as part of program delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and PE licensure required.
• Eight years of engineering experience before/after licensure.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and oversees development of technical specifications and standards across engineering disciplines.
• Manages and coordinates capital improvement projects and program reviews.
• Leads teams of technical personnel and provides advanced training to staff.
• Reviews plans, contracts, and cost reports to ensure project compliance and quality.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Consulting Engineer

Under nominal direction, this position is accountable for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. This position plans and develops engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major City programs or projects. This position serves as technical expert in a related area.

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.

• Develops or oversees development of technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of discipline engineering including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts, and other related documents.
• Manages and coordinates programs or projects by reviewing and monitoring projects or programs, including the review of plans and development proposals for impacts related to project or program.
• Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects or program areas by applying advanced technical knowledge of engineering discipline.
• Manages and negotiates contracts by reviewing monthly progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling requisite documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
• Acts as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, or suppliers and the City.
• Negotiates problems of changes, errors, or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.
• Interacts with internal and external customers to ensure requirements and needs are satisfied.
• Reviews plans and provides recommendation changes, solutions, or implementation.
• Monitors projects for regulatory compliance by providing consultation and determinations in matters involving application and interpretation of regulations and policies.
• Manages or leads teams of technical personnel including assigning and monitoring tasks.
• Provides advanced technical training to staff and field personnel by reviewing business needs, evaluating personnel, creating and applying training documentation, and presenting and analyzing training.
• Develops and monitors budget of projects.
• Assists in developing, managing, and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term City planning.
• Provides a high level of engineering and technical advice and direction.
• Possesses ability to troubleshoot advanced technical problems.
• Possesses ability to perform advanced engineering design.
• Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

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 diversified, fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical civil engineering problems.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
• Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.
• Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods and solutions.
• Knowledge of phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within Local and State ordinances and laws.
• Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports.
• Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.
• Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Ability to use graphic instructions such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to engineering, plus eight (8) years of engineering experience acquired before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer.

Licenses and Certifications Required

Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, must have the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Experience

• Major Coursework in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, Building Science, or a related field.
• Professional experience designing or commissioning commercial buildings, including experience with multiple building types.
• Professional experience with LEED BD+C or LEED O+M rating system and other green building rating systems (SITES, Envision, WELL).
• Experience conducting and communicating quantitative and qualitative research related to energy, water, and the environment.
• Strong communication skills, including presenting complex technical information to leadership and stakeholders.

Preferred Licenses/Certifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM).
• Project Management Professional (PMP).

Notes to Candidate

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects, and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural, and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!

The Consulting Engineer position will plan, develop, and manage the department’s sustainability and resilience framework integrating ecological health, resource management, and climate-responsive strategies into parks’ infrastructure and operations.

Guiding Principles

• Climate Resilience: restore natural ecosystems and implement green infrastructure strategies to mitigate heat, flooding, and biodiversity loss.
• Sustainable Operations: reduce carbon footprint, conserve water, and minimize waste in parks and facilities.
• Equity & Access: ensure all communities—especially historically underserved neighborhoods—benefit from park improvements and resources.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Develop the framework for a park system that recognizes the critical imperatives of decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and restoration. Implement a resource management program in alignment with the conservation and resilience goals in APR’s Long Range Plan, the City’s Climate Equity Plan, and the Resilient Austin Playbook. Coordinate and oversee engineering work in support of capital improvement projects, as well as the operation and maintenance of park facilities.

Physical Requirements

Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy

This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace

All APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Work Location

Austin Parks and Recreation Annex – 919 W. 28th ½ St., Austin, TX 78705

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary depending on operational needs. Telework opportunities may be available. May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays. Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs. May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range

$118,900 - $152,200 per year .

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.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

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. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.