Environmental Conservation Program Manager (Austin Water)

austintexas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

Austin Water’s Environmental Conservation Program Manager will lead a newly formed Land Management Team in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Water Quality Protection Lands. You will plan and direct environmental program strategies, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and develop policies and systems to strengthen organizational responsiveness.

This role builds staff, guides field programs, and partners to deliver ecological stewardship across diverse landscapes,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Planning, or related field with six years of related experience.
• Three years of lead or supervisory experience required; Master’s may substitute for up to two years.
• Experience managing programs, contracts, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate regulatory compliance issues with State and Federal environmental agencies.
• Manage and review programs and projects.
• Administer and market programs.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate program and resource budgets.
• Develop, manage, and administer contracts.
• Develop training for internal and external customers.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budget planning

Communication

Data analysis

Training others

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field

Master’s degree may substitute for up to 2 years experience

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 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

ABOUT THE POSITION: Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division protects more than 49,000 acres of conservation land for the benefit of water, wildlife, and people. The Environmental Conservation Program Manager will lead a newly formed Land Management Team responsible for planning and implementing a broad range of ecological stewardship activities across the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Water Quality Protection Lands. These activities include prescribed fire, wildfire fuels mitigation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, oak wilt treatment, cave and karst management, erosion control, ecological restoration, and other land management projects that promote healthy, resilient ecosystems.

This position will establish priorities, guide implementation of complex field programs, develop staff, and help build a cohesive, high-performing team within a newly organized program. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of conservation land management for one of the nation’s largest municipal conservation land portfolios, building on decades of successful stewardship while preparing these lands to meet emerging challenges such as rapid urbanization, increasing wildfire risk, invasive species, and climate change.

Job Description:

Environmental Conservation Program Manager

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision, plan and direct environmental and/or conservation program strategies to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. Develop, and implement program policies, procedures, and systems to maintain and enhance the organizations adherence and responsiveness to environmental and conservation issues.

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.

• Negotiates regulatory compliance issues with State and Federal environmental agencies.
• Manages and review programs/projects.
• Administers programs.
• Markets programs.
• Develops, monitors, and evaluates program and resource budgets.
• Develops, manages, and administers contracts.
• Develops training for internal and external customers.
• Develops and maintains program policies and standard operating procedures.
• Develops, reviews, interprets, and rewrites ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Performs public relations functions.
• Participates in short- and long-range planning activities.
• Develops and manage quality control initiatives.
• Develops and conduct audits.
• Assists with evaluating bid proposals.
• Performs supervisory duties i.e., hiring, promoting, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, etc.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for 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 supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Planning, plus six (6) years of experience in a related field, including three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

As required in a related area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading ecological land management programs, including prescribed fire, ecological restoration, invasive species management, and other conservation initiatives.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and developing staff responsible for implementing complex field-based conservation programs.
• Experience managing contracts, budgets, and partnerships to successfully deliver land management or ecological restoration projects.
• Experience leading organizational change, improving operational processes, and building collaborative, high-performing teams.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range:

$80,490.00 - $102,200.00 Annual

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

Reicher Ranch (13700 E Ladera Blvd, Austin, TX, 78738)

Days and Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Responsibilities often require work outside of normal business hours.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

Travel:

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

Work Environment:

This position is in a wildland setting and requires performing all duties outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and rain. Position will require adaptability and willingness to change or modify workload on demand and multitask. Position requires working in environments which may have hazardous situations, including confined spaces and dense vegetation.

Physical Requirements:

• This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including safety eyewear, footwear, head protection or hearing protection, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise. May be required to walk long distances on uneven terrain.

Critical Employee:

• This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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.

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.