Project Manager (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Project Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. This role manages multi-project initiatives, coordinating staffing, consultants, and contractor oversight to ensure on-time delivery and adherence to budgets and quality standards.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree and at least six years of relevant experience, with strong skills in communication, negotiation, and public presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of progressive project management experience.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and codes related to project assignment.
• Knowledge of project accounting and methodologies and the principles, methods, and practices of project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage design, development, and implementation of projects including requirements gathering and staffing.
• Oversee consultant services, including contract negotiation and payment approvals.
• Develop short- and long-range plans with timelines for start-up and completion of projects.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Contracts

Public presentations

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Project accounting software

Job description

About This Position

Job Description: Project Manager Purpose: Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for managing the work involving the coordination of one or more large or moderately complex administrative projects or activities that require a high degree of specialized knowledge.

Duties, Functions and 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.

Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• May provide leadership and/or supervision to assigned employees or project management.

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 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required

None.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience as a Registered Landscape Architect or Professional Engineer on projects.
• Experience managing Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in all phases from pre-planning to post-occupancy, including projects that are large and complex in nature.
• Municipality experience representing employer at City Councils, Boards, and Commission Meetings, including media communication skills (on-camera, verbally and in writing).
• Experience in developing and implementing park vision plans.
• Experience developing and monitoring schedules and budgets for the design and construction of landscape and site capital improvement projects.
• Experience facilitating public sector projects including navigating stakeholder needs, reviewing contracts and dealing with municipal permitting processes.
• Experience in community engagement activities to inform design decisions.
• Experience in construction oversight/supervision.

Preferred Skill

• Knowledge of SITES, LEED, and sustainable design principles.
• Knowledge of Municipal Land Development Code.

Other

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Work Location

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

Work/Location Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May be required to work during special events, evening, weekends and holidays. Work schedule and location are subject to change based on departmental needs and programs. Telework may be available after probationary period under COA Flexible Work Arrangement. May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range

$85,120.00 to $109,400.00 annually.

Physical Requirements

Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. 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 Department. 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 PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Military/Veteran

An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.

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.

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