Program Manager I - Austin Water

Job Description:

Program Manager I - Austin Water

Description

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 - anchors in delivering 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.

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.

Job Description:

Program Manager I

Purpose:

Under general direction, this position is responsible for managing programs that integrate multiple elements or projects to achieve a defined objective.

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.

Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.

• Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.
  
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies and procedures.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders.
  
• Monitors and evaluate programs effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Manages the budget of assigned program and associated projects and provides financial information.
  
• Assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast information.
  
• Manages, coordinates, implements and monitors projects associated with assigned program.
  
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
  
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
  
• Provides technical advice and assistance to department management, city management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for discharge.

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 principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects and programs.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job, one (1) year of which was in a lead, supervisory, project or program management capacity.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience creating new, testing, and maintaining customer engagement programs that impact customer satisfaction
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting/auditing and billing procedures and systems
  
• Ability to devise and present solutions to complex problems through highly analytical thinking and application of effective investigation, research and analysis methods
  
• Experienced skill in oral and written communication which includes presentations, sensitive customer/client correspondence, reports and process documentation
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview: This position will primarily focus on managing customer engagement programs aimed at enhancing overall customer satisfaction for the utility. Role will include overseeing, launch and inceptions of current and upcoming Austin Water customer experience key initiatives. This may include projects such as the MyATX Water program expert, community-based outreach programs, and other cross functional team programs. Responsibilities encompass developing innovative customer engagement strategies, conducting program tests to optimize satisfaction and efficiency, and ensuring seamless operation of these initiatives. Additionally, the role entails proficiency in accounting, auditing, wholesale billing procedures and systems, and participation in hearings.

Pay Range: $65,390.00 - $81,740.00

Position(s) will be filled at the following location: Waller Creek Center (WCC) - 625 E. 10th St., Austin, TX 78701

Days and Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., flexible start time - telework 60%

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 - click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
  
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
  
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skills and competencies for this job will be assessed prior to being invited to interview. A 70% or above on all the assessments is required to be considered for the next step.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver 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.

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.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-05-27