Associate Hearing Officer, Austin Municipal Court

Job Description:

Associate Hearing Officer, Austin Municipal Court

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision of the Hearing Office, investigates and evaluates disputed civil violations and determines liability and appropriate enforcement actions.

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.

• Performs hearing officer functions, including managing and conducting recorded hearings in person, virtually, or in writing to determine liability of civil violations, and makes judgments based on examination of ordinances, maps, files and other documentary evidence.
  
• Researches and applies appropriate laws regarding contested civil violations and determines liability. Answers pre- and post-hearing correspondence.
  
• Performs research to determine ownership of vehicles accumulating multiple civil violations.
  
• Communicates information and detailed explanations to internal and external customers about the civil parking enforcement program, hearing dates, report data, etc.
  
• Performs research and executes independent discretion to confirm boot eligibility; confirms and orders the authorization to boot and/or tow vehicles in violation of City of Austin ordinances.
  
• Schedules hearings, if necessary, and rules on extensions, continuances, and receipt of evidence.
  
• Investigates civil violation sites and signage and communicates with stakeholders to determine validity of disputed claims.
  
• Enters findings and other information into courts case management system.
  
• Negotiates payment plans for boot-eligible vehicles to forestall booting and/or towing.
  
• Recommends changes to civil case handling policies and procedures to the Hearing Officer.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

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 Federal, State and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policy and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of criminal enforcement proceedings.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to handle difficult situations.
  
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret laws and ordinances governing municipal civil violations or other administrative hearings.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Business Administration, Social Science, or other related field plus two (2) years’ experience in a related field.
  
• Experience may substitute education up to a maximum of two (2) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in interpreting laws and ordinances governing municipal civil violations or experience in conducting administrative hearings.
  
• Experience with personal computers.
  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills to include excellent proofing and editing abilities.
  
• Ability to travel between offices of court's main location and City Hall depending on business needs.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Employment Application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• Detailed, complete Employment Application is required to help better evaluate the applicant’s qualifications - minimum and preferred as noted on the job posting. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
  
• You must use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application, not your resume or cover letter.
  
• Please note that Austin Municipal Court may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement.
  

Additional Information:
Skills assessments may be used to determine selection for interview process after initial applicant review.

Department:

Municipal Court

Location:

6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Suite 175, Austin TX 78744

Pay Range:

$26.03 - 31.04 per hour

(Effective 10-1-25)

Days and Hours:

• 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
  
• Schedule may include days, evenings, nights, weekends and/or holidays. Austin Municipal Court is a 24 hour, 7 days per week business operation. Schedule/location may change based upon business needs.
  
• Associate Hearing Officers staff offices at the court's main location and an office at City Hall located at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701.
  

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.

CBI:
If selected as top candidate for this position you must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check to be hired and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

Critical Employee Designation:

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Important Note to Applicants:
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.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

This position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.

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: 2025-10-10