Temporary - Project Assistant (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Temporary - Project Assistant (Austin Parks and Recreation)

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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under direct supervision, this position provides support to project management team by organizing various projects, contract agreements, and programs. Participates in the development of a project and provides support in scheduling, budgeting, and implementation phases of the project.

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.

• Assists in planning stage of projects, including the coordination of existing bonds and future bond projects.
  
• Assists in planning, scheduling, or coordination of project activities to meet deadlines.
  
• Provides assistance in creation of a communication plan to field staff, including Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
  
• Creates and maintains project progress monitoring data to track each project.
  
• Coordinates status updates for project related matters including providing updates to internal and external customers.
  
• Updates and maintains schedule data to ensure project consistency and optimization.
  
• Assists in resolution of project issues including any potential risks to team members by providing supporting documentation including policies and procedures.
  
• Communicates roles, expectations, and accountabilities to all team members on a regular basis.
  
• Advises management of problems, issues, and status of ongoing projects.
  
• Provides assistance to ensure established project deadlines and related tasks are completed as assigned.
  

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 basic project practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws applicable to bond projects.
  
• Knowledge of applicable City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
  
• Skill in project planning and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in oral and written format to a variety of audiences.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and available software packages.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders and cross-divisional teams to support project implementation and maintenance, including supporting community partnerships, impact reporting, and inter-departmental coordination.
  
• Experience in planning, developing, and leading training sessions, policy reviews, and operational procedures.
  
• Experience in exploring and managing grants, funding opportunities, and budget tracking for an assigned program area.
  
• Experience in managing a lending or inventory program and coordinating material acquisition, maintenance, and replacement.
  
• Experience in integrating nature-based programming and infrastructure into recreation facilities and non-traditional community spaces.
  
• Experience in preparing reports aligned with citywide plans, goals, and departmental priorities.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (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! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Temporary - Project Assistant position is to support the coordination, development, and implementation of nature play initiatives across Austin Parks and Recreation, ensuring projects, programming, and partnerships advance accessible, sustainable, and equitable nature-based play opportunities for the community.

Under direct supervision, this position provides support to the project management team by organizing various projects, contract agreements, and programs. This position participates in the development of a project and provides support in scheduling, budgeting, implementation, and maintenance phases of the project.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Military/Veteran Preference for Interview Process: 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.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching in rugged terrain. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.
  

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  

Salary Range:

$29.89 - $37.37 per hour

Work Location:

Austin Parks and Recreation Annex - 919 W 28th 1/2 St., Austin, TX 78705

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  
• 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.
  

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: 2026-05-14