Stephen F. Austin State University

Position Overview: Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division protects over 48,000 acres of land for the benefit of water, wildlife, and people. The Environmental Conservation Program Manager is a key leader within the Division, helping to set daily priorities and long-term direction for a team of environmental scientists and land stewards. Using an adaptive management approach, this leader uses the best available science to guide management activities, with the goal of protecting and improving the long-term health and resilience of the landscapes and ecosystems that make Austin unique. The new Environmental Conservation Program Manager will join at a critical time, with the opportunity to chart a path forward for the Wildland Conservation Division that builds off decades of successful land management and prepares us to best tackle ongoing and emerging challenges related to urbanization, climate change, and long-term ecosystem health.

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• 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.

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.

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.

referred Experience:

• Experience managing a complex conservation or natural resource management program, including ecological restoration, land management activities, and monitoring to inform adaptive management
• Experience supervising the work of a small team, including setting clear goals and direction, addressing issues, evaluating progress, and changing direction when necessary
• Experience using imperfect information and the best available science to develop adaptive land management plans that enhance the long-term health and resilience of target landscapes and species
• Experience building a positive work culture that promotes collaboration and effective partnerships
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Responsibilities Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Responsible for full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• 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.