Human Resources Specialist - Austin Water

About This Position

 

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:

Human Resources Specialist

Purpose:

Provides support, advice, and problem solving in areas of human resources (HR).

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 implementing, administering, and evaluating HR programs.

• Assists in developing and implementing systems, policies, procedures, strategies, and process work flows for use within departments.

• Provides information to employees in assigned area(s) of responsibility, and conducts basic research and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.

• Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups related to compliance with and the communication, interpretation, and implementation of City personnel policies and other relevant employment laws and regulations.

• Assists in solving HR problems, creating best practices, making recommendations, and monitoring implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.

• Researches information as requested and/or needed; compiles data; and writes informational memos, letters, reports, forms, plans, documents, and queries using computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.

• Assists in the analysis of morale indicators such as but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations within the area of specialization for corrective action when needed.

• Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

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 assigned HR area.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Ability to train others.

• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned HR areas.

• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skill in the use of computerized tools, databases, and communications techniques used in HR.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus two (2) years of related HR experience.

• Any combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting workforce development, apprenticeship, internship, trainee, or employee development programs.

• Experience coordinating outreach activities, career fairs, hiring events, workforce development events, or community engagement initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, educational institutions, community organizations, and external partners.

• Experience assisting with program administration, participant tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting activities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and edit outreach materials, presentations, program communications, and informational resources.

• Experience engaging with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and career stages.

• Ability to organize multiple projects, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability and willingness to travel to various work locations, schools, community events, and partner organizations as needed.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview

This position supports the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, foster employee engagement, support workforce development, expand community partnerships, and increase awareness of career opportunities within the utility. Working collaboratively across departments, the HR Specialist supports a portfolio of programs focused on employee support and development, talent pipeline development, and mentorship initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and organized professional with strong project coordination, relationship management, and communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to high-impact programs that support the growth and success of the current workforce, promote meaningful career pathways for future employees, and strengthen community partnerships while supporting Austin Water’s mission and workforce needs.

Pay Range:

$26.10 – $30.80 hourly

Work Location:

Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St, Austin TX 78701

Days & Hours:

Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, with the option to telework. 

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:

Candidates selected to interview will be required to complete and pass Microsoft application assessments with a minimum score of 70%.

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.

Critical:

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.

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.

Important Note to Applicants:

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 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. The posting may also close at any time after 7 days.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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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.

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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.