City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Watershed Protection Department

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, responsible for planning, directing, and providing leadership for the operations of the Watershed Protection Department. Directs the activities of personnel involved in managing the City’s creeks, drainage systems, and water quality programs with the focus on reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

1. Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support the department’s mission.
2. Represents the department’s interest and position before State and Local governmental officials, boards, commissions, associations, and community organizations.
3. Develops a staffing structure that supports the efficient delivery of programs and services, accomplishment of major goals including strategic planning, program development, establishing procedures, staff management, budgeting, and financial management.
4. Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, procedures, and priorities; determines appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
5. Acts as official departmental representative and establishes cooperative working partnerships with other City departments, City Manager’s Office, City Council, citizens, community groups, and Local and Federal government representatives.
6. Serves on various task groups and committees within the City.
7. Builds and manages an effective executive team.
8. Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints both internal and external.
9. Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with City/departmental policies and procedures and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing activities.
10. Presents to City Council, boards, County/State/Federal officials, vendors, contractors and the general public.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to interpret, recommend, and propose revisions to State statutes and City ordinances.
• Ability to consistently, effectively, and tactfully communicate with people at many levels.
• Ability to communicate complex, technical issues in non-technical terms to the general public.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Boards and Commissions, City employees, and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Engineering, Business Administration, Natural Science, or Public Administration, plus ten (10) years of related experience in the environmental field, public, or business administration, including five (5) years of experience which were in a managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.