Administrative Specialist, Austin Parks and Recreation

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 limited supervision, using independent discretion and judgment, works within a specialized function or a specific area of administrative and staff support.

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.

• Provides administrative support on highly technical and/or specialized projects.

• Facilitates the handling of time sensitive request such as ORR's (Open Records Request), CAF's (Citizen Action Forms), RCA's (Request for Council Action) as well as other confidential documents.

• Verifies accuracy and completeness of critical documents such as PIO (Public Information Office) requests, records, correspondence, regulations, etc.

• Opens, sorts, reads, prioritizes and routes incoming mail, including faxes and emails.

• Prepares memos, letters and other correspondence using computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.

• Using independent judgment performs data analysis, problem solving and recommends policy and administrative improvements.

• Conducts research, compiles data, and prepares documents for consideration and presentation.

• Files and retrieves documents, records and reports.

• Attends meetings, records minutes and distributes meeting notes.

• Maintains calendar, schedules meetings, conferences and events, plans travel itineraries and makes travel arrangements.

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 applicable processes, techniques, and methods.

• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

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

• Ability to manage conflicts and concerns.

• Ability to understand and communicate technical information.

• Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters.

• Ability to recognize and recommend process improvement.

• Ability to lead and train others.

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

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in Business or Public Administration or related field, plus four (4) years experience in a professional/administrative capacity.

• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None

Preferred Qualifications:

Notes to Candidate:

The purpose of the Administrative Specialist position is to provide executive level administrative support. The position requires continual attention to detail, understanding priorities, meeting deadlines and the ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. The position will support the Human Resources, Finance, IT, Marketing and Records Management functions.

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.

• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) will be required as part of the recruitment process.

• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.

• Military/Veteran: 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 may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Work environment includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

• 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.

• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Salary Range :

$24.08 - $27.93  per hour.

Work Location:

Austin Parks and Recreation Main – 200 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• May be required to work during special events evenings, weekends, and 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.