Assistant Director, Watershed Protection - Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance (MMC)

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Watershed Protection - Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance (MMC)

Description

About This Position

Austin Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion and water pollution. Originally called the Drainage Utility, Austin Watershed Protection was established in 1996 to manage the City’s creeks, drainage systems and water quality programs.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection - Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance

Under the direction of the Director, this position directs the activities of personnel involved in providing development review and inspection services, including reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution for the City of Austin.

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.

• Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, plans, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial support, fiscal management, program planning, and evaluation.
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the division.
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practice, policy, and procedure governing the division.
• Ensures division is in compliance with all governmental regulations, ordinances, directives, and City practice, policy, and procedure.
• Assists in the development, management, and monitoring of the departmental budget, ensuring department operates within appropriated budget.
• Recommends and, as applicable, approves major purchases and expenditures.
• Acts as liaison to City departments, consultants, contractors, and governmental agencies.
• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
• Prepares and presents reports by compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data; provides written and/or oral reports.
• Investigates and resolves consumer and citizen inquiries and/or complaints.
• Presents to City Council; boards; County, State, and Federal officials; vendors; contractors; and the general public.

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

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 fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of and skill in supervisory, managerial techniques, and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Engineering, Business, Natural Science, or Public Administration plus six (6) years of supervisory or management experience in the environmental field, public or business administration.
• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate:

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a visionary executive who excels at leading complex environmental programs, shaping regulatory strategy, and aligning multidisciplinary teams around climate resilience and equity. This leader provides strategic oversight of environmental monitoring and compliance, floodplain management, and community education. They bring deep regulatory expertise, political acumen, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments, agencies, and stakeholder groups. A highly competitive candidate will possess the following:

• Stormwater Management - Demonstrated expertise leading municipal stormwater programs, ensuring MS4 permit compliance, regulatory coordination, and implementation of effective water-quality strategies that meet TCEQ and EPA requirements.
• Ecology and Ecosystems - Proven experience guiding ecological programs, applying ecosystem science to municipal decisions, and overseeing habitat protection, biodiversity assessments, and conservation initiatives.
• Floodplain Management - Strong background directing floodplain management, interpreting FEMA/NFIP requirements, evaluating flood risk, and advancing mitigation strategies to protect community resilience.
• Stormwater Utility - Extensive experience managing stormwater utility operations, ensuring consistent inspections, regulatory adherence, effective BMP performance, and clear documentation for municipal compliance.
• Land Development Review - Skilled in evaluating development proposals for stormwater impacts, applying drainage criteria, guiding applicants, and ensuring designs meet municipal standards for runoff, water quality, and resilience.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration - Ability to coordinate closely with other City departments and external agencies.
• Relevant Licenses and Certifications - Possession of one or more professional credentials that correlate to the services provided by the branch such as, but not limited to, Professional Geologist, Professional Engineer, Certified Floodplain Manager, Professional Wetland Scientist, and Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control.
• Department Leadership & Strategy - Ability to lead the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, and staffing priorities; ensures alignment with citywide objectives and allocates resources accordingly.
• Negotiation Experience - Ability to build agreement, resolve differences, and secure favorable outcomes through effective communication, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Social Intelligence - Ability to build meaningful connections, understand others' responses, and guide interactions effectively.
• Customer Focused - Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspectives of both internal and external customers.

The salary range for this role is $194,000 to $204,000 annually.

To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by December 4, 2026.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Please be sure to upload your Resume and Cover Letter for consideration.
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
• To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
• Financial Disclosure Requirement. This position is subject to the City of Austin’s financial disclosure requirements. Under City Code Chapter 2-7, Article 5, individuals serving in designated positions are required to file public statements of financial information with the City Clerk . CHAPTER 2-7. ETHICS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.

If you are selected as 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 and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

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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.