Human Resources Advisor Sr. - Employee Relations (Temporary) - Austin Water

Job Description:

Human Resources Advisor Sr. - Employee Relations (Temporary) - Austin Water

Description

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.

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 million people in the Austin metropolitan area, spanning more than 548 square miles.

The utility draws water from the Colorado River into three regional water treatment plants, Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich, which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day.

Austin Water has two wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, that can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat. Wastewater is cleaned into high-quality effluent that is safely returned to the Colorado River to augment environmental flows. More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed annually for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other purposes.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country for water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. At all water and wastewater treatment plants, Austin Water far exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under limited direction, provides management and employee groups advanced journey-level professional human resources (HR) support on a broad range of HR issues and decisions, primarily in matters that require independent discretion. Responsible for the implementation of services and programs in one or more areas of 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.

• Collaborates and serves as strategic partner with senior leaders and management on HR programmatic analysis, implementation, and administration providing operational oversight, advice, and analytical support.
• Manages and resolves complex HR-related issues and provides solutions to programs and processes, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
• Advises and influences management in making sound HR-related decisions.
• Serves as subject matter expert in providing advice and counsel to management and employee groups on a broad range of HR issues and with applicable regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Interprets and provides guidance on, and interpretation of, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process work flows, and regulations; and monitors compliance with policies, regulations, laws, and program objectives.
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various HR problems using morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to, surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations for corrective action programs when needed.
• Provides training to managers and supervisors on HR topics and procedures.
• Researches, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data and information; monitors program trends; reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data; and develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.
• Monitors and maintains system data, files, records, and reporting; transmits program data files to vendors; and develops, monitors, and implements information tracking systems.

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 Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and practices of HR program administration and management.
• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Skill in overseeing the maintenance of HR program/process documentation, data, schedules, records, and files.
• 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 coordinate deadlines, prioritize work demands and assign/monitor work performed.
• 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 knowledge in assigned specialized HR areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field, plus four (4) years of HR experience.
• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in employee complaint resolution and in conducting workplace investigations regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, employee conduct, and/or retaliation.
• Experience in conflict resolution strategies, including de-escalation, facilitating crucial conversations, mediation, and/or alternative dispute resolution.
• Experience developing and updating policies and procedures, along with implementing process improvements and employee operating procedures.
• Experience with laws and programs related to DOL, FLSA, and Title VII.
• Experience facilitating and teaching curriculum on personnel policies and procedures.
• Experience writing detailed and grammatically correct investigation reports.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:
This position will work as part of the Employee Relations HR team at Austin Water, completing workplace investigations and other HR functions. In keeping with the division’s focus on continuous process improvement, this position will be responsible for reviewing and updating existing human resources policies and procedures, under the direction of the HR Supervisor. Strong verbal and written communication skills are critical for this role.

Pay Range: $33.00 - $41.26 per hour

Position will be filled at the following location:
Waller Creek Center

625 E. 10th Street, Austin, Texas 78701

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm, with some flexibility.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• 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. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• A resume and cover letter is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.

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.

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job will be evaluated through a written assessment.

If you are selected for hire:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
• If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date..

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 lot, garage 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.

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.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-01