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.

Human Resources Specialist

Purpose:

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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,…