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 – anchors in delivering 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.

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist

Purpose:

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

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.
Research 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.

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 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications/Preferred Experience:

Experience administering employer provided benefits including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Worker’s Compensation (WC) benefits.
Experience performing payroll and timekeeping functions including entering employee timesheets and reviewing timesheets to reconcile payroll discrepancies.
Experience leading classes/workshops.
Experience as a public servant in government service or municipal civil service setting.

Preferred Skills:

Proficient with the City of Austin Workday System or similar HRIS, payroll, or human resource management software.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.

Other:

Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Human Resources Specialist position provides administrative support for benefits, leave management, and payroll functions for the Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) employees. This position ensures timely and compliant administration of benefits, leave management and payroll programs providing responsive customer service, file and records retention management and other administrative support responsibilities.

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) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
Virtual Interviews: APR 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 thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: 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.
Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All 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 :

$25.22 - $29.70 per hour.

Work Location:

Austin Parks and Recreation Main Office – 200 S. Lamar, 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.

Human Resources Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job description