Human Resources Specialist

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.

 

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.

• 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.

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.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience performing Human Resources administrative tasks and supporting a senior level manager

• Time management with a demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment

• Excellent communication with the ability to craft clear, concise, and professional correspondence, reports, and presentations

• Experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint or similar business productivity software applications

• Experience handling confidential information

• Ability to travel to more than one work location

 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

The Human Resources Specialist will provide essential support to a Senior HR leader, excelling in prioritizing tasks, exercising sound judgment, and effectively managing access to ensure efficient communication. Key responsibilities include prioritizing email correspondence, directing inquiries to the appropriate personnel, and serving as a dependable resource within the department. This role also demands strong capabilities in data analysis and report generation. The Human Resources Specialist will be responsible for analyzing data trends and delivering actionable insights through clear, concise reports. The ideal candidate will have outstanding analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and a proven ability to synthesize complex information into accessible and strategic recommendations.

Pay Range:

$25.22 - $29.70 Hourly

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

Waller Creek Center (625 E. 10th Street, Austin, 78701)

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility. Hybrid.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water 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.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• 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.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skills and competencies for this job will be assessed prior to being invited to interview. A 70% or above on all the assessments is required to be considered for the next step.

If you are selected as a 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.

• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

• A criminal background investigation is required

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.

Critical Employee:

• This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

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 lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

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

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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.