Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Resource Recovery

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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:

Community Engagement Specialist

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, assists with the development, implementation, and coordination of various project and program activities to promote, support and integrate community involvement into City governance.

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 with the planning, development, and implementation of strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives.
  
• Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives.
  
• Researches best practices in community engagement nationally and globally and briefs staff on these best practices.
  
• Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) to assist with outreach opportunities.
  
• Maintains an email and phone database of participants in engagement events to inform of past and future opportunities to engage.
  
• Monitors digital engagement on SpeakUpAustin.org, social media, phone messages, text messages, etc., and moderates online discussions as needed.
  
• Helps conduct neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources.
  
• Assists with the facilitation of public dialogues and consensus building to identify and resolve issues between the City and various community stakeholders; assistance may include securing venues, arranging for language interpreters, greeting attendees, and note-taking. May also facilitate such dialogues.
  
• Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff.
  
• Keeps accurate records of comments made by public in meetings and other settings (online forum, etc.), analyzes, and summarizes key themes and findings.
  
• Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations.
  
• Assists with maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public.
  
• Helps track community issues through various media such as written reports, conferences and community meetings.
  
• Plans forums, walking tours, conferences and other community events and meetings with City staff.
  
• Conducts community research and responses to technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions.
  
• May represent the City at Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as needed.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May train and lead others as well as oversee the work of student interns or temporary employees
  

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 community organizing and neighborhood development techniques.
  
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in planning, organizing, and time management.
  
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and summary of key findings and conclusions.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
  
• Ability to review and research large volume of materials and summarize in easily comprehensible formats for City staff.
  
• Ability to develop new initiatives and work with service providers to plan and coordinate services.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to work with community representatives to identify and address local needs.
  
• Ability to use conflict resolution and negotiation.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to work well with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and experience, including community leaders, residents, service providers, local officials and elected representatives.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
  
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas driver's license
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning and leading grassroots community engagement efforts related to sustainability.
  
• Experience working with diverse communities with varied cultural and language preferences.
  
• Extensive experience in public outreach and education, including presenting to the public on behalf of an organization.
  
• Experience developing, facilitating, and evaluating engagement initiatives.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin with over 530 employees. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at AustinRecycles.com .

ARR seeks a creative and multi-talented Community Engagement Specialist to join its community engagement team. Primary responsibilities include leading the department’s language access program, Zero Waste Block Leader program, community presentations, planning community events, building and maintaining relationships with neighborhood and community leaders, and developing a strategic plan for grassroots community engagement that supports the department’s programs and goals.

The successful candidate will be an ambitious professional with an empathetic and inclusive work philosophy. They will demonstrate the ability to focus and work well under pressure, including high-stakes community meetings. They are confident in their communication skills, are highly self-motivated, curious, and creative, and can work independently or with a team. If this sounds like you, apply to join our team!

Pay Range: $31.39 - $39.24 per hour. Your detailed and complete employment application will be used to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

Days & Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Employees may be required to work some early mornings, after hours, weekends, and special events due to business needs.

Address: 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 1, Austin, TX 78754

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position, shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview. Your detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

Resume/Cover Letter: Please upload your resume and cover letter along with your completed application. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”).

References and Employment Verification: Please include in your cover letter three professional references, with one being your current or most recent supervisor.

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

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.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Learn more about City of Austin benefits .

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Essential/Critical Employee Designation: Some positions are designated as critical or essential. Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified. This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.

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.

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: 2026-02-28

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• City of Austin

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