Project Assistant

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Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains infrastructure for our community. Our vision is for Austin to be the model for safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation. We value safety, unity, reliability, accountability, integrity, community, and employee fulfillment.

Job Description:

Project Assistant

Purpose:

Under direct supervision, this position provides support to project management team by organizing various projects, contract agreements, and programs. Participates in the development of a project and provides support in scheduling, budgeting, and implementation phases of the project.

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 planning stage of projects, including the coordination of existing bonds and future bond projects.
  
• Assists in planning, scheduling, or coordination of project activities to meet deadlines.
  
• Provides assistance in creation of a communication plan to field staff, including Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
  
• Creates and maintains project progress monitoring data to track each project.
  
• Coordinates status updates for project related matters including providing updates to internal and external customers.
  
• Updates and maintains schedule data to ensure project consistency and optimization.
  
• Assists in resolution of project issues including any potential risks to team members by providing supporting documentation including policies and procedures.
  
• Communicates roles, expectations, and accountabilities to all team members on a regular basis.
  
• Advises management of problems, issues, and status of ongoing projects.
  
• Provides assistance to ensure established project deadlines and related tasks are completed as assigned.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

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 basic project practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws applicable to bond projects.
  
• Knowledge of applicable City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
  
• Skill in project planning and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in oral and written format to a variety of audiences.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and available software packages.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in assisting the development of work plans and execution.
  
• Experience in communicating and interacting with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Planning and developing programs and activities and improve coordination of existing services.
  
• Experience in managing Council items as well as various Boards and Commissions items.
  
• Experience in finding resolutions to project issues including any potential risks to team members by providing supporting documentation including policies and procedures.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Civil Engineering Services portfolio is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Project Assistant to provide executive-level administrative and project coordination support to the Assistant Director overseeing several high-impact programs including the Office of the City Engineer, Sidewalks & Urban Trails, Safe Routes to School, Placemaking and Construction Management initiatives.

This role functions as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Director, serving as a key operational partner responsible for managing schedules, coordinating interdepartmental initiatives, tracking division priorities, preparing executive briefings, and supporting strategic program delivery across multiple teams.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, problem-solver, and project coordinator who thrives in a fast-paced municipal environment supporting infrastructure programs that improve safety, mobility, and public space throughout the city.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Support

• Provide direct administrative and executive support to the Assistant Director.
  
• Manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings, and prioritize competing demands.
  
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports, and executive correspondence.
  
• Track action items, deadlines, and key deliverables across multiple divisions.
  
• Coordinate preparation of materials for executive leadership meetings and City Council briefings.
  

Project & Program Coordination

• Assist with coordination of initiatives across multiple Civil Engineering Services programs including:
  
• Office of the City Engineer
• Sidewalks and Urban Trails programs
  
• Safe Routes to School National Partnership initiatives
  
• Placemaking and public space projects
  
• Monitor project timelines and milestones and support progress tracking.
  
• Maintain program documentation, reports, and internal dashboards.
  
• Coordinate interdepartmental meetings and follow-up actions.
  

Interdepartmental Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between Civil Engineering Services leadership and other City departments.
  
• Support coordination with partners such as:
  
• Austin Transportation and Public Works Department divisions
• Austin Energy
  
• Austin Water
  
• Planning and Development Services
  
• Track requests, responses, and decision-making timelines.
  

Administrative Operations

• Assist with division budgeting coordination and procurement tracking.
  
• Maintain records, contracts, and documentation for major initiatives.
  
• Support onboarding and administrative needs for division leadership staff.
  
• Coordinate travel arrangements, logistics, and event support when necessary.
  

Essential Employee: This position is considered an “Essential” role and is essential to the operations of the City based on the preparation, response, and recovery phase of extraordinary situations or emergency conditions. As an employee that has been designated as “Essential” the expectation will be to work at a designated work site during declared extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to serve the community. Essential Employees during emergencies play a role in ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare of our community and ensuring City operations continue.

Pay Rate: $29.89 - $37.37 per hour

Location: 5202 E Ben White Blvd Austin, TX 78741

Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.

Watch Inside TPW to learn more about Austin Transportation and Public Works and its role in the region's mobility landscape.

Working for the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities, and more. Click here for more information on City of Austin Benefits !

A Cover Letter and Resume are required for this position. Please be sure to upload these documents for consideration

READ THIS STATEMENT regarding your Application:

A 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. Please list 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 LinkedIn Profile"). Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary.

Close Job Posting: Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

Please be aware the Posting End 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 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.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

Office Location Notes: Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Transportation and Public Works positions are not at 100% remote operation.

Video Conferencing Software Technology: Austin Transportation and Public Works uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.

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: 2026-04-04

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• City of Austin

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