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Job Description
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:
Purpose:
Under general supervision, this position performs professional-level work involving research, data analysis, and program support in the areas of environmental policy, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives. Provides assistance to ARR’s Strategic Initiatives Division teams in support of the City of Austin’s Zero Waste goals.
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.- Conducts research, analyzes trends, and synthesizes technical information for internal and public audiences.
- Assists in documenting redevelopment projects and developing case studies.
- Updates databases and reports using ArcGIS StoryMaps and other tools.
- Supports planning and implementation of environmental and sustainability programs.
- Participates in stakeholder interviews and synthesizes findings.
- Assists with grant research and planning.
- Supports technical guidance for City events and operational practices.
- Writes reports and memos summarizing findings and recommendations.
- Maintains positive working relationships with City staff and external stakeholders.
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 environmental policy, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
- Skill in oral and written communication using a variety of formats.
- Skill in research, data analysis, and technical writing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to create clear and concise reports and presentations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships.
Minimum Qualifications:- Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program related to environmental studies, urban planning, sustainability, public policy, natural sciences, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:- Strong writing, research, and editing skills, including ability to clearly synthesize technical information for different audiences.
- Demonstrable experience conducting thorough research and producing concise memos and reports.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word (required).
- Experience with ArcGIS StoryMaps or similar mapping tools.
- Experience supporting environmental or sustainability-related projects.
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 is seeking two interns to work in our Strategic Initiatives Division during Spring 2026. Interns will support the Zero Waste Policy - Brownfields Team and the Circular Economy Team. These positions will assist with research, stakeholder engagement, case study development, and data management to support ARR’s Zero Waste goals.
Pay Range: Starting at $22.05 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; between 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (up to 25 hours/week). Schedule to be mutually determined based on student availability. May be required to work some weekends or special events. Based on performance and mutual agreement, the internship may be extended into Summer 2026.
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 LinkedIn 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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This position is eligible for the PSLF Program, a federal initiative that forgives the balance of federal student loans for individuals working in public service 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 lots 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: 2025-12-30 - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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