Environmental Inspection Spec

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The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) 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:

Purpose:

Under limited supervision and using comprehensive knowledge, this position performs inspections and investigations of permitted land developments, construction sites, and businesses to ensure compliance with environmental/engineering codes, ordinances, and regulations. This position is responsible for projects and programs of diverse scope and complexity.

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.

• Inspects permitted land developments and construction sites for compliance with City environmental protection regulations.
  
• Performs site investigations and evaluates best management practices for erosion/sedimentation control and tree preservation and for compliance with landscape and tree ordinances.
  
• Performs final inspections of drainage facilities and other site improvements.
  
• Investigates and processes applications for ROW vacations, easement releases, and license agreements.
  
• Performs site investigations to evaluate need for additional staff support (i.e. involvement of biologists and geologists).
  
• Identifies locations of environmentally sensitive resources.
  
• Provides technical assistance and education to citizens, community/special interest groups, developers, etc. on environmental/engineering code requirements, ordinances, and regulations.
  
• Provides testimony and affidavits for enforcement cases. Issues directives and initiate enforcement actions for non-compliance with environmental and drainage regulations.
  
• Is responsible for projects and programs of diverse scope and complexity.
  

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 applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Life Science, or Natural Science, plus two (2) years of experience in a related field.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to two (2) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ISA certified arborist or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
  
• Knowledge and use of tree risk assessment techniques.
  
• Knowledge and use of ISA Best Management Practices.
  
• Skills and several years of time spent in communicating with the public.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  
• Experience with landscaping and/or tree care industry.
  
• Experience in tree and vegetation identification.
  
• Experience working with contractors and citizens and displaying high level customer service.
  
• Experience using GIS or other mapping software.
  
• Experience with enterprise software or other work order software.
  
• Experience in urgent / emergency tree related situations
  

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Notes to Candidate:

This position will use professional arboriculture skills and training to respond to and abate right of way tree issues within a municipal framework. The position will also perform site investigations in response to 311CSR’s regarding right of way trees of concern and to evaluate best management practices for tree preservation and for compliance with tree ordinances. Mitigation of tree and vegetation obstructions will be done in accordance with ANSI-A300 Tree Care Standards and City Code.

This role also provides technical assistance and education to citizens, community/special interest groups, developers, etc. on tree preservation ordinances and regulations. This role issues directives, initiatives, and enforcement actions for non - compliance with City Code and regulations.

To watch a video about Austin Transportation and Public Works, Inside TPW .

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

Driving Requirements:
This position requires a valid Texas driver’s license or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months .

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on the assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

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

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.

This position is considered “Essential” to maintain critical operations and core services. Essential Employees during emergencies play a role in ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare of our community and ensuring City operations continue.

Assessment:
This position may require a skills assessment.

Close Job Posting:

Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

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

Physical Address:

4411 Meinardus Dr., Austin TX. 78744

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 3:30 PM

*Hours may vary depending on work demands and business needs (storm response may affect these hours)

Non-exempt (eligible for overtime) essential employee.

Salary Range:

$25.22 - $29.70

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: 2026-02-12

• 

• City of Austin

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