Austin Water Talent Apprenticeship Program (TAP) - ONLY APPROVED PARTICIPANT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

Job Description:

Austin Water Talent Apprenticeship Program (TAP) - ONLY APPROVED PARTICIPANT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

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.

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.

Austin Water has three water treatment plants: Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich. These facilities draw water from the Colorado River, filter and treat it according to federal and state standards to provide safe drinking water for the community.

Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional are Austin Water's two wastewater treatment plants. These sites can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat before it is returned to the Colorado River. Austin Water's biosolids facility, Hornsby Bend, receives sludge generated by the treatment processes at the wastewater plants and uses it to create compost for land application and public sales.

More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed each year for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other uses.

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:

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government, performing routine administrative tasks, basic information technology, mechanical work, or providing technical assistance.

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.

• Observes and assists employees in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, with coordinating, administering, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with collecting and organizing data for research.
• Assists, as necessary, with performing analyses and preparing data for reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, with finding solutions to existing problems and discuss recommendations to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to gather information for reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an associate degree program in an accredited college or university or vocational or technical school, with the first year of the program completed.

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

Austin Water's Talent Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is a six-week paid apprenticeship offering real-world training and career development in the water industry. TAP is designed for graduating seniors and recent graduates who are not pursuing higher education and want to build a sustainable career in public service. Participants receive hands-on training alongside Austin Water employees, explore our water and wastewater facilities and interact with staff at all levels of the organization. Please note that applications are only accepted from individuals who have received prior approval to participate in this program.

Pay: $22.05 per hour

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid current Texas Class “C” Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards 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.

Physical Requirements:

• This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.
  
• Selected candidate(s) will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment physical exam to be considered for this position, which includes a Functional (FC)strength/agility test.
  

Confined-Space Entry Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to work in environments which may have hazardous atmospheres, or in confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the activities of an employee are hindered.
  
• Candidates must be able to qualify for the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program.
  
• Candidates must be clean shaven to meet the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program guidelines which requires the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
  

Climbing Requirements:

Candidates must be able to perform duties with confidence at sites where climbing ladders and working at heights of up to 200 feet and descending into confined spaces up to 100 feet deep with the use of a required SRL body harness that supports weight as designated by work area.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your experience.
  

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.

Important Note to Applicants:

• Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps - including document uploads and final submission - must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date .
  
• We 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.
  
• Please note this posting may close any time after seven (7) days.
  

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: 2026-05-22