Seasonal – Public Information Request Specialist (Part-Time/Austin Parks and Recreation)

Seasonal – Public Information Request Specialist (Part-Time/Austin Parks and Recreation)

About This Position

Job Description: Public Information Request Specialist

Purpose: Under general supervision, provides high-level research, collaboration, and support to internal stakeholders on Public Information Request submission responses and administration.

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.

• Handles public information requests, forwarding to correct divisions or departments for responses.
• Reviews submitted responsive information and ensures appropriate redactions are applied.
• Researches information as requested and needed.
• Coordinates with other agencies and personnel for certain aspects of mutual research or investigation on public information requests.
• Responds to client or customer complaints or escalates to appropriate personnel.
• Counsels and facilitates interventions for the prevention of errors involving department and program plans.
• Provides information to citizens, individually and in groups, regarding organization, operations, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews public information reports or tracking and updates as necessary.
• Compiles data and writes informational reports.
• Produces memos, letters, reports, or other written material.

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 Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of public information requests including request language, terms, conditions, etc.
• Knowledge of the functions of the departmental organization to include relationships between departments, divisions and agencies.
• Knowledge of the principles associated with the role of meeting the necessary standards of customer service.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, and ordinances.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years of related experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required: None.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge and hands-on experience working with the Texas Open Records Act and processing Public Information Requests within a municipal environment.
• Experience in a high-volume deliverable environment with close attention to detail.
• Experience working with databases and other technology to track and compile information.
• Experience working with legal staff.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working with Adobe Acrobat Pro for document redaction.
• Experience with GovQA software.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Compensation Range: The annual hiring range for this position is $0.00-$0.00

Notes to Candidate: The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Seasonal – Public Information Request Specialist position is to provide high-level research and support to internal stakeholders on Public Information Request submission responses and administration at Austin Parks and Recreation.

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. All APR Work Site Locations are Tobacco-free: Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Salary

$29.11 per hour

Work Location: Austin Parks and Recreation Main Office - 200 S. Lamar Blvd.

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (20 hours per week).
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.