Entry Level Project Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Functional Title: Project Manager Job Title: Project Manager I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: AES OOA Contract Operations Posting Number: 19201 Closing Date: 08/04/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support Salary Range: $4,263.16- $6,779.25 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Resources & Eligibility Services (FRES) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of a Project Manager I within the Office of Administration (OA), Contract Operations, Contract Quality Audit & Training (CQAT) Team. OA is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans.
The Project Manager position, under the direct supervision of the CQAT Manager, performs routine entry-level project management work. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position makes a significant contribution to OA's mission by ensuring that all procurement and contract-related projects are performed with the highest level of accuracy and timeliness, and in accordance with HHSC standards. As part of CQAT, the responsibilities include four core functions: (1) Providing support to AES stakeholders throughout the procurement process; (2) Assisting in the development and maintenance of Contract Operation's policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements; (3) Participating in the organization and facilitation of in-person, virtual, and web-based Contract Operation's trainings; and (4) Analyzing contract documents to ensure compliance with HHS and Statewide Procurement Division contract management policies and procedures. Telework may be considered for this position in accordance with HHSC policy and at the discretion of AES Leadership to meet business needs.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to continuously learn and improve; thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment; and has excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a desire to help others.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave.
EJF#1: (35%) Performs routine entry-level project management throughout all stages of the project lifecycle, from initiation to completion, involving project research, analysis, and planning; monitors the progress and schedule of projects for reporting; identifies project timeline risks; and coordinates interagency and communication with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. Additional duties include supporting quality assurance activities, editing project documents, policies, and procedures, and facilitating approvals. Prepares agenda items, presentations, meeting minutes, and follow-up tasks. Reviews, assigns, and tracks tasks for the project team.
EJF#2: (30%) Monitors team mailbox communications and interagency coordination. Responds to routine inquiries related to open records requests, administrative rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in coordination with management. Prepares high-quality written project reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed. Responsible for ensuring major FRES mandates and assignments assigned to CQAT are tracked and completed in accordance with legislative requirements and agency leadership direction. Maintain filing systems, including recording information, updating paperwork, and maintaining documents, records, correspondence, and other materials.
EJF#3: (25%) Contributes to the review and maintenance of internal policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with State, Federal, Health and Human Services, and Statewide Procurement Division contract management policies. Participates in the research, analysis, development, organization and facilitation of in-person, virtual, and web-based Contract Operations trainings. Stays abreast of changes in state and federal regulations related to procurement and contract management, ensuring the division's practices remain compliant and up-to-date. Identifies opportunities for process improvement in procurement and contract management practices, implementing best practices and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
EJF#4: (5%) Participates in workgroups, meetings, special projects, and tasks as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for legislative mandates, disaster response and/or recovery, or continuity of operations. Works constructively with the team and staff across the division and enterprise to ensure project success
EJF#5: (5%) Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to limited-scope projects.
• Ability to research and analyze local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the projects undertaken.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions, to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues, to demonstrate project and meeting facilitation skills, to identify project risks, to prepare reports and charts, to communicate effectively, and to assign duties and responsibilities and coordinate the work of project staff.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, policy, and regulations relevant to procurements and contracts, including the State of Texas Procurement and Contract Guide.
• Skills in using computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS, and Word.
• Ability to analyze complex information.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of personnel in governmental entities.
• Ability to apply independent judgment in making critical decisions.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications in a Windows environment.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
A Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred and must be obtained within the first six months of employment.
A Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred and must be obtained within the first twelve months of employment.
Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field related to health and human services is generally preferred. Applicants without a degree may substitute experience on a year-by-year basis.

• An employment application illustrates effective written communication skills.
• Experience coordinating, tracking, or supporting assignments, projects, deadlines, records, or administrative tasks.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, editing, or maintaining written documents, correspondence, reports, meeting notes, or similar materials.
• Experience in researching, interpreting, and applying policies, procedures, rules, or guidance, with preferred exposure to procurement, contracting, quality assurance, training coordination, or health and human services programs, is preferred.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.