Wastewater Engagement Program Manager (Sr. P&D Spec.)

This position is open until filled. However, priority will be given to candidates who apply by January 31, 2023

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting for a motivated, creative, data-driven, and environmental-justice minded Wastewater Environmental Engagement Program Manager. This person will lead behavior change and community engagement work that helps keep Seattle's creeks, lakes, and waterfront clean, while also protecting SPU's wastewater infrastructure. This position works with a team of community engagement professionals and leads on wastewater outreach and engagement campaigns including What to Flush (only toilet paper!); preventing fats, oils, and grease from going down drains; and the launch of SPU's new side sewer assistance program.

Examples of current engagement programs and tactics overseen by this position include:

• Transcreating materials on the impacts of cooking oil and grease in drains.
• Posting signs on grocery store shelves to notify consumers of flushable and non-flushable products.
• Providing rental property managers in areas with frequent pipe clogs with materials to engage their residents in addressing the problem.
• Running a multi-lingual winter holidays campaign for home cooks on the proper disposal of cooking grease.
• Creating strategies to reach low- and fixed-income homeowners in a maintenance crisis relating to side sewer repair.
• Working with community-based organizations to engage with focus audiences.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

SPU is committed to increasing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creating and implementing wastewater behavior change campaigns using community based social marketing or similar models.
• Using quantitative and qualitative data to shape outreach and engagement campaigns.
• Identifying audiences with an eye on service equity and shaping campaigns that are culturally relevant to those audiences.
• Developing and testing messages that resonate with intended audience.
• Translating and transcreating materials for non-English speaking audiences.
• Developing communications plans.
• Evaluating existing efforts and adjusting ongoing campaigns.
• Working with community organizations to implement strategies.
• Communicating program successes and challenges with stakeholders.
• Developing and managing contracts to assist with campaign implementation.

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development activities.

Education: Bachelor's degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field OR two (2) additional years of related experience.

License: Current Washington driver license to travel to community meetings and events.

The ideal candidate should possess some or most of the following:

• Strong experience designing and implementing behavior change campaigns.
• Community outreach and engagement experience.
• Strong understanding of municipal wastewater systems and customer-related issues.
• Experience with race and social justice issues.
• Excellent customer service.
• Ability to convey complex technical information in engaging and easy to understand ways.
• Strong written, visual, and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of community based social marketing model.
• Program evaluation experience.
• Strong contract management skills.
• Familiarity with Seattle community or demonstrated history of building effective relationships with communities.
• Translation and transcreation experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and how you meet the qualifications.

All City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Failure to submit proof of vaccination or qualify for a reasonable accommodation will result in withdrawal of a job offer.

Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment; however, due to the ongoing pandemic and Covid-19 state and local restrictions, hybrid telework/office/field assignment work will be available consistent with HR guidelines, and as circumstances dictate. We continue to seek guidance from local public health agencies and will proceed accordingly with any necessary changed or needs regarding "workplace location" expectations.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.