Hybrid TERM LIMITED TEMPORARY (TLT) Food Waste Reduction Planning Specialist (P&D Spec II) bei City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) Solid Waste Line of Business has an exciting opportunity for a 35-month Term Limited Temporary (TLT) Food Waste Reduction Planning Specialist (Planning & Development Specialist II) to implement a coordinated and holistic approach toward food waste prevention and diversion focused on residential behavior change. This effort is needed to meet the established commitments to support the implementation of WA state law to achieve meaningful food waste reduction in Seattle. Please reference link below for more information on Washington State Organics Management Law (HB 1799).

Organics Management Law - Washington State Department of Ecology

This Term Limited Temporary (TLT) opportunity is fully benefited, is expected to last up to 35-months in duration and is open to all eligible and qualified candidates.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:  

• SPU Website

• SPU Workplace Expectations

• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide 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. 

Position Duties

 This position will coordinate the residential food waste prevention and diversion (FWP&D) behavior change research, campaign, and evaluation project.

Primary Responsibilities for this TLT Food Waste Reduction Planning Specialist:

• Manage the consultant contract(s) that will:
  • Research the primary barriers and motivations for increasing residential food waste prevention and diversion (waste sorting of compost)
  • Develop innovative and research-driven campaign tactics and other strategies to increase FWP&D
  • Implement recommended behavior change campaign tactics across the City for targeted audiences, per research recommendations
  • Conduct waste audits and other research as needed to evaluate the success of the implemented tactics and programs and help inform and determine future actions
• Contract administration – Consultant coordination, oversight, budget monitoring, and invoicing in a timely manner
• Assist FWP&D projects for single family and multi-family residential sectors, including:
  • Customer & community outreach and education about FWP&D
  • Build partnerships and agreements with community organizations, leaders, and advocates to implement FWP&D campaign tactics
  • Track data, process flows, outreach activities, and reporting on FWP&D tactics across sectors
  • Manage and provide outreach materials and services to establish and implement behavior change through the contract
  • Direct customer support via email, calls, and in-person to establish behavior change

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:  Two (2) years of in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation

Education: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Studies, Public Administration or related discipline. (If no degree, an additional two (2) years of relevant experience is required.)

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience(s) will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with food systems, solid waste projects or a closely related field
• Experience building partnerships with communities, community-based organizations, non-government agencies, and other groups to establish new behaviors, projects, and/or programs
• Experience in behavior change program
• Understanding and experience with equitable and inclusive outreach and program development
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suit
• Experience in program, project, and budget management
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and customer
• Excellent time management and priority-setting skills

Other Qualifications

How to Apply:

In addition to fully completing the online application, we require candidates to attach a current resume, and cover letter describing your work experience(s) and how that makes you a good candidate for this role.

The full salary range for this position is $47.54 per hour - $55.32 per hour. 

Workplace Environment (*Telework Expectation):
This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.