Part-Time Community Safety & Hospitality Ambassador bei Downtown Seattle Association

Position 

Downtown Ambassador  

Department 

Community Safety and Hospitality
 

Reporting Relationship 

MID Supervisor 

Status 

Part-Time, Non-Exempt  

Overview 

The DSA/MID Ambassador teams play a vital role in living our organization’s mission: to create a healthy, vibrant downtown.  All Ambassadors are stewards of the public realm and help to make it an inviting and welcoming place for all.  All Ambassador teams work with the following priority framework focusing on the “three Cs”: Clean, Clear and Cared for. This means that all employees strive to maintain a visually appealing and safe environment for all by resolving clutter and disarray and caring for all people in the public realm in a friendly and positive manner. The downtown public realm should be high quality and consistent, demonstrated through attentive oversight of the details in the public realm space and genuine care and concern for the people in the space. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

The role of the Downtown Community Safety & Hospitality Ambassador requires a unique combination of skills. Ambassadors must demonstrate strong communication, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills, a caring and compassionate approach to their work, and a customer service focus.  During a shift, Ambassadors will engage with a wide range of situations, to include providing support for individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health issues, educating people regarding civility ordinances, interacting with business owners and residents, assisting with public amenities and assisting tourists who need directions.  

• Patrol on bicycle a designated zone of the downtown core and provide a variety of support services to members of the public.
• Acting with respect and dignity, approach and wake people who are sleeping in business doorways or in the public right-of-way.
• Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness to check on their wellbeing and assist in connecting them with services. 
• Use courtesy, tact, and good judgement in working with members of the public.
• When it is safe to do so, approach people engaging in specific civility ordinance violations, assess and inform them of the violation, and encourage voluntary observance of the ordinances when appropriate.
• Provide directions, maps, handouts and information to tourists, visitors, residents, and local businesses. Act as a concierge in public right-of-way and in DSA-managed parks and public spaces.
• Provide support for events, activations, and other activities, which could include setting up and tearing down chairs, barricades, staging, tables, other furnishings and equipment, as well as event staffing.
• Build relationships with downtown businesses to share information and assist with problem-solving.
• Address items of physical public disorder like fallen scooters, misplaced signs, and large debris, or work with Clean Team to address in a timely manner.
• Utilize computer and hand-held mobile device to collect data and track daily work activities in the public right-of-way and DSA-managed parks and public spaces.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Represent MID/DSA at special events in a positive and professional manner

Qualifications

• Self-motivated, energetic learner and leader with a good sense of humor.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with groups and the public.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Required to maintain a clean and neat appearance. 
• Knowledge of downtown Seattle and its community a plus.
• Able to work outdoors, in all weather, in an urban environment
• Able to work ten-hour or eight-hour shifts (schedules vary by season)
• Bike riding skills: Ride a bicycle for full work shifts outdoors in all weather. 
  • *Must pass a bicycle riding assessment with an emphasis on low riding speeds.
• Knowledge of (and willingness to learn) how to interact with people affected by mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Time management skills and self-discipline to work independently and remain on task without constant supervision.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. English required; additional language proficiencies a plus. 
• Strong ability to work and interact with the public and diverse audiences.
• Collaborative mindset to work as part of a team, toward achievement of shared goals. 
• Customer service focus; previous experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to problem solve, exercise judgement, and make sound decisions.
• Level-headed demeanor and a demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure in an often fast-paced and changing environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment  

Work Environment - Work outdoors for the entirety of each shift in all weather conditions, with exposure to potentially hazardous waste/substances.  

Physical Demands – Must be able to ride a two-wheeled bicycle for 8-10 hours. Must be able to lift 40 pounds.   

Employment Details 

DSA is committed to internal and market equity. The hourly range for this position is $22.00-$27.00. Salary is determined based on internal and market equity, internal and market data/salary ranges, and the applicant’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We will hire at the beginning of the salary range to allow future salary growth based on an employee's performance, professional development, and increases in responsibilities and duties. 

Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package including but not restricted to:  

• Employer paid Orca Card  
• Seattle Sick and Safe time .025 per hour worker

To Apply:  

Please apply online. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and remain open until filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. 

We recognize the value of the Downtown Seattle Association and our affiliate organizations and programs reflecting the diversity of our community and are intentionally and actively seeking out applications from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). 

Downtown Seattle Association is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and potential employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, and, if necessary, disciplined without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, veteran, or military status. All applicants are carefully screened, and full consideration is given to their training, education, skills, aptitudes, experience, and previous work record. In addition, DSA does not discriminate based on genetic information in its employment-related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.