DWW Policy & Programs Advisor (StratAdvsr1,Utils BU-P)

Position Description

This recruitment is for two positions which both are open until filled. First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 5, 2023.

Seattle Public Utilities is recruiting for two Policy Advisors to support the Drainage and Wastewater (DWW) Line of Business policy program. SPU is developing Shape Our Water - our long-term drainage and wastewater investment plan that will help us deliver essential services for our customers and communities over the next 50 years. There are many opportunities and questions to be explored to realize our goals and help keep Seattle one of the best places in the world to live, work, and play. These positions are essential in identifying and helping develop policy and program solutions across a broad spectrum of issues. Topics range from low-income customer assistance programs, green stormwater infrastructure, water quality, climate change, sea-level rise adaptation, protecting and improving the City's drainage and wastewater systems, and more.

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.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

The Policy Advisors will help deliver key policy, code, and regulatory changes necessary to achieve the goals in Shape Our Water and SPU's Strategic Business Plan. To do this, they will:

• Develop or refine existing codes and policies to support DWW's Planning, Capital, and Operations & Maintenance programs, or other customer-facing initiatives within SPU.
• Consistently apply a racial equity lens to new and existing policies so that all customers and communities equitably share in the outcomes of DWW's work.
• Use inclusive customer engagement and other stakeholder engagement strategies to inform and vet policy development and implementation.
• Identify opportunities through policy to remove barriers to maximize both rate payer investment and community benefits.
• Develop and deliver brief and informative summaries and recommendations to SPU Managers and Executive Teams.
• Support ongoing drainage and wastewater policy planning, code updates through policy development, and implementation by working with SPU, other departments and agencies, and community-based organizations, as necessary.

To support SPU as a Community-Centered Utility, the advisors will:

• Promote equity, race, and social justice through policy development.
• Work collaboratively across branches of SPU and City departments to create new policy pathways for projects and programs.
• Identify and remove policy barriers to help improve SPU's ability to partner with neighborhoods, community-based organizations, institutions, and businesses to leverage broader benefits, reduce costs, share risks, and improve outcomes for the communities that we serve.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in planning and/or policy development, environmental regulations and compliance, legislative work, investigative journalism, communications, or other relevant experience.

Education: Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, environmental science, political science, communications, engineering, or a related field OR two (2) additional years of relevant experience.

Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

The ideal candidate should possess some of the following:

• A demonstrated commitment to public and environmental health, race, and social equity in your work.
• Understanding of utility and ratepayer needs, issues and limitations.
• Ability to lead strategy development, options analysis, and recommendations in a matrix management environment.
• Ability to produce brief and informative summaries of complex regulatory and policy issues to managers, executives, and other stakeholders.
• Strong oral presentation skills, including presentations and recommendations to groups including executive leadership and senior management.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives.
• Ability to use discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.
• Comfort with uncertainty and a willingness to wade into the unknown.
• Experience working in a team environment, demonstrating a strong sense of humor, ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across different departments and workgroups and working effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Working Environment/Conditions:

• This individual will work mainly in an office environment (hybrid opportunities are available, with a minimum requirement of four days in the office per two-week pay period).

Additional Information
Application Requirements:

• 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 your education, knowledge and experience qualify you for the position.

The full salary range for this position is $41.01 - $61.51 Hourly.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/

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:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov