Position DescriptionSPU’s Drainage & Wastewater Line of Business (DWW) is undertaking an ambitious effort to integrate planning for its drainage and wastewater systems. The goal of the planning effort is to enable SPU to deliver drainage and wastewater system investments that provide the greatest community value. Over the next three years, this planning effort will be focused on the development of two major plans: the DWW Vision Plan and an Integrated Systems Plan. Together, these plans will translate SPU’s community-centered utility concept into a long-term vision for drainage and wastewater services in Seattle for the next 50 years.
More information on this planning effort is available on the DWW System Planning website: http://www.seattle.gov/util/Documents/Plans/DrainagePlans/SystemPlanning/index.htm
SPU’s Planning & Program Management Division in the DWW Line of Business is seeking a temporary Planning & Development Specialist to provide project support to integrate planning for its drainage and wastewater systems and assist in the development of the DWW Vision Plan and Integrated System Plan.
This Long-Term Temporary Assignment is currently budgeted for up to 3 years and provides fringe benefits including medical, dental, and vision, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
Job ResponsibilitiesAreas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identify and research issues and case studies applicable to the DWW Vision and Integrated System plans;
• Support stakeholder collaboration activities associated with the development of the DWW Vision Plan;
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and issue papers in support of the Plans;
• Participate in inter-departmental, inter-agency, or regional planning studies and activities relevant to the DWW Vision and Integrated System plans;
• Coordinate planning and program activities including a public involvement process with other City departments, other agencies, public and community groups;
• Complete GIS analysis and data management activities including preparing, transmitting, and tracking GIS data transmittals to support the DWW Vision and Integrated System plans;
• Deliver presentations to SPU staff, other agencies, and community groups;
• Support higher-level program staff on more complex project activities.

QualificationsExperience
One year of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation or other work directly related to utility planning and development work.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field.

Equivalence
A combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work. A master’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field may be considered equivalent to one year of experience.

The most successful candidates will also possess the following:

• Graphic skills and experience preparing professional, visually appealing documents, graphics, presentation materials, and/or other communications tools
• Interest in the following topics: utility planning, resilience, distributed infrastructure, and green infrastructure
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excitement for the opportunity to learn and grow professionally
• The ability to work independently and be a positive team member
• Organizational skills
• Openness and excitement for new ideas
• A genuine interest in community engagement and technical topics
• Enthusiasm for tackling complex planning challenges
• The ability to see the connection between seeming discreet challenges and envision integrated solutions
• A commitment to centering equity in their work, to listening, creating spaces for diverse perspectives, and pursing inclusive, just, and racially equitable outcomes
• Understanding of race and social justice principals and impacts of systemic racism and oppression on communities served by SPU
• Proficiency with various software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and ArcGIS, and the ability to learn new computer applications

Licensing and other requirements
Valid WA State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility

Who may apply:  This position is open to all candidates who 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.  The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

As part of the application process, you must include a Cover Letter and Resume with your applicationdescribing how your education and experience meet the requirements of this position. Applicants may include a short (3-4 page), relevant graphic or writing example that illustrates the applicant’s qualifications or ability to perform the job responsibilities of this position.

Additional InformationSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides essential utility services to a rapidly growing and increasingly complex city and region. With more people living in Seattle than ever before, we face a range of new challenges, requirements, and responsibilities. This is an exciting time for us, as we embrace the challenge of balancing environmental enhancement, service excellence, and compliance with affordability. We are exploring and shaping approaches to meeting new and future demands.

SPU strives to be a Community Centered Utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. We also provide drinking water for 1.4 million regional customers in Seattle and the other municipalities. We center our efforts on the following core areas of focus:

• Achieve Excellence in Core Service Delivery
• Increase Affordability and Accountability
• Improve Investment Value
• Enhance Public Health and Environment
• Ensure Equity and Inclusion
• Expand our Impact through Strong Partnerships

At Seattle Public Utilities, our job is to protect the area’s quality of life. We pledge to meet community and environmental needs by:

• Maintaining some of the nation’s best drinking water
• Preventing sewer backups, flooding and landslides
• Helping Seattle residents and businesses be recycling leaders
• Protecting local waterways and the Sound from sewage overflows and polluted stormwater runoff.

Seattle is known as a progressive leader in technology, innovation and the environment.
As an employer, the City of Seattle is a leading local government in environmental stewardship, green building technology and social justice, making our City what it is today and shaping our future. Our employees plan an important role in making this possible.
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util