About the Position

The Olympia Public Works Department, Water Resources division, seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Stormwater Outreach and Engagement Program Specialist. This position plays a key community outreach and engagement role within the Stormwater Utility and will work with the Regional Environmental Education Partners (REEP). The primary focus of this position is to provide water quality and habitat learning and stewardship opportunities to the community. This position helps to build community awareness of local and regional stormwater issues and inspires action toward ecosystem recovery efforts. While the position will require in-office, field and community-based work, the Stormwater Outreach and Engagement Program Specialist position is eligible for teleworking as assignments allow. 

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced natural resource professional with environmental and water quality expertise.

• Experienced in implementing environmental education, outreach, and habitat stewardship (i.e. ecological restoration or enhancement) programs.

• Experienced participating in collaborative projects with both internal and external partners. 

• Enthusiasm for engaging the community in hands-on science programs and habitat stewardship activities. 

• Knowledge of stormwater impacts to natural environments, wildlife, and humans.

• Knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial habitat functions and values.

• Knowledge of environmental and social sustainability challenges related to climate change.

• Experienced in engaging with diverse audiences.

• Experienced with or have an understanding of service equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility in program development and implementation, and an interest in advancing environmental justice.

• Ability to write about, discuss and present complex topics and information with a variety of audiences. 

• Experienced with program evaluation and reporting.

• Ability to develop and edit engaging newsletter articles, presentations, and outreach materials.

• Experienced developing and implementing water quality related curriculums for 5-12 grade students.

• Committed to a work environment that values respect, collaboraion, innovation, and excellence.

• Technical knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecosystems and community-based habitat restoration work.

To Apply

• Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application.

• The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate profile.

• This is a continuous recruitment.  In order to be considered for the first round of interviews, submit your application by 11:59 p.m. February 2, 2024.

• Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Susan Clark, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Supervisor, at 360.753.8321 or via email at sclark@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Essential Duties of the Stormwater Outreach and Engagement Program Specialist:

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate community outreach and engagement activities and events to support program goals and objectives; coordinate community workshops aligned with program topics.

• Organize and coordinate a variety of volunteer activities; recruit, train and supervise volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

• Write and distribute special interest articles and/or informational materials to local/regional media and the community; monitor and ensure effective distribution/use of information by media.

• Develop, coordinate, schedule and deliver formal and informal presentations to a variety of audiences, including homeowner associations, schools, civic and community groups, contractors and businesses.

• Prepare presentation materials in a variety of media forms; prepare exhibits for various public events.

• Punctual, regular, and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Responsible for completing program duties as assigned, including research, program planning, implementation, program monitoring, and budgeting.
2. Assist with developing and attaining program goals and objectives through effective program planning and implementation.
3. Plan and coordinate program activities, events, and informational materials specific to assigned program, such as youth and adult victim impact panels; waste reduction programs; development of community service placements; or water resource related programs.
4. Develop and maintain program standards and administer program within legal requirements.
5. Prepare written, statistical and financial reports of program activities and expenditures; research available funding sources; prepare and submit grants; and create and maintain all necessary grant background data.
6. Develop program budgets, prepare budget requests, and monitor expenditures.
7. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of current trends and developments in environmental science/education and public engagement and education approaches and strategies.
• Basic knowledge of municipal organization and services.
• Knowledge of various communication platforms and communication best practices.
• Knowledge of basic public knowledge/opinion research methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of volunteer recruitment and management.
• Skill in communicating and presenting complex scientific and/or policy information to audiences of various backgrounds and levels of knowledge.
• Skill in developing outreach and engagement support materials.
• Ability to motivate, coordinate and supervise volunteers and professional staff.
• Ability to positively influence long-term behaviors of the public in support of program objectives.
• Ability to conduct research and perform analysis on a variety of program issues.
• Ability to prepare accurate and concise written materials using accessibility and readability guidelines.
• Ability to speak in a variety of settings to diverse audiences to gain support for program goals.
• Ability to use Plain Talk methods when communicating technical information to diverse audiences with varying levels of subject knowledge and English language ability.
• Ability to implement innovative programs and projects to encourage community involvement in aquatic resource protection and enhancement and stewardship actions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, groups, developers, other agencies, the media and the Olympia community.

Experience/Education:

1. Two years’ experience in administering a community-oriented program preferred; experience in specific program area may be required.
2. Four-year college or university degree in Communications, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability or closely related field preferred.
3. Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
    

Special Requirement:

1. Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Union:

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

Exempt:

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nicole Camus, SR Human Resources Analyst, at 360.753.8213 or ncamus@ci.olympia.wa.us.

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.