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City of Seattle

Drinking Water Planning and Policy Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2)

City of Seattle, Seattle, WA, United States


An online application must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Do you get excited about setting strategic direction, managing complex policy and planning situations, and tackling new and challenging problems? If so, this position could be for you.

In this position, you will serve as a key strategist and planner for Seattle’s regional drinking water system, working on important policy and planning programs affecting near-term (next 10 years) and long-term (20+ years) conditions for our 1.6 million customers in King County. The role works in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Major responsibilities include:

  • Leading the development and implementation of SPU’s 2029 Water System Plan.
  • Serving as the Assistant SPU Project Manager for the South Fork Tolt FERC Relicensing Project.
  • Managing the Water Line of Business capital project budget portfolio.
  • Leading the Water Line of Business in strategic business planning.
  • Addressing legislative and regulatory changes (such as housing growth and increased density).
  • Collaborating on regional, state, and federal drinking water issues.

This position reports directly to the Water Planning and Program Management Division Director, in the Water Line of Business.

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU):

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high-quality vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.6 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities.

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

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.

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:

  • Family-friendly and multicultural work environment.
  • Generous benefits package.
  • Free public transportation options.
  • City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
  • Growth potential and advancement opportunities.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience and advanced professional experience relevant to the performance of essential duties above at a high level.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, environmental studies, environmental or civil engineering, or a field related to drinking water planning.

OR: Combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Certification/License: Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Sound understanding of water systems and utility management.
  • Ability to interpret complex contracts, franchises, water rights, environmental regulations, and water law.
  • Excellent project management skills.
  • Extensive experience overseeing consultant contracts or consulting in a related field of work.
  • Exceptional communication, facilitation, and/or negotiation skills.
  • Demonstrated history navigating complex, multidisciplinary, and sensitive issues.
  • Excellent analytical skills and computer skills.
  • An engineering background is desirable but not required.

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.

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.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

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