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Position Description
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Are you an action-oriented solid waste professional eager to apply your expertise to solve real-world challenges and help Seattle reach its Zero Waste goals? Join Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) as the temporary (TLT or OOC) Transfer Station Diversion Program Manager, where you'll apply your skills to reduce materials going to disposal, improve compliance, elevate customer service, expand recycling and reuse initiatives, and help drive greater efficiency and impact across the City's transfer station operations.
The City’s two solid waste transfer stations are receiving record levels of garbage - and much of it doesn’t belong in the trash. Nearly two-thirds of garbage brought by customers directly to Seattle’s transfer stations is recoverable, meaning it could have been recycled, composted, or redirected to appropriate drop-off or take-back sites. We’re seeking a dedicated professional to help us reverse this trend and have a real and immediate impact in reducing the amount of waste Seattle sends to the landfill. In collaboration with the Transfer Station Managers, the Construction & Demolition (C&D) Diversion Program Manager, and others, the Transfer Station Diversion Program Manager will co-lead the development and implementation of targeted data-driven policy interventions and pilot programs that will ensure compliance with established requirements to reduce disposal, offer Seattle customers more diversion options, and lay the foundation for future permanent programs.
This role requires strong program management skills and comprehensive knowledge of solid waste operations. The role also requires the ability to work across diverse teams and leverage best practices from other jurisdictions to develop and implement effective waste reduction strategies, including financial incentives, policies, and programs, tailored to Seattle's unique needs.
This temporary (TLT or OOC) opportunity is fully benefited and expected to last between 24 - 25 months in duration. This opportunity is open to all qualified candidates.
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 1.6 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), checkout the following:
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.
Job Responsibilities
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This Program Manager position will work closely with the Transfer Station Managers, C&D Diversion Program Manager, and others to develop, implement, and evaluate discrete transfer station diversion, recycling, and reuse pilot projects that improve compliance with City policies, enhance solid waste services for Seattle customers, and advance zero waste. Job responsibilities include:
- Outreach and Communications Management: Develop and manage outreach and communication strategies to support pilot implementation.
- Performance Measurement and Tracking: Co-develop and track performance metrics to measure pilot effectiveness and overall program progress.
- Cross-Departmental Coordination: Coordinate with transfer station staff and leads of related or overlapping solid waste initiatives to ensure alignment and maximize impact of pilot interventions.
- Pilot Development and Implementation: Co-develop and implement targeted policy interventions and pilot programs at Seattle’s two transfer stations to increase diversion opportunities and compliance with City policies and reduce disposal of targeted materials.
- Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Work with community organizations, nonprofits, reuse partners, and others who can take targeted materials and keep them out of the waste stream.
- Program Evaluation and Recommendations: Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend policy, program, and operational changes based on pilot outcomes.
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
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Experience: Three (3) years planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development activities.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Studies business, Public Administration or related field *If no degree, two (2) years of additional qualifying experience is required.
Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience(s) will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of implementing policy interventions and pilot programs or managing complex, highly visible interdisciplinary projects in the public or non-profit sector
- Familiarity with transfer station operations, material recovery processes, and reuse logistics; certification in waste management, zero waste principles, or circular economy practices (e.g., SWANA, TRUE Zero Waste) desired but not required
- Ability to analyze waste stream data and translate findings into actionable strategies
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to waste disposal, diversion, and recycling
- Effective collaborator that can create internal employee and departmental support for change, and successfully implement significant changes to existing processes and practices
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Experience working with municipal agencies in a collaborative setting
- Creative thinker with a passion for sustainability and circular systems
- Ability to troubleshoot operational challenges and adapt quickly to changing conditions
Additional Information
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How to Apply:
In addition to fully completing the online application, we require candidates to attach a current resume, and cover letter describing your work experience(s) and how that makes you a good candidate for this term limited temporary (TLT or OOC) role.
The full salary range for this position is $56.23 per hour - $65.54 per hour.
Workplace Environment:
This position will require 5 days in-office (Seattle Municipal Tower or Transfer Stations) with the possibility of flexibility in the future. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Who may apply: This opportunity is open to all qualified candidates.
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.
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
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Baldwin-Stewart at Heather.BaldwinStewart@seattle.gov.
