RainWise Lead; Planning & Development Specialist, Senior – BU

Are you looking for an opportunity to support a community-focused program that helps improve environmental health and delivers strong customer service? Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join the Environmental Stewardship and Compliance Division as the Rain Wise Lead. Our Rain Wise Program engages Seattle participants to install rain gardens and cisterns on private property in order to capture stormwater and help keep our creeks, rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound clean.

• Grow the number of Rain Wise installations each year, with targeted efforts in priority neighborhoods
• Work with the program team to set goals, track progress, evaluate efforts, and report results
• Oversee design and installation standards
• Support installation contractors and expand the number of qualified installers
• Oversee inspection processes
• Implement program improvements based on data, feedback, and community needs

• Provide strong customer service and represent the Rain Wise program to the public
• Maintain clear communication with partners and stakeholders, including King County, contractors, and residents
• Review and communicate eligibility requirements
• Troubleshoot issues that arise with contractors or homeowners before, during, and after construction

• Oversee program budget and spending
• Review and approve rebate payments
• Manage contracts and the program's database system

Three (3) years of experience in 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.

Bachelor's degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field.

Equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

• Experience providing responsive, high‑quality customer service
• Ability to lead cross‑agency teams or partners without direct supervisory authority
• Proven experience guiding programs through change and improving processes
• Ability to set program goals, develop metrics, and track/report progress to leadership
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders, including contractors and vendors
• Experience building and maintaining community and partner relationships
• Working knowledge of residential rain gardens and cisterns used for stormwater management
• Ability to manage a complex program, including scope, budget, and multi‑agency coordination
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to communicate insights clearly
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including managing deadlines and attention to detail

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment

This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees may have the option to work remotely two days per week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is: $56.23 – $65.54 per hour.

• A COMPLETE Neo Gov/City of Seattle online application
• Resume and Cover letter attached addressing your knowledge and experience related to this position

Candidates submitting an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE will NOT be considered.

• Applications will be reviewed after the position closes. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their application is complete.
• Candidates can expect an update on their application status approximately two to three weeks after the closing date.
• I will only be communicating with the contact provided on the application submitted.
• 1st round Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
• 2nd round interviews may be conducted in person at the Seattle Municipal Tower.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans,…