In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future vacancies throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six months.


Come Join Our Team:
Are you a creative digital storyteller who can turn complex information into engaging content that informs, inspires, and connects communities?

King County's Hazardous Waste Management Program is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and results-driven Digital Communications Specialist (Communications Specialist III) to help residents and businesses make informed decisions that protect their health, their communities, and the environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled communicator who thrives at the intersection of digital strategy, storytelling, public engagement, and hands-on content creation. You will help shape the Program's digital presence by developing compelling web and social media content, producing original photography and video, strengthening online customer experiences, and using audience insights to reach more people.

If you enjoy translating technical information into meaningful stories, exploring creative ways to connect with diverse audiences, and seeing the direct impact of your work in the community, we encourage you to apply.

You will develop and implement digital communications strategies that make important public health and environmental information accessible, engaging, and actionable.

Your work will include managing the Program's website and social media channels, creating and editing written and visual content, developing communications campaigns, and using audience research and performance analytics to improve engagement.

This position also offers opportunities to work directly in the community, visiting facilities, events, and service locations to interview people, capture photography and video, and share stories highlighting the Program's services and community impact.

You will collaborate with subject-matter experts, communications professionals, community partners, and regional agencies to develop consistent, accurate, and inclusive messaging.

Additionally, you will lead assigned digital communications projects, advise colleagues on effective digital practices, and help identify innovative ways to strengthen the Program's online presence.

The program brings together Seattle Public Utilities, King County Solid Waste Division, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the Water and Land Resources Division, and Sound Cities Association, representing 38 cities and two tribal communities.

You will join the program's Communications Team, a collaborative group of professionals dedicated to helping residents and businesses understand environmental and health risks, access important services, and make informed decisions.

Our work encompasses communications strategy, digital engagement, media relations, customer experience, community outreach, and public education.

We value creativity, curiosity, collaboration, equity, and clear communication. We recognize that effective public service requires understanding the diverse experiences of our communities and removing barriers that prevent people from accessing information and services.

This position reports to the Communications Manager and works closely with internal staff, technical experts, community partners, and communications professionals from participating agencies.

What You Will Be Doing:
In this role, you will be responsible for:

Digital Communications and Audience Engagement

• Manage and enhance the Program's website and social media channels to increase visibility, engagement, and access to services.

• Develop digital communications approaches and campaigns that respond to audience needs and organizational priorities.

• Use audience research, feedback, and performance data to identify opportunities to reach underserved or underrepresented audiences.

Content Creation and Digital Storytelling

• Develop compelling written and visual content, including website articles, social media posts, news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and outreach materials.

• Identify and develop stories highlighting the Program's services, employees, partners, and community impact.

• Conduct interviews and capture original photography and short-form video at facilities, events, and community locations.

• Produce aerial photography and video using drone technology after obtaining the required certification.

Communications Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate communications with staff, subject-matter experts, community organizations, and regional agency partners.

• Support internal communications by gathering staff feedback, maintaining digital resources, and improving access to information.

• Provide guidance on digital communications practices, tools, and content development.

Data, Accessibility, and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze website traffic, search performance, social media engagement, and campaign results.

• Use findings to improve digital content, audience reach, and online customer experience.

• Ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive, and consistent with King County standards.

Digital Project Coordination

• Plan, organize, and lead digital communications projects from concept through completion.

• Establish project goals, audiences, timelines, deliverables, and measures of success.

• Coordinate staff, partners, consultants, and vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.
  

Qualifications You Bring: 
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Digital Communications Management: Experience directly managing, maintaining, and improving public-facing websites and social media channels.

• Writing and Editing: Strong ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, accurate, accessible, and engaging communications for public audiences.

• Digital Storytelling: Experience identifying stories, conducting interviews, gathering information, and producing written, photographic, or video content.

• Audience Engagement and Analytics: Ability to use audience research, public feedback, analytics, and accessibility practices to improve digital communications and online experiences.

• Project Coordination: Experience organizing and delivering multi-step communications projects involving multiple contributors, priorities, and deadlines.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with technical experts, colleagues, community partners, and external organizations.

• Equity and Inclusion: Ability to incorporate equity principles into audience engagement, content development, accessibility, and communications channel selection.

• Candidate must have proven ability to perform fieldwork outdoors, including navigating uneven terrain and transporting photography and video equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.

Tech Savvy: Anticipates, evaluates, and applies digital innovations and emerging technologies to improve communications.

Collaborates: Builds productive relationships and works effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

Communicates Effectively: Develops clear, engaging, audience-centered communications using appropriate channels and formats.

Action Oriented: Takes initiative, addresses challenges, and moves projects forward with enthusiasm and accountability.

Racially Just: Recognizes systemic barriers and applies anti-racist and pro-equity approaches to communications, engagement, and service delivery.

Required Licenses/Certification

The selected candidate must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 within six months of hire and maintain the certification throughout employment. The Hazardous Waste Management Program will provide the required training and cover the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the certification.

• Experience increasing digital audience engagement through audience segmentation, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid social media, content testing, social listening, or performance analytics.

• Experience communicating complex public health, environmental, scientific, or government information to diverse public audiences.

We recognize that relevant skills and experience can be developed through a variety of pathways, including professional employment, education, military service, volunteer activities, community involvement, and self-directed learning. We encourage candidates who can demonstrate the skills needed to successfully perform this work to apply

• Work Location: King County'sHazardous Waste Management Program works in a hybrid model, with days in the office, and field, as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a in-home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 1652R-Council2.
• Physical Requirements: This position involves regular visits to service locations, facilities, community events, and other field settings.
  The selected candidate must be able to perform work that may include:

• Working outdoors and navigating uneven terrain.

• Transporting photography and video equipment weighing approximately 25 pounds.

• Visiting operational facilities, including transfer stations, landfills, and hazardous waste collection locations.

• Working near vehicle traffic, operational equipment, noise, and odors while following applicable safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.

To apply, submit your completed application materials:

• Complete Online Application with response to supplemental questions (Required)
• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Required)

• Note:  Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.