TERM LIMITED TEMPORARY (TLT) Economist for Solid Waste Planning & Program Mgmt

City of Seattle, WA

Education
Special Commitments
Skills

Position Description

Are you an experienced economist eager to apply your expertise to inform real-world challenges? Join Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) as the temporary economist and put your data and analytical skills to work by assessing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of solid waste rate structures, policies, programs, and changes in legislation and regulation.

This temporary Economist for Solid Waste will lead the evaluation and execution of key Solid Waste Line of Business (SWLOB) projects over a 35-month term. This role requires specialized economic and financial technical expertise to collect, model, and analyze data to support contract procurement and negotiations, and to inform solid waste rate-setting and service design in response to changes in legislation and regulation. If this opportunity in applied economics to advance zero waste in Seattle appeals to you, please continue reading and apply.

This Term Limited Temporary (TLT) opportunity is fully benefited, is expected to last up to 35-months in duration and is open to all eligible and 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 1.5 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), check out the:

  • SPU Website
  • SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
  • Strategic Business Plan

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

This temporary, project-based role supports strategic planning and policy development for Seattle’s solid waste system through research, analysis, and program evaluation. The position contributes to key initiatives such as recycling reform, reuse programs, service model improvements, and long-term sustainability planning.

Essential Responsibilities of the Term Limited Temp Economist position:

    • Lead benchmarking of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging laws in multiple states to guide local implementation of Washington’s Recycling Reform Act and research residential recycling costs to support negotiations with the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
    • Analyze service improvements and middle housing impacts on collection costs; develop selection criteria for contracting solid waste services.
    • Document methodology, data, and stakeholder processes for the triple-bottom-line analysis (i.e., financial, social, and environmental cost and benefit analysis) in Seattle’s comprehensive solid waste management plan.
    • Evaluate solid waste programs—including reuse, food waste prevention, Clean Alley Program (CAP), and self-haul diversion—using performance data and indicators to guide future improvements.
    • Benchmark peer cities’ services for special events. Analyze and recommend service models for Seattle’s special event waste management to support high-diversion, cost-effective operations.
    • Monitor recycling commodity markets; collaborate on automating reporting tools with the analytics team.
    • Refine solid waste tonnage forecasting models by sector and stream; analyze and enhance existing SQL and Python code used for projections.

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

Experience: Requires a minimum two (2) years of professional experience in economic and financial research and analysis.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and comfort working with data. Experience with statistical sampling and hypothesis testing is a plus.
  • Proficiency in analytical tools and languages such as Python or R, Oracle SQL, Tableau, and Power BI. Familiarity with GIS is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools, including advanced Excel skills and intermediate skills in PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for a range of audiences, including non-technical stakeholders and decision-makers.
  • Experience working as an economist in government, utilities, NGOs, or academia. Background in sanitation, solid waste, environmental, or sustainability fields is preferred but not required. Experience collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including cross-departmental teams and agency partners.

Additional Information

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 role.

The full salary range for this position is $52.13 per hour - $60.71 per hour.

Workplace Environment (*Telework Expectation):

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

Who may apply: This position 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.

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:

"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

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Confirmed 3 hours ago. Posted a day ago.

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