Communications Specialist III

*SPECIAL NOTE: This position is open until filled; applications received by August 24, 2026, will receive first consideration.*

Position Details

• Open until filled
• Best to apply by: August 24, 2026
• Resume and a letter of interest are preferred

What to Expect (timeline subject to change)

• Application screening: By 1st week of September
• If selected, preliminary interview: 2nd or 3rd week of September
• If selected, Interview: 3rd or 4th week of September

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Communications Specialist III to join our team.

A day in the life of our Communications team can mean many things from designing outreach materials, editing publications, providing tours of our facility, developing social media campaigns, managing digital asset libraries, and supporting all staff events. Our small team handles external and internal communications, working with staff across the organization to help them meet their communications goals. We also play an important role in representing LOTT and the WET Science Center to the public. 

The ideal candidate will learn about our operations and teams while bringing a diverse set of communications skills to the table. They are comfortable taking initiative, working independently, and lead with a focus on collaboration and support. They typically work a Monday through Friday schedule; however, communications and outreach activities may occasionally require evening and weekend work, which is generally planned in advance.

Learn more at www.lottcleanwater.org.


Under general supervision of the Communications Manager, this position is responsible for assisting with planning, developing and implementing a broad range of public information, involvement, education, outreach, marketing, and internal communications activities that further LOTT's mission and goals. 

Series Concept
The Communications Specialist III is the highest level classification in the Communications series, which includes Communications Specialist I, II, and III. Communications Specialist (CS) IIIs have extensive experience performing communications and outreach duties. CS IIIs are fully skilled with specialized knowledge and ability to effectively plan and perform public involvement and engagement duties. CS IIIs perform at a more advanced and independent level than the lower classifications.

Typical duties include, but are limited to:

• Provide support to the Communications Manager, Senior Leadership Team, and Executive Director regarding aspects of internal and external communication
• Develop and implement strategic public communication and outreach plans and activities in support of capital projects, planning efforts, emergency response, and other LOTT activities and programs
• Identify and develop effective communications tools and networks, including fostering positive media relations and optimizing LOTT's use of social media outlets
• Coordinate communication program activities with and provide expertise and assistance to other LOTT staff to plan and implement long- and short-range goals, objectives, and activities
• Develop and maintain communication and outreach materials, such as LOTT's website, social media, reports, brochures, presentations, rack cards, signage, promotional materials, posters and flyers, displays, advertising, award applications, press releases, articles, and other materials
• Gather and compile information, conduct research, and develop, review, and refine content for communications materials, coordinating with staff and others as needed
• Coordinate production of printed materials, reports, and documents to meet identified timelines and established editorial and quality standards
• Identify, develop and manage engaging visuals, such as graphics, icons, graphs, and photographs to effectively convey ideas and improve communication products
• Serve as the digital accessibility lead, ensuring that public materials meet state and federal accessibility standards
• Develop and utilize consistent branding and organizational standards for communications materials
• Oversee planning and implementation of communication and outreach activities/events like public meetings, workshops, and tours, including coordination of logistics, scheduling, speakers, public notification, promotion, materials and supplies, and staffing assistance
• Develop and deliver presentations, host visiting groups, and guide tours of the treatment plant and other LOTT facilities as assigned
• Manage special projects and contracts as assigned
• Support internal staff communications programs and activities in coordination with Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources, and other staff
• Conduct public notification and involvement in support of capital project planning, ensuring compliance with State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) regulations and other permitting/planning requirements
• Respond to public inquiries, comments, concerns, and complaints, working with other staff to respond to a variety of requests for information and to investigate, reply to, and resolve issues
• Represent LOTT in a variety of settings, providing presentations to community groups, attending events, and serving on a variety of committees and groups
• Play an active role in preparations for monthly Board meetings and provide general support for Board activities and initiatives, such as annual retreats and special projects
• Support LOTT's education program by assisting in development of messaging and content for programs and promotional materials
• Serve as Public Information Officer for emergency preparation and response in the absence of the Communications Manager
• Serve on a variety of internal and interjurisdictional project teams to provide communications support
• Provide backup for other team functions as needed
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster a work environment that supports and facilitates LOTT’s Culture of Excellence, including the performance of efficient, effective, high-quality work, and employee satisfaction
• Monitor employee productivity; provide constructive feedback and coaching
• Monitor, identify, and resolve personnel, workload, and procedural problems
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and development of assigned staff

Working Conditions
This position works primarily in an office setting, but is required to work in all areas of LOTT facilities. Work includes traveling to offsite community locations and LOTT facilities in order to meet with community partners, give presentations, accompany tour groups, and gather information. Due to the size and configuration of LOTT facilities, the ability to climb stairs and sufficient agility to safely navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces both indoors and outdoors is required. This position may be exposed to a variety of health and safety conditions including toxic, corrosive, and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage. The physical ability to carry or otherwise transport heavy boxes, displays, exhibit furnishings, and equipment is required.

Contacts:  This position will have frequent contact with division team members, staff from across the organization; partner jurisdiction, agency, and tribal staff; consultants; community groups; elected officials; and the public.

Supervision:  May supervise or serve as lead for other team members.

Accountability:  This position is responsible for leading and coordinating public engagement and outreach activities and contributing to high quality, accurate, informational materials and positive communication experiences for both the public and internal audiences.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Skills:

• Effectively organize and prioritize workload to meet competing demands and deadlines
• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Strong content creation, writing, and copy-editing skills
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in Adobe suite tools, or the ability to learn
• Proficiency with online tools and social media, such as email marketing platforms, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Zoom
• Graphic design and layout skills a plus
• Experience using accessibility checkers and software a plus

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively in a clear, concise, professional manner to a variety of audiences
• Develop and lead communication and outreach activities to meet program objectives
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Engage audiences of all ages to foster support of LOTT’s mission and services
• Maintain effective public relations and interact positively with diverse individuals, using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Present a positive professional image to the general public, staff, and visitors, providing quality customer service to external and internal customers
• Contribute positively to LOTT's team-based culture and to a supportive, productive, and positive workplace
• Apply attention to detail to effectively prepare and edit materials in keeping with LOTT’s high standards
• Maintain files and records in accordance with LOTT and regulatory requirements
• Self-start and operate with or without daily direction from Supervisor
• Occasionally work outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree with major study in communications, public relations, public participation, or closely allied field. Must have the equivalent of at least three years of experience as a Communications Specialist II or other relevant professional experience in communications and outreach. Knowledge of wastewater treatment, water quality, ecology, and/or related sciences preferred. Professional experience providing public communications services for government agencies, utilities, and/or environmental organizations is desirable.

Additional Requirements:  Must participate in LOTT’s Health & Safety Program