Internal – Education & Outreach Specialist

Salary

$40.55 - $48.66 per hour - Depending on Experience and Qualifications

The primary responsibility of this public facing role is to serve as KPUD’s public educator, helping community members understand District services including drinking water, wastewater, and fiber internet, through educational programs, outreach, presentations, and participation in community and special events across Kitsap County. The position requires broad knowledge of utility operations, flexibility for occasional evening and weekend activities, and the ability to deliver consistent, accurate messaging aligned with KPUD’s strategic goals.

This position has the capability to act with a high level of autonomy under the guidance of the Senior Public Relations Manager.

Reporting To: Senior Public Relations Manager
Department: Public Relations
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 6:30 am – 5:00 PM, occasional overtime, evenings & weekends

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in communications, education, sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of three years' experience working in government agencies in communications, public relations, and/or an engagement and outreach role;
  OR minimum of five years’ working in a public educator/outreach specialist role in the utilities sector.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with customers, co-workers, and others providing feedback and applying strong problem‑solving skills when needed.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse audiences.
• Skilled in maintaining schedules, event coordination, and relationship management.
• Works effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
• Working knowledge of desktop publishing applications such as Adobe Suite or Canva.
• Basic website abilities.
• Ability to learn internal systems and processes quickly.
• Proven experience using standard office technology, including email, shared drives, calendars, and collaboration tools.
• Regular travel within the county; valid WA State driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR (KPUD to provide if not already certified).
• Regular attendance at community events, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to KPUD’s core values when working alone, within a team, and with customers and vendors.
• Working conditions include the ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds, frequently sit or stand for extended periods, and withstand a moderate noise level in an office environment and outdoor environments.

• Represent KPUD at open houses, public meetings, and community events when this can be accomplished without the presence of a technical/content specific expert.
• Serve as an educator and information resource for general KPUD services, both internally and externally.
• Research, develop, and maintain content for public education and awareness materials and resources including print literature, virtual resources, audio visual, and educational exhibits.
• Assess needs, make recommendations, schedules, and coordinate educational and outreach programs when requested by school, businesses, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with technical staff and content experts to ensure education and outreach information reflects system conditions and operational priority.
• Recommend changes or upgrades to programs and materials to maximize educational utilization based on customer and colleague feedback.
• Coordinate logistics and communicate arrangements to implement special programs, projects, and events.
• Attend meetings when requested, providing information and answering questions regarding utility services.
• Prepare and submit reports related to activities, events, projects, and programs.
• Provide support for general communications tasks including proofreading and drafting.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitor expenditures in relation to role responsibilities.
• Serve as an appointed member of the KPUD Safety Committee.
• Perform other work‑related tasks as assigned.

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
  • KPUD pays 100% of premiums for employee and dependents
• Basic Life and Long‑Term Disability
• Washington State Retirement
• Washington State Deferred Compensation and/or ROTH option
  • KPUD Matches up to $3,336.00 annually
• KPUD funded HRA VEBA Account
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or genetic information.