Community Outreach Associate (COA)

Job Title: Community Outreach Associate (COA)
Location: “Flexed” Hybrid (1101 Market Street / Work-From-Home / In-Field; Philadelphia PA)
Timeline:

●        Applications: May - June '25 (Cover letter & Resume Deadline: June 27th, 2025)

●        Interviews: June - July '25

●        Job Offer & Start Date: July - Aug ‘25

●        Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000, Commensurate with Experience & Qualifications 

Position Overview:
Join Trans-Pacific Engineering Corporation (TPEC) as a full-time (40 hours/week) embedded contractor supporting the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). This hybrid role involves assisting the Public Engagement Team in community notification, outreach & engagement around critical water infrastructure improvement projects in support of the PWD’s Public Affairs Unit. In addition to outreach support, the COA will also assist with aspects of other projects, such as event support, signage, administrative support, small grant support, and other tasks as assigned. This is an exciting entry-level position that will expose an ideal candidate to a myriad of learning opportunities centered on outreach and communications for an urban water utility.

The ideal candidate is based in Philadelphia for proximity to community meetings and events. [3] The position is hybrid, combining work-from-home, in-office (1101 Market Street, 19107), and fieldwork (community-based), including some early mornings, some evenings, and occasional weekends.

Applicants must be COVID-19 vaccinated, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid driver’s license. While a personal vehicle is not required, you must be comfortable driving a rental car for work-related travel.

Key Responsibilities:

●        Support the PE Team’s Community Outreach Specialists in their community engagement around both traditional and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) upgrades in neighborhoods across the city, including with public GSI projects in Philadelphia built through Green City, Clean Waters, as well as assisting with meeting logistics & preparation, sending & tracking project notification letters, attending community events, helping flag the need for resident inquiries and feedback, tracking associated outreach metrics, and more.

●        Support Public Affairs Construction Outreach Specialist in their community engagement about the construction of various types of water infrastructure projects, with supporting details very similar to the bullet directly above.

●        Assist both the PE Team, Public Affairs, and occasionally other Units around event support (such as tours or open houses), developing new outreach assets (like project maps or fact sheets), outreach metrics (like how many letters sent), small grants support (Soak It Up Adoption), day-to-day outreach support (such as language translation), and other duties as assigned.

●        Be customer-service oriented and stay up-to-date with critical talking PWD points around both traditional and GSI projects & programs, drinking water quality, billing, and other ongoing / seasonal initiatives.

●        Help coordinate and staff events like the Water Bar, Career or Utility Fairs, and large community gatherings, ensuring smooth execution and an excellent customer experience.

●        Collaborate with internal and external teams to improve outreach efficiency and strategies with an eye for creativity & equity in community engagement.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

●        1-3 years of project-based and public-facing community outreach & engagement experience.[4] 

●        Strong communication skills (written, verbal, public speaking), ability to manage multiple projects successfully, keen attention to detail and record keeping, and a team player with a growth mindset.

●        Comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and regularly presenting to community groups.

●        Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Suite, and related tools with a desire to learn more.

●        Valid driver’s license and ability to safely drive throughout Philadelphia.

●        Able to lift ~30 pounds and work in various outdoor weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

●        Familiarity with Philly’s neighborhoods, RCO structure, and the city’s urban resilience challenges.

●        Communicating technical / complex science topics to a general, public audience for understanding.[5] 

●        Associates or Bachelors degree in community planning, public affairs, environmental science, urban studies, public policy or a field related to community-based environmental outreach work. [6] 

●        Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud, GIS, CRM, and/or VAN software(s).

●        Being bilingual (Spanish, Portuguese, or Mandarin) is a plus / strongly desired[7] .

●        Being CPR, AED & 1st Aid certified is a plus.[8] 

About the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD):

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is a public utility committed to providing clean and safe drinking water, treating wastewater, and managing stormwater for residents, customers, and businesses in the greater region. The Department's core values are to consistently deliver professional quality products and services, responsive customer assistance, and continuous reliability to 1.5+ million customers.

About the Public Engagement (PE) Team:

The Public Engagement (PE) Team, part of Public Affairs, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for PWD customers through communications, outreach, education, and engagement. As one of PWD's most public-facing teams, the PE Team builds trust and support for PWD’s services and infrastructure projects. The team works closely with other PWD units, city agencies (e.g., Parks & Rec, Office of Sustainability), non-profits, private organizations, and academic institutions to enhance community collaboration.

About Trans-Pacific Engineering Corporation:
TPEC is a leading water/stormwater & public engagement firm. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a flexible, supportive work environment, and competitive benefits. TPEC reserves the right to background check and drug screen job candidates prior to hiring. All newly hired employees will have an initial 90-day evaluation and then yearly evaluations after that.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter online or directly to Philip Chiang at pchiang@tpeceng.com by 5pm on Friday June, 27th.

Place of work