Part-Time Community Safety & Hospitality Ambassador

Downtownseattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 37,195; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid Orca Card

Seattle Sick and Safe time

Personal Holiday

Job summary

A community organization in Seattle is seeking a part-time Downtown Ambassador to enhance community safety and hospitality. The role involves patrolling designated areas, engaging with the public, and providing information to residents and visitors. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, and can work outdoors in varying weather conditions. The position offers a competitive hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package, promoting a vibrant and welcoming downtown atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Ability to work 8–10 hour shifts outdoors in all weather.
• Knowledge of downtown Seattle and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Patrol downtown area on a bicycle providing support services.
• Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness.
• Provide information and directions to tourists and residents.

Skills

Self-motivated

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management skills

Customer service focus

Job description

Description

Position

Downtown Ambassador

Department

Community Safety and Hospitality

Reporting Relationship

MID Supervisor

Status

part-time, non-exempt

The DSA/MID Ambassador teams play a vital role in living our organization’s mission: to create a healthy, vibrant downtown. All Ambassadors are stewards of the public realm and help to make it an inviting and welcoming place for all. All Ambassador teams work with the following priority framework focusing on the “three Cs”: Clean, Clear and Cared for. This means that all employees strive to maintain a visually appealing and safe environment for all by resolving clutter and disarray and caring for all people in the public realm in a friendly and positive manner. The downtown public realm should be high quality and consistent, demonstrated through attentive oversight of the details in the public realm space and genuine care and concern for the people in the space.

Employment Details

DSA is committed to internal and market equity. The hourly range for this position is $22.00-$27.00. Salary is determined based on internal and market equity, internal and market data/salary ranges, and the applicant’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We will hire at the beginning of the salary range to allow future salary growth based on an employee's performance, professional development, and increases in responsibilities and duties.

Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package including but not restricted to:

• Employer paid Orca Card
• Seattle Sick and Safe time .025 per hour worked
• Personal Holiday- prorated based on hours worked

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol on bicycle a designated zone of the downtown core and provide a variety of support services to members of the public.
• Act with respect and dignity, approach and wake people who are sleeping in business doorways or in the public right-of-way.
Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness to check on their wellbeing and assist in connecting them with services.
• Use courtesy, tact, and good judgement in working with members of the public.
• When it is safe to do so, approach people engaging in specific civility ordinance violations, assess and inform them of the violation, and encourage voluntary observance of the ordinances when appropriate.
• Provide directions, maps, handouts and information to tourists, visitors, residents, and local businesses. Act as a concierge in public right-of-way and in DSA-managed parks and public spaces.
• Provide support for events, activations, and other activities, which could include setting up and tearing down chairs, barricades, staging, tables, other furnishings and equipment, as well as event staffing.
• Build relationships with downtown businesses to share information and assist with problem‑solving.
• Address items of physical public disorder like fallen scooters, misplaced signs, and large debris, or work with Clean Team to address them in a timely manner.
• Utilize computer and hand‑held mobile device to collect data and track daily work activities in the public right‑of‑way and DSA‑managed parks and public spaces.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Represent MID/DSA at special events in a positive and professional manner.

Qualifications

• Self‑motivated, energetic learner and leader with a good sense of humor.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with groups and the public.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Required to maintain a clean and neat appearance.
• Knowledge of downtown Seattle and its community a plus.
• Able to work outdoors, in all weather, in an urban environment.
• Able to work ten‑hour or eight‑hour shifts (schedules vary by season).
• Bike riding skills: ride a bicycle for full work shifts outdoors in all weather.
• Must pass a bicycle riding assessment with an emphasis on low riding speeds.
• Knowledge of (and willingness to learn) how to interact with people affected by mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Time management skills and self‑discipline to work independently and remain on task without constant supervision.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. English required; additional language proficiencies a plus.
• Strong ability to work and interact with the public and diverse audiences.
• Collaborative mindset to work as part of a team, toward achievement of shared goals.
• Customer service focus; previous experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to problem solve, exercise judgement, and make sound decisions.
• Level‑headed demeanor and a demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure in an often fast‑paced and changing environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work Environment: Work outdoors for the entirety of each shift in all weather conditions, with exposure to potentially hazardous waste/substances.

Physical Demands: Must be able to ride a two‑wheeled bicycle for 8–10 hours. Must be able to lift 40 pounds.