Deputy Hearing Examiner

Full Job Description

King County, Washington is one of the largest, most dynamic counties in the United States, with 2.3 million residents and more than 2,000 square miles of urban, rural, farmland, and forested area.

The legislative branch of King County government is represented by the Metropolitan King County Council, a nonpartisan, nine-member body that sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of public services.

The Hearing Examiner’s Office (HEO) is an independent agency within the legislative branch responsible for conducting impartial, efficient, and inclusive quasi-judicial administrative hearings in a variety of subject areas.

Examples of cases include animal control, licensing services, and land use matters such as permitting, current use taxation, and code enforcement.

The HEO also provides legal and administrative support to the King County Personnel Board.

Requirements

The Deputy Hearing Examiner acts on behalf of the Council to consider and apply adopted county policies and regulations. Thus, the responsibilities of the office must be carried out with the utmost integrity and judiciousness.

Key duties include:

• Schedule and conduct timely and efficient quasi-judicial hearings and pre-hearing proceedings on a variety of subject matters, including appeals from agency decisions and land use applications.
• Issue orders on motions and ensure procedural deadlines are met in accordance with regulatory deadlines.
• Prepare reports and determinations with legally sound and cogent findings of fact and legal conclusions.
• Engage in continuous improvement, reviewing and revising internal processes and procedural rules for the Hearing Examiner’s Office.
• Respond to requests for information on official Hearing Examiner Office policies and procedures.
• Advise the Hearing Examiner on areas where Countywide regulations and policies can be revised, clarified, and strengthened.
• Collaborate with Council staff, County agencies, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and other interested parties as needed to research, clarify, and convey information.
• Support smooth operations of the Hearing Examiner’s Office, including preparing and contributing to the office budget and periodic reports of office activity and outcomes.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at a minimum any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:

A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school—or the successful completion of a Law Clerk program—and be an active attorney with membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar.

Highly qualified candidates with a master’s degree in public policy and/or local government administration may also be considered.

Three years of progressively responsible experience conducting or assisting with administrative hearings or other contested cases, or experience adjudicating matters in areas applicable to the County’s hearing process.

Two years of supervisory or program management experience.

Candidates who have experience with planning and land use issues such as land development processes, zoning, and permitting are preferred.

In addition to the above, the most successful applicants can demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of King County and municipal code provisions; federal state, and local laws; court decisions; and other legal requirements relevant to quasi-judicial administrative hearings, including rules of evidence and procedure.
• Project management skills to be able to organize and oversee complex assignments, implement policies and processes, and develop ideas from concept to completion.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write decisions, reports, and other documents that convey complex, sensitive issues in a thoughtful and accessible manner.
• A high level of emotional intelligence and ability to work with diverse people in a variety of settings, including situations that are emotionally charged or controversial.
• The ability to develop and foster a positive, professional working environment that respects people’s differences, promotes professional development and well-being, and applies equity and social justice principles to all interactions.

Additional Information

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND A STRONG WORK CULTURE

We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement.

With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all residents regardless of their race or income.

In addition, the King County Legislative Branch has adopted a Code of Conduct that guides our interactions and promotes a positive, thriving work culture.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for the Hearing Examiner position is $149,267 - $200,748, depending upon qualifications.

King County offers an excellent benefits package, including retirement provided through the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), offered through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems; insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life; paid vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays per year, and two personal holidays; a hybrid work schedule.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The standard work week for most Legislative Branch employees is 35 hours. This position may occasionally require non-traditional work hours and possible travel throughout the King County area.

The King County Council is a hybrid work environment, with a combination of teleworking and in-office work.

Hearing Examiner proceedings are typically conducted remotely, with parties participating via videoconference.

All King County employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND TIMELINE

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive resume, compelling cover letter, and legal writing sample through King County's online application system no later than 11:59 PM on February 1, 2026.

Emailed, mailed, or faxed applications will not be accepted. Please do not include additional materials.

Application Requirements

Please include the following in your application packet. Incomplete applications might not be considered.

1. A comprehensive resume
2. A cover letter demonstrating:
   • Your interest in the position,
   • Work experience making you qualified for the position,
   • Personal qualities making you a good fit for the role, and
   • Experience managing people, programs, and/or budgets.
3. A legal writing sample that demonstrates your ability to research, analyze, and apply the law in a clear and cogent manner.

Interview Process

This recruitment will include two interviews. Candidates selected to participate in second round interviews must complete a reference check and comprehensive background check prior to the interview.

Candidates selected for a second interview are also expected to participate in a timed writing exercise to be scheduled separately.

Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

MILESTONE	DATES
Application Period	JAN 15 – FEB 1, 2026
First Round Interview	FEB 19 – 20, 2026
Second Round Interview	MAR 5 – 6, 2026
Anticipated Start Date	MAR 30, 2026

ACCESSIBILITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Please contact Deandra Stanley, HR Manager at deandra.stanley@kingcounty.gov if you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you would like to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.

Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.

JOB CLASSIFICATION 007041 Deputy Hearing Examiner – Council