Signs and Markings Specialist I

Full Job Description

This recruitment will be used to fill seven (7) Short-Term Temporary and two 2) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions.

King County's Department of Local Services (DLS) is currently recruiting for temporary Seasonal and Special Duty Sign and Marking Specialist I positions in the Road Services Division, Maintenance Section.

We are looking for dedicated, highly motivated individuals who are eager to contribute and make a positive impact in our community.

Seasonal assignments will start in May 2026 and run through October 2026. Come work with us and help make a meaningful difference!

Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work.

Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve.

Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases.

We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

King County is the local service provider for the roughly quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; taken together, Unincorporated King County would be the second-largest city in the state.

The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office with a Community Service Area group, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions.

Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivery of local services to all of the unincorporated areas.

The King County Road Services Division designs, builds, operates and maintains roads and bridges in unincorporated areas of King County in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner to protect the public's investment and facilitate safe travel.

The division is committed to ensuring the county's transportation system is safe and efficient for all uses and modes of travel.

The Division is responsible for 1,500 miles of road and 182 bridges, 5.7 million feet of drainage ditches, over 44,000 traffic control signs, 78 traffic signals, and 50 traffic cameras in unincorporated King County.

Requirements

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Apply paint and/or thermoplastic for crosswalks, arrows, legends, channelization islands, stop bars, and lane lines. Install pavement markings such as traffic buttons.
• Operate and maintain paint machinery including compressors, spray guns, thermoplastic applicators and center-line striping machines.
• Maintain and update daily log showing activities, make necessary reports on work order inventory system. Keep brush, trees, and other objects clear of traffic signs.
• Provide proper traffic control by flagging or placing signs, cones, and barricades as appropriate to ensure crew and public safety.
• Operate jackhammer, air compressor, and common hand tools, in the assembly, repair, and removal of street signs and posts.
• Dig post-holes and set posts.
• Read various road maps and construction blueprints.
• Lift, carry, move, or handle up to 50-pound bags, tools, equipment, and other objects to complete any of the above- referenced functions.
• Respond courteously to the general public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Values

• Serve with integrity.
• Show initiative and work hard.
• Prioritize outcomes over optics.
• Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.”
• Sove problems with a “yes, and” mindset
• Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team

Qualifications

• Experience installing and maintaining traffic signs and markings OR a combination of skills and experience.
• The ability to use and maintain paint preparation equipment and supplies.
• Skill in reading maps, and drawings.
• Skill in safely operating vehicles and equipment. Strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Knowledge in the use and care of hand tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for traffic sign installation and maintenance activities, or other road maintenance construction/manual labor areas.
• Demonstrates behaviors that reflect fairness, respect, and inclusiveness.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a work environment that embraces and encourages diversity and inclusion in its workforce and where differences are valued.
• Ability to adhere to federal, state, and county mandated safety regulations and policies. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (successful candidates must):

• Have a valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one prior to start date, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely throughout King County.

• Have a valid Washington State Flagging Certificate, valid CPR and First Aid certifications OR ability to obtain within two (2) months of hire.

• An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift, carry, move, or handle up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to perform duties involving physical labor including bending, kneeling, standing, reaching, climbing, stooping, squatting, pushing, and twisting.

• Must be able to perform work outdoors and in inclement weather.

Additional Information

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 30 minute in-person interview the week of March 30, 2026.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and in addition to filling seven (7) Short-Term Temporary and two (2) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions, it may also be used to fill current and or/future short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months.

Special duty opportunities are open only to current King County career service employees who have completed their initial probation.

Special duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment.

Current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, King County Personnel Guidelines, or Coalition Labor Agreement for their base assignment.

Forms and Materials: A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Selection Process: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness.

Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.

Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.

For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: star-la_interview_method.pdf

WORK SCHEDULE: The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday 6:00 am-2:30 pm. This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval. Working after-hours, weekends, and holidays may be required in emergency circumstances, such as during inclement weather, and on special projects. Overtime hours, weekends, and holidays vary upon business demand, season and weather.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS: This position has been designated First Responder - Employees who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for protecting and preserving life, property, evidence, the environment, and restoring order.

Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by Teamsters, Local 174.

Work Location: The employee will report to work at Renton Maintenance Facility (155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056).

Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo 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.

To Apply:If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

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 have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sonali Sharma, HR Analyst, by email at sonsharma@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at (206)492-6237.