Specialist

Kitsap County•Depends upon position - Kitsap County, WA

About The Position

Kitsap County Public Works is hiring for a career-progression role in its Roads Division, which maintains, operates, and improves more than 900 miles of roads in unincorporated Kitsap County. The employee performs hands-on road and infrastructure maintenance as part of a crew, working under experienced supervisors and completing progressively more complex assignments through on-the-job training. The work combines manual labor, equipment operation, and truck driving, with opportunities to earn required certifications and progress from Trainee or Technician to Specialist after meeting applicable experience, training, workbook, driving-record, certification, and eligibility requirements. Candidates who already meet Specialist qualifications are hired as Technicians and must complete at least 12 months of on-the-job training before automatically progressing to Specialist. The position involves maintaining roads, bridges, drainage and related infrastructure; operating and inspecting tools, vehicles, and specialized equipment; supporting traffic safety and environmental practices; and documenting work. Employees may perform duties of lower classifications as needed. The position is overtime-eligible under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with COUNCIL; union membership is optional. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employees are designated essential during inclement-weather events or emergencies and must remain at work through the end of their scheduled shift. The successful candidate must meet County driving requirements, obtain a valid Washington State driver's license before hire, and possess or obtain the specified CDL within 12 months of employment.

Requirements

Trainee: At least six months of manual labor or maintenance experience in road maintenance, construction, farming, forestry, landscaping, or other labor-intensive work directly involving machinery, small tools, power tools, vehicles, or equipment. Successful completion of at least three months as a Kitsap County summer seasonal employee may be accepted as equivalent experience.
Technician: At least one year of manual labor experience in civil construction, such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy-equipment operation, or related work.
Specialist: At least three years of manual labor experience in civil construction, such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy-equipment operation, or related work. Candidates meeting this experience requirement are hired as Technicians and must complete at least 12 months of on-the-job training before automatically progressing to Specialist.
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record; a valid Washington State driver's license is required prior to hire.
Possess, or be able to obtain within 12 months of employment, a commercial driver's license with required endorsements. The specified Washington CDL is Class A with N or X endorsement and no air-brake restriction.
Ability to work effectively under experienced supervisors and collaboratively with a maintenance crew.
Ability to follow instructions, safety procedures, operational standards, and traffic-control requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively in field environments and contribute to dependable, responsive public service.
Commitment to working safely around heavy equipment, traffic, hazardous materials, chemicals, and changing field conditions while following PPE and safety requirements.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, digging, bending, standing, and walking, and to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
Ability to assess changing field conditions, troubleshoot problems, use sound judgment, and adapt work methods to complete assignments safely and efficiently.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a crew, follow direction, reliably complete assigned work, and support team members.
Successful completion of required job-related examinations or tests, criminal background check, and medical evaluation.
Submit a current driving record or abstract for eligibility review prior to employment and maintain a satisfactory record under the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.
Before CDL vehicle or equipment operation, pass required breath alcohol and urine drug screening, submit a driving abstract and current medical card, and participate in random DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with road maintenance, civil construction, drainage installation or repair, heavy equipment, paving, chip sealing, or related public works activities.
Possession of a Commercial Driver's License and required endorsements.
Experience with road grading, paving, chip sealing, gravel roads, drainage systems, snow and ice removal, or roadside maintenance.
Knowledge of traffic control, work-zone safety, flagging, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Understanding of drainage, erosion control, vegetation management, and environmental or water-quality practices.
Previous experience in a public works, municipal, county, or transportation environment.
Experience with concrete work such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, curbs, and driveways.

Responsibilities

Perform road and infrastructure maintenance, including paving, chip sealing, gravel-road grading, sweeping, dust abatement, litter pickup, brush clearing, snow and ice removal, and basic repairs.
Repair and maintain road surfaces, shoulders, bridges, drainage systems, ditches, culverts, catch basins, levees, floodgates, pavement markings, and signage.
Operate tools, vehicles, trucks, trailers, boom trucks, front loaders, backhoes, tow brooms, snow plows, vacuum trucks, sewer jets, forklifts, road graders, rodding machines, and other specialized equipment, as permitted by training, experience, licensing, and position level.
Conduct equipment inspections and operational checks; perform routine maintenance and minor repairs; and identify and report mechanical issues requiring additional service.
Perform vegetation management, erosion control, drainage maintenance, water-quality protection, and other environmental best practices.
Assemble, load, and transport materials, tools, and equipment for service requests and maintenance projects.
Fabricate, install, and maintain non-electrical traffic-control devices, signs, and roadway safety equipment.
Direct traffic and establish safe work zones using cones, signage, flagging techniques, and other traffic-control measures.
Apply technical knowledge and practical problem-solving to troubleshoot field conditions, resolve operational challenges, and implement efficient work methods.
Respond to public inquiries and provide information about County programs, road conditions, maintenance activities, and applicable safety regulations.
Handle and dispose of waste materials appropriately, identifying materials for recycling or hazardous-material handling.
Use required personal protective equipment and follow procedures for handling chemicals, hazardous materials, equipment, and other workplace hazards.
Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, equipment activity, and hours worked using manual and digital systems.
Develop procedures and prepare basic technical reports and documentation as responsibilities and technical expertise increase.
Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced employees as experience and position level increase.
Perform duties of lower classifications when needed to support crew operations and maintain County services.