ROADS MAINTENANCE TRAINEE / TECHNICIAN / SPECIALIST

Job Description:

ROADS MAINTENANCE TRAINEE / TECHNICIAN / SPECIALIST

Description

OVERVIEW


Join Kitsap County Public Works and build your career in Road Maintenance!


The Roads Division maintains, operates, and improves over 900 miles of roads in unincorporated Kitsap County. As part of the Roads Maintenance team, you'll play a key role in keeping the County moving-by maintaining and improving the infrastructure that thousands of residents rely on every day. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced supervisors and alongside a dedicated crew that takes pride in delivering essential, hands-on public service. This role combines manual labor, equipment operation, and truck driving-offering variety, skill development, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a visible, lasting impact.

This opportunity offers a clear path for professional growth. Whether you’re just starting out or bring years of experience in road maintenance or construction, we’ll provide the training, support, and tools you need to succeed. With on-the-job training, the chance to earn required certifications, and the potential to advance to Technician or Specialist positions, you’ll build a meaningful career while making a difference in your community.
Road Maintenance Trainee - $25.23 - $32.28
Overview: This is the initial training position with close supervision.
Key Duties: Basic tasks such as litter pickup, brush clearing, simple repairs, snow shoveling, and traffic direction. Operates small tools and non-commercial vehicles.Progression: May be eligible for progression to Technician upon having one year total qualifying work experience, successfully completing a six month probationary period and workbook, and have a clear driving record.

Road Maintenance Technician - $30.91 - $39.54
Overview: Performs more skilled and varied road maintenance work with less supervision.
Key Duties: Paving, road and bridge repairs, drainage maintenance, vegetation management, and sign repair. Operates larger equipment, some requiring a commercial driver's license.
Progression: May be eligible for progression to Specialist upon having three year total qualifying work experience, completion workbook, eligible for after hours duty roster, and have a clear driving record.

Road Maintenance Specialist - $35.39 - $45.28
Overview: A seasoned, highly skilled role involving complex tasks and subject matter expertise.
Key Duties: Operates heavy, specialized equipment; performs advanced roadwork including erosion control and spill response; creates reports and procedures.
Progression: Candidates who meet the qualifications for Specialist are required to complete at least twelve months of on-the-job training as a Technician before automatically progressing to Specialist.

Applications will be reviewed in the week of August 4th and Interviews will be in the week of August 18.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience
TRAINEE

• Six months of manual labor or maintenance experience such as road maintenance or construction, farming, forestry, landscaping or any other labor-intensive work experience that directly involves the skills required to operate machinery, small tools, power tools, vehicles or equipment.
• Successful completion of at least 3 months as a Kitsap County summer seasonal employee will be accepted as equivalent experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Experience

• Experience performing road maintenance, construction and drainage installation and repair work.
  
  

TECHNICIAN

• One year of manual labor experience in civil construction such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy equipment operation or related.

SPECIALIST - candidates who meet the requirement below will be hired as a technician and complete on-the-job training before progressing to the Specialist role.

• Three years of manual labor experience in civil construction such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy equipment operation or related.
• Must successfully complete at least twelve months of on-the-job training as a Technician.

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements
The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a medical/physical evaluation, including audiometric testing, conducted in accordance with WAC 296-817-400.
• Pass all job-related examinations/test necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Provide references that demonstrate reliability, a good attendance record and a positive work ethic/attitude.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Within 12 months of employment, the successful candidate must:

• Possess current Washington State Traffic Flagging certification.
• Possess current Washington State Industrial First Aid certification.
• Possess a valid Class A Commercial Drivers License , valid Medical Card, and participate in the random drug/alcohol testing pool.
• Possess current Erosion and Sediment Control certification.

Driving Requirements

• The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
  • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
  • CDL Driver: Operating County owned vehicles and CDL vehicles. Successful candidate must [have a current or obtain within 12 months of employment] a Washington Class A endorse N or X with air brake restriction removed.
  • Prior to CDL Assignment:
    • CDL drivers must authorize a driving record review and submit a current medical card.
    • CDL Drivers in accordance with federal regulations and Kitsap County Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedures for CDL Drivers, no employee will be allowed to operate CDL vehicles or equipment in this position for Kitsap County until he/she has successfully passed a breath alcohol test and urine drug screening; and enter into a random DOT regulated drug and alcohol testing process.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of :

• The basic/standard practices, methods, tools and materials used in road maintenance work.
• The use of hand and power tools used in construction trades.
• Occupational hazards and safe practices as applied to the work performed.

Skills and/or Ability to :

• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Complete tasks within prescribed timeframes.
• Work all shifts including swing, graveyard, holiday, and weekend.
• Learn and perform a wide variety of manual labor tasks.
• Operate various types of road equipment, heavy trucks and tools.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Work out of doors for extended periods under unfavorable working and inclement weather conditions.
• Operate equipment and tools such as motor vehicles, shovels, rakes, asphalt and concrete tools safely.
• Demonstrate sufficient strength, agility and dexterity to perform the work of the position.
• Apply the safety precautions associated with the occupational hazards of the work performed.
• Perform manual labor under uncomfortable or adverse conditions.
• Work over 40 hours in a workweek as required including working nights, weekends and holidays.
• Report for duty on time and remain at work until the end of their scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared as an "Essential Employee" under the Public Works Inclement Weather/Emergency Response policy.
• Participate in after-hours call-out program.
• Perform manual labor under uncomfortable or adverse conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Work is performed primarily in the field maintaining roads and road rights of way, clearing roadbeds, and picking up litter and debris.
• Hazards associated with this work include working in traffic, around construction equipment and while operating hand and power tools including occasional exposure to associated machinery vibration, chemicals, vapors, and dust.
• Positions require traversing rough, undeveloped terrain or construction sites when walking, standing and balancing for extended periods of time such as flagging; exposure to all weather conditions.
• Sitting when operating vehicles or equipment.
• Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching (over shoulders, at waist and below waist).
• Adequate vision sufficient to view gauges and traffic and other signals, to operate equipment and read instructions and plans.
• Hearing sufficient to respond to audible alarms, signals, radio and telephone; speaking adequate to communicate effectively and manual dexterity to grasp/handle equipment and materials.
• Exertion of force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, and/or up to 35 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. continually to lift/carry/move objects and to operate a variety of power equipment.
• Requires use of protective gear such as rain gear, rubber boots, or coveralls, as needed.

Incumbents may be :

• Exposed to other physical hazards out in the field.
• Exposed to potentially hazardous conditions when dealing with disgruntled or hostile individuals.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Road & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Perform paving, chip sealing, gravel road grading, sweeping, and dust abatement.
• Repair and maintain road surfaces, shoulders, bridges, pavement markings, and signage.
• Maintain and repair drainage systems, including ditches, culverts, catch basins, levees, and floodgates.
• Conduct snow and ice removal; sand and salt roads during winter months.
• Carry out erosion control measures and water quality best practices.

Equipment & Vehicle Operation

• Operate a range of equipment and vehicles including trucks, trailers, boom trucks, front loaders, backhoes, tow brooms, snow plows, vacuum trucks, sewer jets, forklifts, road graders, and rodding machines.
• For advanced positions: operate equipment requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and specialized certifications.
• Conduct operational checks, routine maintenance, and report or perform minor repairs on equipment.

Technical Support & Field Work

• Assemble and load materials and equipment for service requests.
• Fabricate, install, and maintain non-electrical traffic control devices.
• Apply technical knowledge to solve problems in the field, troubleshoot issues, and implement efficient work methods.
• Record operational impacts, develop procedures, and write basic technical reports.

Public & Environmental Safety

• Respond to public inquiries, provide information on County programs and safety regulations.
• Direct traffic and set up work zones using cones, signage, and flagging techniques.
• Dispose of waste safely; assess materials for recycling or hazardous classification.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals or hazardous materials.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and hours worked using manual and digital systems.
• Follow County, environmental, and safety regulations related to public works operations.

Other Duties

• Perform duties of lower classifications as needed.
• Provide guidance or mentorship to less experienced staff depending on role level.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Council and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual ( https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx ) Membership in the union is optional. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
• Public Works employees are considered 'essential employees' and are expected to report to duty on time and remain at work until the end of the scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Candidates who pass all phases in the recruitment process will be placed on a hiring register and ranked based on final interview scores. The Public Works Department will utilize the "Rule of Three" for each vacancy. The top three ranked candidates will be referred to the road shop where the vacancy exists. Once a hire is made, the next three applications will be forwarded to the shop with the next available vacancy. The hiring register is valid for a minimum of six months and may be extended for an additional six (6) months at the discretion of the Public Works Director, or designee. Candidate will receive email notification of their placement on the register.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year. Employees who complete 10 years of service will receive a third floating holiday, effective January 1 of the year after their 10th anniversary.

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)

Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 60 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 10 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under Council collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$25.23 - $45.28 Hourly