PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL POSITIONS
KITSAP COUNTY Port Orchard, Washington, United States
- Location: Port Orchard, Washington, United States
- Categories: Public Works
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jan 15, 2026
Job Description:
PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL POSITIONS
Description
OVERVIEWKitsap County is offering an outstanding opportunity for motivated individuals to join Public Works as part of the Seasonal Employment Program-an immersive, hands-on experience designed to build skills, confidence, and professional readiness. This dynamic opportunity goes beyond a typical seasonal job, providing structured training and real-world exposure that allows participants to progress from entry-level tasks to more skilled responsibilities over multiple seasons, making it ideal for those interested in public service or the skilled trades.
Participants support essential Public Works operations that directly impact community safety, infrastructure, and quality of life across Kitsap County. Working under close supervision, seasonal employees develop strong workplace habits such as dependability, teamwork, self-motivation, and safe work practices while gaining practical experience. With a long-term, developmental focus, the program offers progressive training and performance-based evaluations that support continued growth, return eligibility, and meaningful career advancement.
Seasonal positions will be offered first to previous seasonal employees. Any remaining vacancies will be filled through this recruitment process. The number of vacancies is currently unknown, and it is possible that all positions could be filled before the posting closes. Interviews may continue in order to create a hiring register, which could be used to fill any additional positions that become available before June 30. Applications will be reviewed weekly starting the week of February 2.
Available seasonal positions. We will do our best to place you based on preference, but you may be placed somewhere else :
- Clean Kitsap Program *must be able to work weekends :
Why join the Clean Kitsap team? You’ll be part of a professional, supportive team that takes pride in helping the community and protecting the environment. As a seasonal employee with Clean Kitsap, your role will involve cleaning up litter from roads and public spaces, supporting the Adopt a Spot program by organizing supplies and assisting volunteers, and participating in recycling events and litter-prevention projects. You’ll also respond to public service requests and assist with light office tasks like data entry. This hands-on position offers valuable experience in local government, with a balanced mix of outdoor, active work and indoor office support. You’ll build practical skills in teamwork, communication, and customer service, all while receiving training that will help you in your future career. - Recycling and Garbage Facilities/Olympic View Transfer Station *weekends required : Provides operational support at four County-owned recycle and garbage facilities by covering critical facility shifts involving working directly with the public to screen waste loads, oversight of recycling and public disposal areas, directing traffic, opening and closing of the facilities, and some cashiering duties may be performed. Light maintenance, including painting, striping, landscaping, pressure washing, and use of outdoor tools and equipment. This is a hands-on entry-level opportunity to gain experience in local government, while building your customer service skills, and receiving training that can be transferable to help build your career.
- Traffic Maintenance: Join our Traffic Maintenance team and help keep roads safe and functional! You'll assist with roadway striping, installing and maintaining traffic signs and signals, and supporting traffic control. Tasks also include vehicle inspections, equipment servicing, cleaning the shop, and assisting with sign fabrication. This hands-on role provides a variety of activities that directly contribute to public safety and efficient traffic flow.
- Stormwater Maintenance: Be part of our Stormwater Maintenance team and help protect the environment! You'll assist with managing stormwater ponds, including vegetation control, mowing uneven terrain, and clearing brush. Other duties include traffic control, equipment maintenance, and keeping the worksite clean. This outdoor role offers the chance to make a real difference in maintaining our community’s natural resources.
- Equipment Services: Join our Equipment Services team and help keep County vehicles and equipment in top shape! You'll assist with routine maintenance like tire changes, oil checks, and basic repairs. You'll also help maintain a clean and organized shop, shuttle vehicles, and support daily operations. This role offers a mix of hands-on technical work and essential support for keeping everything running smoothly.
- Sewer Utility Laborer (Wastewater Treatment Plant): Join the Sewer Utility team and help keep our community's wastewater systems running smoothly! In this hands-on role, you'll maintain facility grounds, assist with inspections and preventive maintenance at pump stations and treatment plants, and help with tasks like landscaping, cleaning and painting buildings and equipment, washing vehicles, and maintaining tools and facilities. Most of the work is outdoors, giving you the chance to contribute directly to the upkeep of essential community infrastructure.
- Stormwater Water Quality Assistant: Join the Stormwater team and help protect our local water quality! This role offers a mix of office and fieldwork supporting education, outreach, monitoring, and pollution detection programs. Duties include driving around the county to inspect Mutt Mitt stations and entering data into ArcGIS, conducting stream bug and habitat surveys, performing stormwater monitoring (visual observations, sample collection, and field analysis), organizing files, installing storm drain markers, and assisting with other water quality initiatives as needed. This is a hands-on opportunity to directly support environmental protection efforts.
What you bring:
- Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
- Licensing: Valid driver's license is preferred
- Professional Attributes:
- Demonstrated self-motivation, dependability, and the ability to contribute positively to team dynamics and follow supervisor guidance.
- Strong teamwork, collaboration, and professional conduct.
- Ability to communicate clearly, follow instructions, and work cooperatively with colleagues and the public.
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks safely and efficiently.
- Ability to arrive on time and maintain regular attendance.
What to expect:
- A first review of applications will be done in the week of February 2 and weekly afterwards.
- Interviews will begin in March.
- Season: April 13th - September 30th
- Start dates: April 13, April 27, May 11, May 18, June 1, June 15, June 29.
- The first three days of employment will include new employee orientation, driver training (if applicable) and training to obtain a flaggers certification
2026 wage information:
- Year 1: $22.64
- Year 2: $23.77
- Year 3: $24.36
- Year 4+: $24.97
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)
- Some positions are covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Council
- Covered by the Kitsap County Extra Help Policy
- Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
- 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.
- Driving Requirements (If applicable)
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.
- 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 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.
- Important Recruitment Information: Seasonal positions will be offered first to previous seasonal employees. Any remaining vacancies will be filled through this recruitment process. The number of vacancies is currently unknown, and it is possible that all positions could be filled before the posting closes. Interviews may continue in order to create a hiring register, which could be used to fill any additional positions that become available before June 30. Applications will be reviewed weekly starting the week of February 2.
- Work attire: Long pants and a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops), safety toe work boots or sturdy work boots (depending on position), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.
- Location/work hours:
must be able to work weekends Public Works Annex Recycling & Garbage Facilities/Olympic View Transfer Station Th - M 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Public Works Annex Sewer Utility Worker (WWTP) M-F 6:50 am - 3:20 pm Central Kitsap Treatment Plant Stormwater Water Quality Assistant M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Public Works Annex Locations listed indicate the designated reporting locations where employees begin/end their day. Most positions are dispatched throughout the County or to other facilities during the day.
No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.