ROADS MAINTENANCE TRAINEE/TECHNICIAN/SPECIALIST
KITSAP COUNTY Port Orchard, Washington, United States
- Location: Port Orchard, Washington, United States
- Categories: Building Maintenance
- Job Type:
- Posted: Oct 16, 2026
Job Description:
ROADS MAINTENANCE TRAINEE/TECHNICIAN/SPECIALIST
Description
OVERVIEWJoin 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.
Core Responsibilities:
As a Road Maintenance Trainee, Technician, or Specialist, you will perform hands-on road and infrastructure maintenance while developing your skills through on-the-job training and progressively more complex assignments. This is a career progression opportunity, with employees advancing from Trainee or Technician up to Specialist as they gain qualifying experience, complete required training and workbooks, maintain required driving records and certifications, and meet eligibility requirements. Candidates who already meet the Specialist qualifications will be hired as Technicians and complete at least 12 months of on-the-job training before automatically progressing to Specialist.
- Perform road and infrastructure maintenance activities 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 a wide range of 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.
- Operate larger and CDL-required vehicles and specialized equipment as training, experience, licensing, and position level allow.
- Conduct equipment inspections, operational checks, 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 needed to complete 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 skills to troubleshoot field conditions, resolve operational challenges, and implement efficient work methods.
- Respond to public inquiries and provide information regarding County programs, road conditions, maintenance activities, and applicable safety regulations.
- Handle and dispose of waste materials appropriately, including identifying materials for recycling or hazardous-material handling.
- Use required personal protective equipment and follow established procedures when 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.
What you bring
- Professional experience:
- Trainee : Six months of manual labor or maintenance experience in areas such as road maintenance, construction, farming, forestry, landscaping, or other labor-intensive work that directly involves operating 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 : One year of manual labor experience in civil construction, such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy equipment operation, or related work.
- Specialist : Three years of manual labor experience in civil construction, such as road construction, bridge construction, pipeline construction, heavy equipment operation, or related work. Candidates who meet the Specialist experience requirement will be hired as Technicians and must successfully complete at least 12 months of on-the-job training before automatically progressing to the Specialist level.
- Licensed Credentials:
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory record.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a commercial driver's license with the required endorsements with 12 months of employment.
- Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to work effectively under the guidance of experienced supervisors and collaboratively with a dedicated 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.
- Safety Awareness:
- Commitment to working safely around heavy equipment, traffic, hazardous materials, chemicals, and changing field conditions while consistently following PPE and safety requirements.
- Physical Capability & Outdoor Readiness:
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, digging, bending, standing, walking, and working outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability:
- Ability to assess changing field conditions, troubleshoot problems, use sound judgment, and adapt work methods to safely and efficiently complete assignments.
- Teamwork & Dependability:
- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a crew, follow direction, reliably complete assigned work, and support team members in achieving operational goals.
- Additional preferred qualifications:
- Previous experience with road maintenance, civil construction, drainage installation or repair, heavy equipment, paving, 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/ice removal, or roadside maintenance.
- Knowledge of traffic control, work-zone safety, flagging, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Understanding of drainage, erosion control, vegetation management, and environmental/water-quality practices.
- Previous experience working in a public works, municipal, county, or transportation environment.
- Experience with concrete work such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, curbs, driveways, etc.
Former employees seeking a Specialist-level position must apply through the standard recruitment process and compete with other candidates. Previous County employment does not provide preferential consideration.
Former employees may be considered for Specialist-level positions if they:
- Previously held a Specialist-level or equivalent position with the Kitsap County Roads Department for at least one (1) year.
- Left County employment in good standing, with satisfactory final performance and no disciplinary or performance issues within the 24 months before departure.
- Have continued working in the same professional field and performing similar duties since leaving the County.
Former employees who have not remained in the field may still be considered if the break in related field experience does not exceed five (5) years.
This policy does not apply to former employees who left in good standing and seek to return within 12 months of departure. Such employees may be rehired into an equivalent vacant position in accordance with the Kitsap County Personnel Manual without a competitive recruitment process.
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 Manua l. Membership in the union is optional.
- Application Requirements: All applicants, internal and external, must submit a complete and fully detailed application. Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all minimum qualifications for the position by the posted closing date. The County uses the information provided in the application (not the résumé) to verify relevant work experience and to determine placement on the pay scale if you are selected for the position.
- To be considered, your application must: Be fully completed, including all supplemental questions. Provide specific and detailed information showing that you have performed the duties and gained the experience required for the role. Include the total years of relevant experience, quantified based on full-time equivalency. Applications that are incomplete, lack sufficient detail, or do not clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications will be screened out and will not move forward in the hiring process. Meeting the minimum qualifications is required.
- Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
- Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
- 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. This process is conducted in compliance with the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). Information received is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. FCA-Flyer_June 2026_English_Update
- Pass a medical evaluation that includes a physical, fitness, audiometric testing, (CDL Drivers) DOT drug and alcohol test, respirator testing, and (Coroner/Fire Marshal) psychological exam.
- 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.
- 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.
- CDL Driver:Operating County owned vehicles and CDL vehicles. Successful candidate must possess, or obtain with 12 months of employment, a Washington Class A endorse N or X with air brake restriction removed.
- Prior to CDL Assignment:
- CDL drivers must submit a driving abstract and 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.
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: 11/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific