Employment
Working for our City is a great way to contribute to the community. See our current job openings and discover the perks and benefits we offer.
Find City jobs
Through the Government Jobs website, you can:
What makes us unique
Our City was incorporated in February 1990 as a non-charter code city with a council-manager form of government. We have about 138 regular full-time employees across eight departments, which provide all types of city services. Our community is actively involved in local government as members of many citizen advisory committees.
Our City is unlike any other similar-sized city in Washington. We have:
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport—which the Port of Seattle runs—entirely within our City’s borders
- A large business community
- The second-highest number of hotel and motel rooms in the state
- More than 170,000 people who work in or travel through our City each day
Work in our City government is fast-paced and varied. City employees are committed, hard-working professionals, energized by the many challenges of a growing and changing urban center.
We pride ourselves on a collaborative working relationship with City employees and the union. We openly share information, ask for opinions, and consider employee feedback. We want everyone to feel valued, respected, and part of a team.
Equal employment opportunity
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All our employees have the right to work in an environment free of discrimination. We don’t allow or ignore any unlawful discrimination in the workplace.
We don’t make any employment decisions based on:
- Race
- Color
- Sex
- Creed
- Religion
- Age
- Marital status
- National origin
- Disability
- Veteran status
- Any other basis prohibited by state, local, or federal laws
If you have a protected disability, we’ll reasonably accommodate you as appropriate.
See Personnel Policy 1.16 Equal Opportunity Employment(PDF, 114KB) for more information.
Application process
We only accept online applications for job openings. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on the closing date in the job posting. We can’t accept resumes instead of a completed online application, but you may include one with your application.
Screening
You must fill out the entire application form. For the best chance of getting an interview, make sure all information is detailed and complete. If your answers are incomplete or you write “see resume,” we may may not consider your application.
Testing
We may test your ability to do the key parts of the job you’re applying for. Tests may include:
- Knowledge and skills
- Physical abilities
- Medical conditions
- Drug screening (required for all safety-focused jobs)
Your test scores will determine whether you move forward in the process.
Interview
If we select you for an interview, we’ll notify you by email or phone. After your interview, you’ll receive an email or letter about the next steps.
Accommodation
If you need accommodations during the hiring process, please tell us at least 72 hours in advance. We do our best to reasonably accommodate all job applicants.
What it’s like to work with us
We’re pleased that you’re considering a job with our City. Our Employee Handbook(PDF, 8MB) is a good place to find answers to employment questions.
Work hours
Our normal work week is Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Certain departments or divisions may offer flexible work schedules. Some jobs may require weekend, holiday, or overtime work. Others may allow remote work.
See Personnel Policy 1.06 Flexible & Alternative Work Schedules(PDF, 206KB) for details.
Dress
We expect employees to wear business casual clothing. On Fridays, you can wear casual clothing.
See Personnel Policy 1.18 Personal Appearance(PDF, 158KB).
Union membership
Most City employees must join the union. The only exceptions are supervisors and staff involved in management labor negotiations.
Salary increases
We typically pay employees at the first step of the salary range for their position. Employees are eligible for step increases at the end of their probationary periods and each year, depending on job performance.
We may also provide yearly cost-of-living salary increases.
Career growth
We encourage and support career development for City employees. When possible, we also promote qualified employees.
Perks and benefits
Incentives
Longevity Program
All regular union and non-union employees receive longevity pay or additional time off depending on their length of service:
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Length of service
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Amount of additional pay or time off
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5 – 9 years
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$50 monthly or eight (8) hours floating holiday per year
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10 – 14 years
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$75 monthly or twelve (12) hours floating holiday per year
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15 – 19 years
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$100 monthly or sixteen (16) hours floating holiday per year
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20 – 24 years
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$125 monthly or twenty (20) hours floating holiday per year
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25 years or more
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$150 monthly or twenty-four (24) hours floating holiday per year
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Current employees can make their selections each year by submitting a Longevity Selection Form(PDF, 143KB).
Paid time off
Holidays
11 scheduled paid holidays per year, plus two floating holidays:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Vacation
New employees get 12 paid vacation days a year, increasing with their length of service.
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Length of service
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Vacation days
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Year 1
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12 days (4 hours per pay period)
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Year 2
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13 days (4.33 hours per pay period)
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Year 3
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14 days (4.67 hours per pay period)
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Years 4 and 5
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15 days (5 hours per pay period)
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Years 6 and 7
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17 days (5.67 hours per pay period)
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Years 8 and 9
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18 days (6 hours per pay period)
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Years 10 and 11
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19 days (6.33 hours per pay period)
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Years 12 and 13
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20 days (6.67 hours per pay period)
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Years 14 and 15
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21 days (7 hours per pay period)
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Years 16 and 17
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23 days (7.67 hours per pay period)
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Years 18 and 19
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24 days (8 hours per pay period)
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Years 20 and 21
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25 days (8.33 hours per pay period)
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Years 22, 23, and 24
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26 days (8.66 hours per pay period)
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Year 25 and after
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27 days (9 hours per pay period)
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Sick leave
Employees get 12 sick days per year. Using, converting, or cashing out sick leave must follow City policy and/or the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Jury duty leave
While serving on a jury, employees receive their regular pay. They must sign over any juror fees they receive from the court.
Retirement
401(a)
This is a Social Security replacement plan. Employees choose their investment options for employer and employee contributions. The plan is 100% vested. For details, visit the Mission Square website.
Deferred compensation plans
All regular employees can choose from three deferred compensation plans (DCPs).
For non-union salaried employees, we match 40% of employee contributions, up to 2% of the employee's gross wages.
For union salaried employees, we match 40% of employee contributions, up to 1% of the employee's gross wages.
For details, visit the following websites:
Public retirement
All regular employees join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Washington State’s public retirement program.
Health and wellness
Medical
Employees can choose between two Regence medical plans with low premiums—high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or preferred provider organization (PPO). We pay 90% of the premium cost, while employees pay 10%.
Prescriptions by mail
For most medications, employees can order a 90-day supply by mail and get one month's co-pay free.
Flexible spending account (Section 125)
This allows you to contribute part of your pre-tax salary to a savings account. You can use the funds in this account to help pay medical insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and certain costs for dependents on your plan.
Employee assistance program
Private counseling on personal issues, including:
- Relationships
- Substance abuse
- Job stress
- Anxiety or depression
- Family and marriage problems
- Grief and loss
Dental
Employees can choose between two dental plans: Delta and Willamette Dental. This is a City-funded, incentive-based plan. Covers kids’ orthodontics.
Vision (VSP)
City-funded family plan with a low yearly deductible.
Life / accidental death and dismemberment / long-term disability
City-funded plans through The Hartford.
Supplemental group life / accidental death and dismemberment
Additional coverage is available to buy.