King County

Summary

King County Road Services Division is looking for a dedicated Traffic Signal System Engineer (Engineer II). This position is responsible for providing signal analyses, design and optimization for single signal and signal corridor systems. This engineer will operate and maintain the existing county signal system and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) elements in addition to providing similar support to the Transit Division and other local agencies. This position will assist the Traffic Management Center (TMC) Engineer III with operating ITS elements within the TMC. This engineer will identify and recommend intersection and corridor enhancements to the county signal system and ITS elements in order to improve its safety, capacity, and operation. This engineer will also support the daily running of the TMC.

Desirable qualities and attributes of the ideal candidate will include:

• Being action-oriented
• Committed to being customer focus
• Have the functional and technical skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment
• Demonstrates interpersonal savvy
• Being a problem solver with effective solutions
• Skilled in time management in an effective and efficient manner

The King County Road Services Division designs, builds, operates and maintains roads and bridges in unincorporated areas of King County. The division is committed to ensuring the county's transportation system is safe and efficient for all uses and modes of travel. The Division is responsible for 1,500 miles of road and 181 bridges, 5.7 million feet of drainage ditches, over 44,000 traffic control signs, 78 traffic signals, and 50 traffic cameras in unincorporated King County.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Job Duties

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this position, you will:

1. Prepare and review analyses for intersections (signalized and unsignalized) and corridor capacity assessment and optimization, alternatives evaluation, safety investigations and mitigation measures. Analyses will include performing traffic engineering studies such as intersection, corridor improvement and safety analyses, and others as needed.
2. Prepare, review and interpret technical traffic engineering reports.
3. Develop coordinated timing plans using Synchro and SimTraffic software; coordinate and implement new timing plans in the field with Traffic Maintenance staff; and monitor/adjust new or existing timing plans to address current traffic conditions.
4. Perform complex calculations to evaluate signal timing, traffic analysis, travel time studies, delay, level of service, consistent with accepted traffic engineering practice.
5. Coordinate signal optimization of intersections and corridors with other internal and external agencies and jurisdictions.
6. Coordinate and perform travel time studies for signal optimization projects using GPS technology.
7. Operate and maintain signals and associated software and equipment within the TMC that control signal systems, including assisting with CCTV cameras, and other ITS field equipment and data collecting devices for the Road Services Division and client agencies.
8. Work with the TMC Engineer III to identify and resolve operation and failure issues of the signal system and ITS elements connected into the TMC; assess and resolve hardware and software problems in coordination with maintenance, IT and the TMC Engineer III. This includes system-related problems such as communication and network connected to the TMC and ITS field equipment.
9. Operate and maintain efficiency for the countywide camera system that provides images for MyCommute website.
10. Coordinate controller database conversion and signal operation with maintenance staff.
11. Investigate and respond to resident inquiries related to signal timing and signal operation.
12. Prepare Service Requests and Work Orders in Cityworks for signal timing, signal phasing, and geometric and signing changes.
13. Provide signal operations expertise to various local government agencies.
14. Assist in maintaining the King County Traffic Signal Priority array.
15. Assist in developing short and long range plans and goals for the county's signal system and related programs.
16. Assist in conducting research and analysis to prepare reports and studies for presentation to management, the public and other stakeholders.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering (BSCE), traffic/transportation engineering or closely related field and two (2) years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates one's knowledge of traffic engineering principles
• Experience in signal design, engineering and traffic operations
• Skill in interpreting detailed and specific signal operations functions
• Proficiency using Microsoft (MS) Excel, MS Word, MS Access and MS PowerPoint
• Ability to perform traffic modeling, analysis and traffic system control using SYNCHRO, SIM-TRAFFIC, and other related software packages
• Ability to write and communicate technical and policy issues in a clear and effective manner with varied levels of staff, consultants, business and professional groups, residents and landowners
• Ability to engage in cooperative analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving with co-workers/team members, the public, development industry customers and supervisory personnel
• Ability to take initiative and function independently on assigned projects, while keeping team members and stakeholders apprised of key issues, developments and status
• Ability to work effectively in a rapidly evolving work environment that requires multi-tasking, planning and organizing work on a daily basis, responding to changing priorities and tight deadlines, and grasping and responding to complex issues quickly
• Predictable and reliable attendance

Necessary Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience using the Highway Capacity Manual and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
• Proficient level of experience using SYNCHRO, SIM-TRAFFIC, and other related software packages
• Valid Washington State Driver's License

Desirable:

• Experience using Econolite, Siemens and other legacy controllers
• Knowledge of the King County Code, King County Road Design and Construction Standards, transportation policies, and legislative regulations
• Professional Washington State Engineering license (PE)

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work in the field may require driving within the King County road network while using street maps to determine and reach the field location
• Work outdoors, which may require walking on uneven, rocky or rough ground, or working in inclement weather for extended periods of time
• Field conditions will sometimes include being in the traffic environment to work outside for long periods of time
• Work in the office requires sitting for long periods of viewing video monitors
• Required to sit, talk, listen and hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, feel or handle writing instruments, computer and office supplies which require repetitive arm, wrist and hand movement
• Specific vision abilities include close, distant, color and physical activity
• Ability to work either an early or later schedule to provide adequate coverage of the Traffic Management Center
• Ability to work in an office setting and conduct physical site inspections and evaluations, including during unfavorable and inclement weather conditions
• Occasional work after hours conducting field work and signal timing implementation

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: First review of applications will take place the week of 6/30/2025. Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in an interview the week of 7/7/2025.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and/or future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and/or special duty positions over the next six months. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

APPLICATION PROCESS: A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position requires working either an early or late schedule (i.e., starting at 6:00 a.m. or ending at 6:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Work in excess of 10 hours per day may be necessary during construction seasons or during other critical periods. Work may be required in the evenings and on weekends and holidays. This position is FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.

Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by: PROTEC17.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT: This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position will include regular and ongoing in-office work. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

To learn more about the Road Services Division please visit our websites at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/local-services/transit-transportation-roads/roads-and-bridges/road-servicesForbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply: If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Janice Antonio

Human Resource Analyst

(206) 263-2003

jantonio@kingcounty.gov

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

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