Working at the City
Build Your Career and Your Community
At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to shape the future and improve the lives of the people who call our city home. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, meaningful opportunities await you here.
With over 1,100 job titles across 40 departments, offices, and commissions, we offer diverse career paths where your skills and passions can thrive. From maintaining public spaces and ensuring public safety, to designing digital solutions, engineering infrastructure, working in skilled trades, or developing community programs — your work supports a city that puts people first.
When you serve Seattle, you're making more than a local impact — you're helping to set a national and global example of inclusive, innovative, transparent, and community-driven government.
Join nearly 12,000 dedicated employees who enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, generous leave, and most importantly, the pride of serving one of the most vibrant cities in the country.
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Your Journey to Joining the City of Seattle
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect from the hiring process. Please note that hiring processes can vary by department and role.
1. Application Review
We’re committed to hiring talented, community-minded individuals who reflect and serve Seattle's diverse communities. After you apply, a member of our HR team will review all applications to identify candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely align with the role. Only those who meet the minimum qualifications (listed in the job posting) can move forward to the Subject Matter Expert (SME) review stage.
2. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review
Next, a group of subject matter experts will review applications that have moved to this step. The panel reviews how closely applicant skills align with the job advertisement. This group will recommend candidates to be interviewed.
3. Interview
After the above review steps, you may be invited to interview via phone, video, or in person. Some interviews are one-on-one, and others may include a panel. Our team will share these details in advance so you feel prepared and supported. Depending on the process, there may be multiple interviews.
4. Contingent Job Offer & Pre-Employment Verifications
Once interviews are complete, the hiring manager will contact the top candidate with a contingent verbal offer, followed by a contingent written offer. This is a great time to ask questions and confirm that the role is right for you. After you accept, we'll begin the pre-employment steps like background checks and/or other verifications.
5. Onboarding
Before your first day, your City department’s HR team will guide you through onboarding tasks to ensure a smooth start. When you arrive, your team will be ready to welcome you and help you settle into your role with the City of Seattle.
We invite you to explore a career in public service, where you can shape Seattle's future while growing personally and professionally. Together, we’re building a city that works for everyone!
Join us today!
FAQ
To apply for a City of Seattle job, you’ll need to complete an online application. If you don’t have internet access, you can:
- Use a public computer at a Seattle Public Library branch.
- Ask a family member or friend if you can use their computer.
Yes, you’ll need an email address to complete your application and receive important updates. You can create a free email account through services like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo (note: the City does not endorse any specific provider).
No. Applications must be submitted online through our job portal. A resume alone does not replace any part of the required application. If you need an accommodation, please contact the department listed in the job advertisement.
Visit our Job Opportunities page to browse current openings by category, department, or job title. New roles are added regularly.
Click on the Job Alerts link on the Job Opportunities page. Follow the instructions to receive email notifications for specific jobs that interest you. These alerts are active for one year.
Some positions are posted continuously because they’re needed year-round or have extended hiring timelines. These postings may be reviewed and filled on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
No. If you need to update information on your application, please submit a new application before the application deadline. Our team will review the most recent application submitted for that job advertisement. If you cannot resubmit an application for any reason, please contact the department listed in the job advertisement.
If the job posting lists a recruiter, they are your best point of contact. For general questions, contact the Job Information Center (JIC) at:
- Email:
- Phone:
- (206) 684-7999
- push 2 for SHR and then 1 for Employment Information.
We’re committed to ensuring an inclusive, accessible hiring process for all applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the recruiter or department listed in the job posting. If you need additional assistance, you can contact the Job Information Center at careers@seattle.gov.
If you meet the minimum qualifications listed in the posting, we encourage you to apply! Some listed qualifications may be “desired” rather than the required minimum qualifications. We value diverse experiences and perspectives — and recognize that skills can be developed in many ways.
Yes! The City of Seattle offers many entry-level roles, temporary roles, internships, seasonal positions, apprenticeships, and trainee programs. These are great ways to begin a public service career and grow over time.