Forbes recently 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.

As the only County in the United States named after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., King County is a vibrant community with residents from more than 100 countries around the world. A region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures, together we’re changing the way government delivers service.                                King County is proud to offer an exciting fellowship opportunity for those committed to exploring a career in public service. The Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship is named after revered community leader Ruth Woo. Not only a mentor to many elected officials, Woo dedicated her life to public service.

To honor her many contributions to our communities and state, King County is offering three one-year, paid, full-time fellowships. Selected fellows will demonstrate their commitment to building on Ruth Woo’s legacy and achievements of empowering and advocating for youth from economically disadvantaged communities that have historically lacked opportunities to further both educational and career aspirations. To learn more about Ruth Woo, visit: Northwest Asian Weekly.

Learning Objectives of Fellowship Opportunity:

Build knowledge and understanding of specific branches of county government and their operations;
Learn how projects, policies, and legislation are created and implemented;
Understand the impact and importance of civic engagement;
Develop an appreciation for the importance of public service in its many forms from elected officials and staff to stakeholders, and clients; and
Deepen and enhance skills for building a career in the public sector.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all qualified candidates.

Temporary Telecommuting Requirement

The work associated with this position will be performed remotely, at least through July 5, 2021, in accordance with King County’s telecommuting directive. Fellows will consult with their agency and program sponsors regarding work location after July 5, 2021. Selected fellows must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Fellows 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 work can be completed and you are available during scheduled hours. Please note that when a fellow conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support those working remotely. Selected fellows will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Candidates should complete the online application, and attach a resume and cover letter outlining how you meet the fellowship qualifications and how the fellowship aligns with your professional development goals.

There are three opportunities:
1. The Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) / King County Council (KCC)
2. Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP)
3. Metro Transit Department (MTD)

Each candidate must indicate in which agency they are most interested in working; you can choose more than one agency. Candidates selected to work in Performance, Strategy and Budget and King County Council, will spend time in both departments. Candidates selected to work in either the Department of Natural Resources and Parks or Metro Transit Department will work in those areas for one full year. Every attempt will be made to place the successful candidates in their chosen areas.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications will be screened for clarity and completeness. Priority will be given to college graduates from backgrounds that have historically lacked equitable access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities.

Materials should speak to your demonstrated commitment to public service and your background. In your cover letter, please address the following three areas:
1. Your background and how it represents a community that has historically lacked equitable access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities;
2. Barriers you have faced, and the actions you took to overcome them; and
3. If there is a department you prefer to work in and the relevant skills and interests you have.

Go to www.kingcounty.gov to learn more about any one of our departments.

The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Reference and education verification checks will also be conducted.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is nonexempt (hourly) and is overtime eligible with supervisory pre-approval. Typical work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (8 hour days) and may report to various King County locations. Please see job description below for additional details.

Projects will be subject to the specific needs of the host department at the time of the assignment and the fellow’s interests.

Work assignments will vary and may include:
•    Providing project support for government initiatives;
•    Assisting with strategic planning activities;
•    External communications support, including social media and seeking public input;
•    Tracking legislation; and
•    Supporting internal business operations, and goal tracking and measurements.

These assignments will provide the fellows with an opportunity to perform work under the guidance of experienced County employees, learn new skills, and gain experience while working on important efforts King County is embracing to build an equitable and inclusive King County where every person can thrive.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• College degree; transcripts will be requested;

• Priority will be given to economically disadvantaged college graduates from backgrounds that have historically lacked equitable access to education, employment, and professional development opportunities;
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated work ethic, ability to get things done, and independent time management skills;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with diverse people and people from different backgrounds and across different sectors;
• Ability to adapt to new situations while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment;
• Ability to remain neutral on issues where there are competing political agendas and use tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues and concerned individuals;
• Analytical and research skills and the ability to learn new technologies and processes; and
• A commitment to supporting the objectives and goals of King County’s Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan; and support for King County Guiding Principles.

CONTACT: If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Rowena Jackson at Rowena.Jackson@kingcounty.govSupplemental Information

Forbes recently 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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.