Frequently Asked Questions about City of Seattle Careers

No, the City of Seattle does not offer relocation assistance.

Yes, the City of Seattle offers tuition reimbursement for its employees. Eligible employees may receive up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.

Yes, the City of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Yes. All international applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for employment with the City of Seattle: 1. Have the legal right to work in the United States 2. Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number 3. Complete the City of Seattle’s Employment Eligibility Verification Form 4. Provide original documents to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States 5. Possess a valid driver's license or state-issued identification card (for positions that require driving) 6. Pass a criminal background check (for certain positions) 7. Possess necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the position applied for.

Yes, there is a probationary period for City of Seattle employees. The probationary period is six months from the date of hire. During the probationary period, the employee is evaluated on performance and job duties. If the employee meets the performance standards of the job during the probationary period, they are considered a permanent employee.

Yes, the City of Seattle offers paid holidays. Some of the paid holidays offered by the City of Seattle include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The City of Seattle's policy on background checks is as follows: “The City of Seattle requires that all job applicants have a background check conducted prior to employment. This is a requirement of all city employees, regardless of position. The background check process is conducted in accordance with applicable laws, including those related to civil and criminal records. Background checks may include a review of an applicant’s criminal history, credit history, driving record, and other relevant information. The type of information collected and the extent of the background check will be tailored to the position for which the applicant is applying. It is important to note that the results of the background check may be used as a basis for making decisions regarding an applicant’s employment with the City of Seattle.”

Yes, the City of Seattle offers a variety of job shadowing and mentorship programs. These include the High School Job Shadow Program, the Mayor's Youth Employment Initiative, and the City of Seattle Mentoring Program. For more information on these and other opportunities, please visit the City of Seattle's official website.

Yes, there are a number of volunteer opportunities available with the City of Seattle. Opportunities range from helping out with events, assisting with community projects, and providing administrative or technical assistance. To explore current volunteer opportunities, visit the City of Seattle's Volunteer Program website at http://www.seattle.gov/volunteer/.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, disability, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, tuition assistance, and other benefits.

The City of Seattle posts new job openings on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Yes, the City of Seattle hosts an annual job fair. The event is usually held in the spring and features a variety of employers, including city departments and agencies. For more information, please visit the City of Seattle's website at www.seattle.gov/jobs/events.

Yes, the City of Seattle offers flexible work schedules for some positions. Employees can work a compressed workweek or telecommute. Some departments also offer a "flex-time" schedule, which allows employees to choose their own start and end times.

Yes, the City of Seattle requires all job applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, some positions may require a college degree or specialized certification.

The City of Seattle's policy on vacation time is that employees accrue vacation leave in accordance with their employment classification. Generally, employees accrue a minimum of 8 hours of vacation leave each month, up to a maximum of 240 hours of earned vacation leave. Employees can use their earned vacation leave after it has been accrued.

The City of Seattle offers a wide range of job opportunities in many different fields. These include administrative and professional positions, skilled labor and crafts jobs, public safety jobs, social services and community development positions, and public works positions. Examples of specific positions include police officers, firefighters, social workers, engineers, information technology specialists, office support staff, maintenance workers, and child care workers.

The hiring process for City of Seattle jobs can vary depending on the position and the number of applicants. Generally, it can take up to two months from the time a job is posted until a hiring decision is made.

Yes, there is a dress code for City of Seattle employees. The dress code is intended to ensure a professional appearance and maintain a safe and comfortable work environment. Employees must dress in a manner that is appropriate for the job and the workplace. The dress code applies to all employees, including those who work in the office, in the field, and remotely.

Yes. All City of Seattle jobs have minimum qualifications that must be met in order to be considered for a position. Additional requirements may be specified for certain positions, such as a valid driver’s license or fluency in a foreign language.

The City of Seattle Human Resources department can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at 206-684-0269.