Traffic Supervising Engineer

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

King County is seeking a Traffic Supervising Engineer IV to lead QA for traffic elements across major capital and countywide projects. You will guide field and office study efforts, drive traffic control technologies, and oversee the Traffic Count Program to meet standards.

The role requires PE licensure, a valid WA driver's license, and the ability to supervise skilled teams while coordinating with contract cities and multiple work zones. Office and field duties prevail.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) License.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Supervise field and office work for traffic safety investigations and responses to citizen traffic-related requests.
• Oversee the High Crash Location Reporting, road closures and work zone traffic control, channelization design, pavement markings and striping, School Safety Program activities, traffic operations analysis.
• Provide QA/QC for traffic elements for assigned capital and countywide projects.
• Oversee discretionary traffic services for contract cities.
• Perform or supervise in-house traffic studies and analyses, including review of consultant work.
• Oversee collision coding, processing, and development of the Annual Traffic Safety Report.
• Supervise staff supporting countywide Guardrail Programs.
• Review Special Use Permit applications for special events such as bike races, fun runs, parades, etc.
• Review legislative documents and provide recommendations.
• Provide litigation support to the PAO as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job description

King County Road Services Division – Traffic Supervising Engineer IV

has a unique opportunity for you to play an important role in making positive changes to our local environment! Join a team that is shaping the future of safe, efficient travel across King County. We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our team as a Traffic Supervising Engineer IV.

In this role, you’ll lead quality assurance for traffic elements in key capital and countywide projects, drive innovative field and office studies to evaluate and advance traffic control technologies, and guide our Traffic Count Program to ensure we meet evolving standards. If you’re passionate about making real-world impact through smart transportation systems and enjoy leading skilled teams, this is an opportunity to help define how our community moves.

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 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.

To learn more about the Road Services Division, visit us at: About the Road Services Division - King County, Washington

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Supervise field and office work for traffic safety investigations and responses to citizen traffic-related requests.
• Oversee the High Crash Location Reporting, road closures and work zone traffic control, channelization design, pavement markings and striping, School Safety Program activities, traffic operations analysis.
• Provide QA/QC for traffic elements for assigned capital and countywide projects.
• Oversee discretionary traffic services for contract cities.
• Perform or supervise in-house traffic studies and analyses, including review of consultant work.
• Oversee collision coding, processing, and development of the Annual Traffic Safety Report.
• Supervise staff supporting countywide Guardrail Programs.
• Review Special Use Permit applications for special events such as bike races, fun runs, parades, etc.
• Review legislative documents and provide recommendations.
• Provide litigation support to the PAO as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Necessary Requirements:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to get one within 6 months of employment

Desirable Requirement:

• Professional Traffic Operations Engineering (PTOE) License

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Work performed in the field for extended periods of time may be performed under unfavorable weather conditions.
• Works outdoors, which may require walking on uneven, rocky or rough ground, or working in inclement weather.
• May work in an active traffic environment
• Required to sit, talk, listen and hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, feel or handle writing utensils, computer and office supplies which require repetitive arm, wrist and hand movement.
• Sometimes it is required to stand and reach with arms and hands. Specific vision abilities include close, distant, color, and physical activity including but not limited to lifting up to 25 lbs. at least waist height; carrying and moving objects.
• Work adjacent to or on large equipment, with moving parts, subjected to loud noise and vibration.

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:

The first review of applications will take place the week of September 28, 2026. Applicants that pass the initial screening will be invited for an interview the following week.

WHO MAY APPLY:

This position 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.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is Non-Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:

This position has been designated as: 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.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:

PROTEC17

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:

We will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The primary onsite location is at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

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.