Continuous Improvement Specialist (SDA)

Summary Come make a difference and join team Metro ! This recruitment is only open to current Career Services King County employees who have completed the probationary period in their current Career Service position. King County Metro's Employee Services division is seeking a self-directed and highly organized individual to advance critical initiatives through a high-impact Special Duty Assignment. This role focuses on transformational efforts already underway, beginning with improvements to the onboarding and probation processes, while also contributing to broader HR service enhancements that shift the workplace culture and ensure every employee can thrive and succeed. The initial assignment will involve leading department-wide workshops, standardizing HR templates and processes, and managing this work with a high level of independence. Success in this role also includes the ability to strategically plan for future HR improvement projects and collaborate across divisions as part of the Business Transformation Team. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace challenges as opportunities for learning, and believe in the power of continuous growth, both personally and professionally. The successful candidate will bring curiosity, humility, and a strong growth mindset to lead with purpose and foster improvement across Metro's employee experience. Position Info: This recruitment will be used to fill One (1) Special Duty Assignment (Continuous Improvement Specialist Classification). The SDA is anticipated to last through 12/31/2025 with a possibility of extension. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future openings that may occur in this job type and classification within this workgroup. The eligibility pool will be retained for 12 months from creation and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority. Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply those principles—shared values, behaviors, and practices—to every aspect of your work. Specific responsibilities include : Demonstrate initiative and accountability while independently managing complex projects and driving results through effective prioritization and collaboration across teams. Improve and standardize HR processes—such as onboarding and probation—by partnering with stakeholders to implement solutions that enhance consistency, compliance, and equity. Lead data-informed change initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks, while promoting a culture of learning, adaptability, and innovation during periods of transition. Integrate equity and social justice into all improvement strategies by centering diverse voices, removing barriers, and fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace culture. Manage multiple priorities and engage stakeholders through clear communication, transparent updates, and inclusive training and facilitation that support organizational goals. Minimum Qualifications Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Progressively responsible experience translating and implementing HR policies, procedures, and service delivery strategies in large, complex organizations, with particular expertise in onboarding, probation, and policy application. Proven success leading change management, continuous improvement, facilitation, or organizational transformation efforts, with the ability to coach staff and leaders for consistent adoption of updated policies and processes. Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, including the ability to address systemic inequities and integrate diverse perspectives into HR practices, communication, and workplace culture. Strong ability to analyze HR workflows, interpret and apply data to guide decisions, and align HR solutions with operational needs and employee engagement metrics. Skilled in clear, user-friendly communication; adept at building cross-functional relationships while respecting organizational structure and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines with proficiency in project tracking tools and communicating progress to stakeholders. Highly Competitive Candidates Will Have (desired, Not Required) Demonstrated success leading high-volume, complex projects in partnership with leadership and labor unions, with an emphasis on timely, defensible, and equity-centered outcomes. Experience designing and implementing cross-divisional HR tools, trainings, or process improvements that result in measurable change and greater consistency across departments. Strong internal system knowledge and the ability to navigate organizational complexity, build trusted relationships across stakeholder groups, and lead change from within. Supplemental Information Working Conditions Remote and Onsite Work Details: The role combines remote work from home with onsite reporting typically once per week. Reporting frequency may vary based on business needs. Work Location: Onsite locations include various King County worksites, with primary space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104). Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime eligible. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Variations may occur based on operational demands. The work is currently performed through a blend of teleworking, onsite work, and in-person meetings. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to meet onsite obligations. Application and Selection Process Who may apply: This recruitment is only open to current Career Services King County employees who have completed the probationary period in their current Career Service position. To Apply: The following application materials are required An online King County application. Updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history. A Letter of interest (Cover Letter) no more than two pages that addresses the following: Describe your experience implementing HR policies, procedures, or service strategies in a large or complex organization. Share examples where your work led to improved practices, greater consistency, or positive workforce outcomes. Reflect on a time you led or contributed to change management or continuous improvement efforts. What strategies did you use to engage stakeholders, build trust, and support successful implementation? Tell us why you’re interested in this opportunity and how your skills, experience, and commitment to leading positive, people-centered change prepare you to thrive in this role. Briefly describe how you approach building trust, collaboration, and engagement when working on initiatives that impact the workforce. Your Letter of Interest will be reviewed to assess both your relevant experience and your readiness to take on a leadership role in advancing change initiatives that support our workforce and organizational goals. Selection Process: All required application materials will be screened for qualifications, competitiveness, completeness, communication skills, and responsiveness to the above application instructions. The most competitive candidate will be selected based on their application materials and letter of interest. Management may require an interview to make a final selection. Management will make the final selection of the candidate to be placed in the special duty assignment. The SDA will also be dependent on approval from your current supervisor. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application/assessment process, or have questions, please contact: Sabrina Brazzle at sbrazzle@kingcounty.gov. Other Position Information Union Membership: This position is not represented by a union. Class Code: 2850100 – Continuous Improvement Specialist Thank You for Your Interest! We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing your application. If you’re ready to help us make a lasting impact on King County Metro’s Employee Services, apply today! Forbes 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. Benefits 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. 01 This recruitment is open to King County career service employees only. Are you currently a King County career service employee? Yes No 02 Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children, or relatives of a domestic partner. Yes No 03 If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. 04 If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department? Yes No 05 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply. a. Bus Operations Division b. Capital Division c. Employee Services Division d. Facilities Division e. Finance & Administration Division f. General Manager's Office g. Marine Division h. Mobility Division i. Rail Division (including Streetcar) j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance k. Vehicle Maintenance l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro Required Question