Continuous Improvement Specialist

Salary : $111,260.45 - $141,028.99 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number: 2025SB24056
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Enterprise Employee Services
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time

Summary
Come make a difference and join team Metro!

Come make a difference and join Team Metro! King County Metro Transit's Employee Services division is seeking a servant leader to guide a team of Project/Program Managers. This leadership role will oversee critical initiatives that improve processes impacting our entire department-from onboarding and probationary processes to broader human resources improvements. Your expertise in change management, HR operations, and equity and inclusion will be essential to driving meaningful, data-informed enhancements that foster belonging for all staff.

If you're passionate about supporting others, building strong relationships, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement, this position offers a tremendous opportunity to shape the employee experience for hundreds of team members across King County Metro.

Position Info: This recruitment will be used to fill One (1) Term Limited Temporary/Special Duty Assignment (Continuous Improvement Specialist Classification). The TLT/SDA is anticipated to last through 12/31/2025 and may be extended as needed.

Job Duties
Applying 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:

Servant Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Project/Program Managers.
• Foster a culture of respect, belonging, and continuous improvement.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships across the division.

HR Process Enhancement & Labor Relations

• Improve and standardize onboarding, probation, and other HR workflows.
• Interpret labor contracts to inform process design, ensuring all changes respect negotiated agreements.
• Address process inefficiencies while upholding equitable practices.

Change Management & Data-Driven Improvement

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks to optimize workflows and promote innovation.
• Develop comprehensive change management plans to guide successful transitions.
• Use metrics and analytics to refine processes and inform decision-making.

Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

• Embed equity and social justice principles into all improvement efforts and policy recommendations.
• Engage diverse perspectives to identify barriers, enhance access, and promote inclusive outcomes.
• Champion a workplace culture that honors and values every individual's contribution.

Organizational & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities with clear documentation and timelines.
• Communicate effectively with staff, leadership, and cross-functional teams through training and presentations.
• Maintain transparency and accountability through regular status updates and feedback loops.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

Three years of progressive experience in a position dedicated to leading continuous improvement and facilitating lean, change management, or equivalent activities for a complex and large organization AND Experience in broad functional knowledge in HR service delivery OR any combination of work experience, training, and education that provides the skills to perform the work.

Additional qualifications include:

Servant Leadership

• Proven track record of leading teams by focusing on the growth, development, and well-being of team members.
• Ability to build trust, empower direct reports, and foster a positive team culture.

Human Resources & Labor Relations

• Understanding of HR fundamentals, especially around recruitment, onboarding, and probationary periods.
• Experience working within a labor union environment; familiarity with contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

Change Management / Process Improvement

• Experience implementing systematic process improvements (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and guiding teams through organizational change.
• Strong facilitation skills to navigate resistance and build stakeholder buy-in.

Equity & Inclusion Mindset

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace; ability to proactively address systemic inequities.
• Openness to diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, and skill in incorporating those perspectives into policy and process changes.

Organizational & Project Management Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to evolving demands, and deliver quality outcomes under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in project tracking/documentation tools, and skill in conveying progress to stakeholders clearly.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex ideas in user-friendly language.
• Skilled in building relationships across teams, levels, and backgrounds; demonstrates respect for managerial hierarchy.

Data Literacy & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to gather, interpret, and apply data to influence decision-making, including metrics related to employee engagement, productivity, and HR processes.

Highly competitive candidates will have (desired, not required):

• Advanced knowledge of human resources systems, processes, policies, and procedures (particularly related to hiring and onboarding).
• Documented professional experience in a non-profit/public organization or union environment.
• Project Management Professional Certificate, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or change management certifications.

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: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, different perspectives, and life experiences, and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

To Apply
Please submit the following:

Online King County Application: Make sure it includes accurate contact information and relevant work history covering at least the past 10 years (or more if needed).

Completed Supplemental Questions

Cover Letter: Tell us why you're interested in this position and how your experience, skills, or education have prepared you for success.

Applications missing the required materials may not be considered. We will screen submissions for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited for one or more interviews (and possibly other selection process elements). Final offers are contingent upon successful references and/or record reviews.

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.

Interviews

• Interviews may be conducted in person. If selected, please be prepared to attend in-person interviews.
• First-round interviews are tentatively planned for the week of April 21st.

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 , 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.
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

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

How many years of experience do you have in a position dedicated to leading continuous improvement and facilitating lean, change management, or equivalent activities for a complex and large organization?

• None, my experience does not align with the statement above. My application describes my relevant experience.
• Less than one year
• One year to less than three years
• Three years to less than five years
• Five or more years

02

How many years of experience do you have in a position involving human resources service delivery?

• None, my experience does not align with the statement above. My application describes my relevant experience.
• Less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years to less than three years
• Three or more years

03

Which of the following desired qualifications do you possess? (select all that apply)

• Advanced knowledge of human resources systems, processes, policies, and procedures (particularly related to hiring and onboarding).
• Documented professional experience in a non-profit/public organization or union environment.
• Project Management Professional Certificate, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or change management certifications.
• None of the above

04

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

05

If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship.
06

If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro Department 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

08

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

09

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question