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Employee programs for Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members
Information about King County programs available to current and retired members of the United States military.
What can you expect as a King County employee?
As a King County employee, you can expect to be supported in your career journey from the very beginning. We’re committed to creating an atmosphere where people with various backgrounds come together to solve problems and get results.
King County is committed to supporting Reservists and National Guard members in fulfilling their desire to serve our country and in supporting Veterans to make a successful transition from military to public service employment.
We value the leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving, mission orientation and multi-cultural awareness that you offer. Your talent, experiences and perspectives can help us serve our communities.
Vets 4 HIRE program
The King County Vets 4 HIRE Program is a paid fellowship program developed to support veterans in making a successful transition from military to civilian employment, and to provide a pipeline of skilled veteran talent for positions within King County.
Be notified of positions Career opportunities
What the Vets 4 HIRE Program offers
- A 12-month, full-time, paid, Term Limited Temporary employment experience.
- Competitive benefits and pay based on highest military rank held or education level.
- Valuable hands-on and practical work experience that helps secure future employment with King County or other civilian employers.
- A customized and supported learning and development plan.
- Access to King County’s Mentorship Program, Learning and Development offerings, and Workforce Development offerings.
- A supportive transition experience with access to a variety of support services.
- Ability to join King County's Veterans and Military Affinity Group to network with current/former military employees across the county.
Eligibility, benefits, and pay
Eligibility
A person who has served as either an active duty or a reservist member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard.
If you have questions about this eligibility requirement, please contact Vets4HIRE@kingcounty.gov.
Benefits
The Vets 4 HIRE Program offers participants several benefits:
- Accrual of sick and vacation leave.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits (for the veteran and their qualifying dependents) for positions that are projected to work 30 or more hours per week (not available to positions projected to work less than 30 hours per week).
- An ORCA bus pass.
- Please note, Veteran Fellow positions are not eligible for retirement programs.
Pay
Veteran Fellows are paid based on highest military rank held or education level as outlined below. The pay rates listed are for 2024.
- Veteran Fellow I - $20.10 - $25.48 - High School graduate; or pursuing a bachelor’s degree; or enlisted grade E1 – E3.
- Veteran Fellow II - $22.63 - $28.69 - Possess a bachelor’s degree; or pursuing a master’s degree; or enlisted grade E4 – E6.
- Veteran Fellow III - $28.69 - $36.37 - Completed master’s degree; or held an Officer rank, or enlisted grade E7 – E9.
Questions about the Vets 4 Hire program can be sent to: Vets4HIRE@kingcounty.gov.
Military duty
King County employees are afforded certain rights and privileges related to uniformed service.
All employees, including Veteran Fellows, called to active duty or annual training receive:
- Up to 21 days paid uniformed services leave per military fiscal year (RCW 38.40.060)
- Re-employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)
Comprehensive leave eligible positions receive
- Differential pay while called to active duty or active-duty training
- Continued medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits
- Continued accrual of sick and vacation leave
- King County Code 3.12.260, 3.12.262
STT, Veteran Fellow, and student intern positions are not eligible.