Seattle Housing Authority hires for housing management, maintenance, administrative, and support roles

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is the public agency that runs public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program across King County. It employs roughly 400 people in roles ranging from maintenance technicians and property managers to may be able to access specialists, accountants, and executive staff. Most positions are posted on SHA's careers page, and the process process is straightforward: you submit a resume and cover letter through their online system, and hiring managers review applications on a rolling basis.

SHA is a government agency, so hiring follows public employment rules. That means job postings stay open for a set period (usually two to four weeks), positions are filled based on qualifications rather than connections, and the pay and benefits are transparent from the start. Unlike private employers, SHA publishes salary ranges with every posting.

Key Takeaways

  • Job postings appear on the SHA careers page at seattlehousing.org/careers, and you explore online through their system.
  • Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent; some require a driver's license, background check clearance, or specific certifications.
  • SHA hires year-round for maintenance, property management, administrative, and program roles, with no single hiring season.
  • Salary and benefits information is posted with every job listing, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Where to find SHA job postings

All open positions are listed on the Seattle Housing Authority careers page at seattlehousing.org/careers. You can filter by job category, location, or department. The site also has a link to explore directly through their online portal — you do not need to email a resume or call an office.

If you want to be notified when new positions open, most government job boards allow you to set up job alerts by category or keyword. You can also check the careers page weekly, since new postings typically appear as positions become available rather than all at once.

Common job categories and what they involve

Maintenance and facilities roles include maintenance technicians, plumbers, electricians, and grounds workers. These positions require a high school diploma and often a valid driver's license. Some require specific licenses (electrician, plumber) or certifications. Pay typically ranges from $25 to $45 per hour depending on the role and experience.

Property management and leasing includes property managers, assistant managers, and leasing specialists. These roles involve tenant communication, lease enforcement, rent collection, and building operations. Most require a high school diploma and one to three years of related experience. Salary ranges from $35,000 to $65,000 annually.

Administrative and program roles include may be able to access specialists, housing counselors, accountants, and administrative assistants. may be able to access specialists determine whether applicants meet income and other requirements for housing programs. These positions often require some college coursework or a bachelor's degree. Salaries range from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on the role.

Executive and management positions are posted less frequently and typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in housing, public administration, or a related field.

What SHA requires in an process

Every process requires a resume and cover letter submitted through SHA's online system. Your resume should list your work history, education, and any relevant certifications or licenses. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in the position and what skills you bring.

After you submit, SHA's hiring team reviews applications and contacts candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for interviews. The timeline varies by position but typically takes two to four weeks from process important date to first interviews. Some positions move faster; others may take longer if SHA receives many applications.

You will need to pass a background check before being hired. SHA conducts criminal background checks for all positions. The specific requirements depend on the role — some positions have restrictions on certain types of convictions, while others do not. SHA will tell you what the background check will cover when you are offered an interview.

Pay, benefits, and employment terms

SHA is a public employer, so compensation is set by a pay scale rather than negotiated individually. Every job posting lists the salary range for that position. Starting pay is usually at the lower end of the range, and you move up as you gain experience and pass performance reviews.

Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a retirement plan (PERS or a similar public employee system), paid vacation and sick leave, and holidays. The exact benefits package varies slightly by position type and union status — some SHA positions are unionized, others are not. The job posting will specify whether the position is union or non-union.

Most positions are full-time with standard business hours, though some maintenance and property management roles may include evening or weekend work. Part-time and temporary positions are posted separately and are less common.

How the interview and hiring process works

If your process meets the minimum qualifications, you will be contacted by phone or email to schedule an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a hiring panel of two to four people from the department. They will ask about your experience, how you handle specific situations, and why you want to work for SHA.

After the interview, the hiring manager decides whether to move forward. If you are selected, you will receive a conditional job offer, which means the offer is contingent on passing the background check and any required medical exams or drug tests. Once those are cleared, you receive a final offer and a start date.

The entire process from process to start date typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster for urgent positions or slower if the background check takes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Seattle or King County to work for SHA?

No. SHA does not require employees to live in a specific location, though some positions may prefer or require a driver's license and reliable transportation since they involve travel between properties. Check the job posting for location-specific requirements.

Can I work for SHA if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type of conviction and the position. SHA conducts background checks and has policies about which convictions disqualify you from which roles. Some positions have no restrictions; others do. Contact SHA's human resources office or ask during the interview process if you have concerns.

What if I do not have a college degree?

Many SHA positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent. Maintenance, grounds, and some administrative roles do not require a degree. Other positions prefer or require some college coursework or a degree. Read the job posting carefully — it will list the minimum education required.

How often does SHA hire?

SHA hires year-round as positions open. There is no single hiring season. Maintenance and administrative roles open regularly; management and specialized positions open less frequently. Check the careers page weekly or set up job alerts to see new postings as they appear.

Can I explore for multiple positions at once?

Yes. You can submit separate applications for different positions. Each process is reviewed independently. There is no limit to how many positions you can explore for, though you should only explore to roles you are genuinely interested in and meet the qualifications for.