What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rail Service Worker Vehicle Maintenance Chief position at King County, WA?

Salary : $121,576.00 - $146,972.80 Annually

Location : Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type : Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs / week

Job Number : 2025SJ23734

Department : MTD - Metro Transit

Division : Rail

Opening Date : 02 / 19 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 5 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

FLSA : Exempt

Bargaining Unit : C3 : PROTEC17-Transit Chiefs

Full- or Part-Time : Full Time

Hours / Week : 40 hours / week

Summary

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.

Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.

Metro Transit's Rail Division is seeking one outstanding people leader to fulfill the role of Rail Service Worker Vehicle Maintenance Chief, specially focus on the cleanliness and presentation of the Rail vehicle fleet (LRV). These leadership and supervisory positions play a critical role in providing immediate, daily management of vehicle maintenance supervising the work, and managing the performance of craft workers and Leads within their respective groups. In addition to specific technical skills, the ideal candidates must communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, to proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, encourage a safety culture while inspiriting high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust.

Who May Apply

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants.

To apply, the following three items are required :

Online King County application
Responses to supplemental questions
Letter of Interest indicating how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
Resume

This position may be considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions may be required to undergo a physical and drug testing prior to employment and after commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols.

Job Class

Transit Chief - Rail Vehicle Maintenance

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

People leadership / supervision duties :

Revise and update proper cleaning procedures

Conduct task and employee evaluations to verify that RSWs and RUSWsare adhering to procedures, documenting areas for improvement in tools, processes, and documentation.

Demonstrates positive leadership and role modeling to encourage and support staff, while managing employee performance and implementing corrective action where appropriate.

Manage all daily employee operations.

Creates an inclusive and welcoming environment, focusing on a culture of safety and care for one another.

Ensures staff compliance with negotiated labor agreements, Rail, Transit Dept. and County policies and procedures.

Participates in new employment hiring assignments, internal and external work groups, project teams and committees as required.

SupervisessubordinatepersonnelandrepresentsLightRailatdisciplinaryhearingsasneeded.

Conducts staff training and develop training needs assessment to meet changing regulatory and operating requirements; update, track and maintain employee training and certification records, ensure training programs, delivery and supporting data conform with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Manage employee absenteeism, vacation change requests, sick / injury leaves, and related ADA / FMLA / KCFML / WFLA processes and requirements for assigned employees; review and approve leave requests consistent with staffing needs, employee preferences where possible, and applicable County policy / procedures and bargaining agreements; review, correct and approve payroll; administer federal safety-sensitive drug and alcohol testing program for assigned employees.

Interview and recommend selection of assigned staff; provide employees with training and development opportunities as available; counsel staff on effective customer relations and safety strategies; evaluate staff performance through record reviews and employee performance appraisals as necessary; counsel employees in performance improvement requirements when needed; conduct investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, negligence, policy / procedure violations, and similar assertions; determine appropriate follow-up actions including counseling, training and appropriate disciplinary actions in consultation with the Superintendent, Human Resources and Labor Relations as required.

Ensure compliance with all Rail Vehicle Maintenance, ST and County policies and procedures governing safety-sensitive positions, employment, worker safety, and related areas, as well as with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Communication duties :

Serves as a department representative in interaction with other Link Light Rail departments and outside agencies.

Serves as subject matter expert (SME) during incident investigation and prepare detail report for senior leadership.

Provides report out to Superintendent, Section Manager, and our Sound Transit counterparts in the event of accident, incident or during the normal course of business activities as needed.

Work planning / forecasting duties :

Monitors and assists in developing annual budget for the related areas of responsibility.

Develops and recommends procedures, processes, goals, and efficiencies for the operation of area of responsibility.

Prepares various reports and data as needed for LRV details, and other cleaning related tasks

Daily work management and oversight :

Plans, schedules, assigns work, and supervises employees and the cleaning of light rail vehicles, related equipment and / or facilities and coordinates the daily activities of a rail car maintenance and repair facility.

Coordinates car assignments, pull-in, pull out, and exchanges.

Monitors usage of tools and equipment, and chemicals.

Ensures compliance with safety regulations, performs safety training, and supervises safe work practices; investigates industrial injuries.

Observes and reports on the condition of transit property and rail vehicles; assures compliance with provisions of equipment warranties.

Operates company assigned vehicles.

Makes estimates of labor, time, costs, and materials.

Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or specialized software; performs related data input and retrieval.

Leverage technical expertise to review work orders, ensuring accurate billing of labor, parts, and notes, and verifying that all information aligns with the completed work and standards.

Monitor shop records, including work orders, warranty / rebuild part information, completed work, and materials used; enter and extract data in automated vehicle maintenance systems; monitor complete work assignments for quality assurance and proper operation.

Monitor, manage and oversee the safety program for assigned work areas; establish and maintain a safe working environment; oversee and ensure the proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in compliance with federal, state, and agency regulations and requirements.

Direct and ensure timely and appropriate response to service disruptions, weather emergencies, and critical incidents; coordinate response with Superintendent, Link Control Center, and other internal and external agencies as appropriate; investigate and prepare response to customer complaints regarding vehicle maintenance operations, services, and staff.

Identify, evaluate and recommend service, quality, workplace, and business process improvements; monitor daily labor costs and modify operations when necessary to achieve performance improvement targets while maintaining established vehicle maintenance and transit service levels.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications :

Experience supervising, leading, selecting, and coaching employees.

Experience in different types of cleaning techniques when it relates to light rail vehicles, interior and exterior.

Familiarity with maintenance management information systems (MMIS) used to manage LRV fleet maintenance, repairs, overhaul, and parts ordering.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to listen carefully to others with an open mind while giving and receiving feedback.

Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook).

Applicants will also need to have the ability to perform the following :

Use common office equipment and software applications.

Problem solve and attain mutually beneficial solutions.

Work in a diverse workforce and prioritize safety, respect, and care for employees in a unionized setting.

Prioritize building relationships and trust with employees and be excited and motivated to manage our diverse employee team.

Promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment and support diversity and inclusion goals.

Desired Qualifications :

Two (2) years of experience supervising or leading employees.

Working knowledge of industrial and general safety rules and regulations as applied to a maintenance shop, hazardous materials handling, storage, and disposal.

Working knowledge of equipment and tools used in the maintenance and cleaning of light rail vehicles. Knowledge of principles of quality control and quality assurance.

Ability to plan and schedule the work of a shop for optimum production.

Ability to understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, union contract provisions and policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Necessary Special Requirements :

Work requires remaining available for work 24 hours as on call during rotational assignments.

Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as required for shift assignment and consistent with negotiated agreements.

Work may require reporting for extended duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Work Environment :

Work is performed in an industrial setting where the worker is exposed to or near heavy operating machinery, high voltage, adverse weather conditions, uneven surfaces; catwalks / metal grating, noxious or toxic gasses and chemicals. The noise level is quiet to occasionally loud. Hearing protection and eye protection are required in some areas, and hard hats and other appropriate personal protective equipment may be required on occasion.

Supplemental Information

Application & Selection Process

An online employment application, answers to the supplemental questions are required.

Applicants meeting qualifications will be screened based on clarity, completeness, and content of their application materials. The most competitive applicants will have their application materials blind reviewed and possibly be invited for interviews. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed physical examination, drug screens and drug and alcohol background checks. Reference checks and a complete driving record review will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment.

Work Schedule

Availability on Day, Swing and Graveyard shifts. Assignment determined by Superintendent.

May be required to work extended and / or flexible work hours to respond to service needs. These positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are not over-time eligible.

Union Representation / Job Code / Pay Grade

PROTEC17, 874080 (Transit Chief -Rail Veh Maint.), Grade 69

Work Location

Employees may report to any of the following locations : Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134, OMF East 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, or any additional locations that may open in the future.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact : Skyler Jones at :

Forbes recently 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 principleswe 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.

Are you willing to work a flexible work schedule, which may include shifts and nights or weekends as needed? You may also be required to be on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You may be assigned to work at the following bases : OMF - C, 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA or OMF- E, 1907 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License?

Valid WA State driver's license

Valid out of state driver's license

I do not have a driver's license

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcoholtest administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, forsafety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testingrules during the past two years?

If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N / A".

How many years of experience do you have supervising or leading employees that clean and perform maintenance?

Some experience but less than 2 years

2 years

2-4 years

More than 4 years

I do not have this experience.

Select All That Apply : Does your people leadership or supervision experience include the following?

Assigning work to subordinate or non-supervisory staff.

Creating policies and procedures.

Implementing policies and procedures.

Setting standards for performance.

Providing performance appraisals for subordinate employees.

Making recommendations for hiring of staff.

Recommending discipline or termination for employees.

Training employees on policies and procedures.

Mentoring staff.

Representing my work unit at regular meetings with senior managers.

Managing temporary staff.

Managing represented staff

Managing non-represented staff.

Managing employees from diverse backgrounds.

Managing employees in highly stressful situations.

I don't have any of this experience.

Briefly describe where (position and employer) you gained your leadership or supervisory experience. This should also be supported in your application materials. Note : If you indicated that you do not meet any the required qualification options in the previous question, type "N / A".

Which computer programs are you proficient in using (intermediate level)? Check all that apply.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Power Point

Maintenance Management Information Systems (MMIS)

None of these

Do you have experience in different types of cleaning techniques when it relates to light rail vehicles, interior and exterior?

I have experience in different types of cleaning techniques, but it is not related to light rail vehicles, interior and exterior

I do not have this experience.

MTD -Do you have any relatives who work for King County's METRO Transit Department?

MTD - 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

Did you attach a resume, and cover letter indicating how you meet the qualifications, why you are interested in this position?

I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Required Question

Salary : $121,576 - $146,973

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