Transit Chief-Rail Power

Metro Transit's Rail Division seeks two (2) outstanding people leaders to fulfill the role of Rail Power Chief. This leadership position is critical in ensuring the delivery of light rail transit services and the day-to-day coordination, direction, and supervision of rail electrical personnel, maintenance, and support of all facilities' electrical power, electrical distribution, lighting, and other power elements and controls within the division. 

Our ideal candidates will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, and encourage a safety culture while inspiring high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust. Our Chiefs promote teamwork, resolve conflicts that arise, and promote a collaborative environment.

About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division

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.  #RailJobs #TradesJobs

Position Information

This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) Career Service vacancies and may establish a list for future Career Service vacancies at Rail that may occur over the next twelve months.

Who May Apply: This exciting Career Service opportunity is open to King County Employees and the general public.

Please note: This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo a physical and drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to 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.

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.

Management duties:

• Build, support, and foster a culture of care within Traction Power broadly.
• Supervise, develop, and direct the work Rail Electrical Worker’s personnel and equipment at bases and out in the field as well as management support for the training of staff.
• Exhibit positive leadership and role modeling to encourage and support staff while managing employee performance. Chiefs assist in the selection of staff, coordinate, and assign work, counsel, and discipline subordinates in accordance with labor contracts and agreement provisions and Light Rail rules and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the Rail Division, with Sound Transit and in Metro.
• Participate in labor and employee relations activities for the Division.
• Represent management at disciplinary hearings and grievances, interpret labor contract provisions in support of supervisory role, including grievance resolution, establishing, and developing collaborative relationships with Union leadership, and assist in labor negotiations and contract changes as needed.
• Work closely with Human Resources and Labor Relations staff to track and resolve personnel issues and other related labor issues.

In addition to the management duties listed, as the Rail Power Chief, you will also:

• Plan, operate, and maintain Facilities Electrical Power operations for Rail Division.
• Consult with engineering, warranty, safety, environmental, materials, transportation, contracts, and other staff in the development and implementation of maintenance programs and standard maintenance and operating procedures.
• Ensure a safe High Voltage work environment for Rail Electrical Worker employees and other affected personnel.
• Participate in accident investigation teams and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Assign and verify inspections, service, and repairs.
• Manage contract administration of maintenance and service providers.
• Assist in the development and management of budget.
• Assist with training and certification activities, including High Voltage qualifications. Perform other related duties as assigned.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Two years of work experience in electrical systems maintenance.
• Two years of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Two years of experience working with high voltage and knowledge of safety principles and all applicable regulations, including the WAC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and ASME.
• Working knowledge of the principles of organization, training, motivation, supervision, and personnel management.
• Working knowledge of the theory, operation, maintenance, overhaul, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in Facilities systems.
• Knowledge of principles of mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, digital circuits, and software used in modern electrical applications.
• Knowledge of principles of quality assurance, including preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge of theory, operation, and use of computers and computerized diagnostic and test equipment used in modern electrical applications.
• Problem-solving & analytical skills are required to assess employees' technical proficiency and productivity issues.
• Skill in planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing the work of the maintenance function for optimal effectiveness and efficiency while meeting established standards and deadlines.
• Ability to provide effective supervision in light rail maintenance practices, incorporating new methods, technology, and approaches as appropriate.
• Knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance.
• Ability to effectively supervise employees, and interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain a productive and motivational maintenance environment, and cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to successfully communicate with senior management, labor representatives, business and community groups, governmental agencies, customers, and staff.
  

Necessary Special Requirements:

• A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire
• Must pass drug and alcohol testing provision for safety-sensitive positions as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655.
• Work requires remaining available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled rotational assignments as on-call Chiefs.
• Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as required to support staff and critical work and consistent with negotiated agreements.
• Work may require reporting for extended duty hours during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Work Schedule and Work Location
The work performed for this position is primarily on-site at three Link Light Rail Operations and Maintenance Facilities: Central (3407 Airport Way South, Seattle), East (1925 120th Ave Bellevue WA 98005), and North (920 North 137^th Street, Seattle). Locations may change in the future based on operational needs. This position may be assigned to work on various shifts (day, swing, or graveyard) including weekends; days off may vary. This classification is FLSA exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime pay. This position will have on-call responsibilities. Employees in this position may be required to remain available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled on-call rotational assignments, and work may require reporting for extended duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Working Conditions
Time is spent working both indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. This position requires the use of everyday office equipment and supplies, the driving of heavy trucks involved in track and ROW maintenance as needed, and the use of typical maintenance tools and equipment as well as stooping and bending motions as necessary to demonstrate procedures or to inspect work.

Application and Selection Process
Submit an online employment application (completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or Governmentjobs.com) and answer all supplemental questions. You are also required to attach a cover letter that describes: 

1) How you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.  You must include your experience working with electrical and high voltage systems as well as your experience in a supervisory or leadership position. 
2) Why this opportunity interests you.

NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with all relevant work history listed (going back at least 10 years or more, if necessary). Each position for each employer should be listed separately with detailed job duties and reasons for leaving clearly explained.

Applicants will be screened for clarity, thoroughness, competitiveness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions and cover letter. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates may be invited to complete skills testing or participate in one or more interviews. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed required physical examinations and pre-employment drug screens. Reference checks, King County employment record reviews, and reviews of driving records will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment.

Applications that are not complete, or do not include the required materials, may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process.  For guidance on how to complete these required materials, be sure to visit the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials more competitive for King County recruitments. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ's- King County. For technical support related to your application, contact the Government Jobs' applicant support team for assistance: 1 855-524-5627.

Union Membership: PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 -- Transit Chiefs
Class Code: 874070, Transit Chief- Rail Power
If you have questions about this recruitment, contact: Brenna Burbank, brburbank@kingcounty.gov.

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.

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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Salary : $134,930 - $163,134