Transit Chief- Rail Facilities

Metro Transit’s Rail Division seeks an outstanding people leader to fulfill the role of Rail Facilities Maintenance 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 personnel and facilities maintenance for the Rail Division.

Our ideal candidate will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, to proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, 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 King County Metro's 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.

Who May Apply

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external.

Position Information

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Service vacancy and may establish a list for future Career Service vacancies at Rail service that may occur over the next twelve months.

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.

Management duties:

1. Supervise, develop, and direct the work of Rail Facilities personnel and equipment at bases and on the field as well as management support of the training unit.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 above, the Rail Facilities Maintenance Chief will also:

1. Manage the crews and contractors in the maintenance, repair and cleaning of (but not limited to) mechanical and building systems (HVAC) as well as painting, glass repair, extensive cleaning and graffiti removal and grounds maintenance.
2. Coordinate the planning and work processes, estimating and construction work for modifications of existing facilities and equipment; identify potential problems; assign and verify inspections, service, and repairs.
3. Oversee the preparation and/or prepare written estimates of work required for designated projects. Manage contracts and work closely with vendors and service providers.
4. Assist in the development and monitoring of monthly expenditures.
5. Oversee on the job training of assigned staff and make sure staff has appropriate tools, equipment, and safety gear to perform work.
6. Oversee availability of tools and supplies needed to perform routine and special tasks.
7. Consult with key stakeholders, staff and other external contractors in engineering, warranty, safety, environmental and transportation regarding the development of maintenance programs and standard operating procedures.
8. Perform other related duties as assigned.

We are looking for candidates who have:

1. Two years’ experience in a supervisory capacity including leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group, recognizing the importance of building relationships and trust with employees, and motivated to manage our diverse employee team, helping to build a culture of care, inclusion and belonging.
2. Two years’ experience in either building construction, facilities/industrial maintenance, facilities service, and repair and/or related electrical work experience is required OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work. Education cannot replace having at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a related field.
3. Understanding of union contracts.
4. Ability to problem solve and attain mutually beneficial solutions.
5. Ability to learn principles and techniques of curriculum planning, training needs assessments, testing and training program development; ability to assess employees' technical proficiency and productivity issues that may be addressed through coaching and training.
6. Knowledge and experience in the application of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and labor union contracts including local electrical & mechanical codes and means of compliance.
7. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to listen carefully to others with an open mind while giving and receiving feedback.
8. Experience using a computer and Microsoft Office software products and knowledge of experience and ability to use asset-based computerized management systems (MMIS).
9. Working knowledge of the theory, principles, operation, maintenance, overhaul, repair, and troubleshooting of various building systems, including electro/mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in various facilities including digital circuits, and software used in modern mechanical applications.
10. Working knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in various skilled trades assigned to facility maintenance including carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding, custodial, air conditioning, ventilation systems and boiler fields.
11. Knowledge of principles of quality assurance, including preventative maintenance.
12. Ability to identify and make recommendations regarding minor modifications to existing Rail facilities involving the following skilled crafts: fire systems, carpentry, mechanical, custodial, and grounds maintenance/irrigation repair.
13. Experience overseeing project management coordination between departments/division (construction, contracts, etc.) through all project phases.
14. Skill in planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing the work of maintenance functions for optimal effectiveness and efficiency while meeting established standards and deadlines.
15. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
16. Knowledge of budget monitoring.

Necessary Special Requirements:

1. A valid Driver’s License with 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.
2. 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.
3. Work requires remaining available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled rotational assignments as on-call Chiefs.
4. 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.
5. Work may require reporting for extended duty hours during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Application and Selection Process

Submit an online employment application, with answers to the supplemental questions, completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. You are also required to attach a cover letter. Your cover letter should tell us: why you are interested in working for us and how you meet and/or exceed the qualifications listed.

NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving etc.

Applications that are not complete, or do not include the required materials, may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at: www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.

Applicants meeting qualifications will be screened based on clarity, completeness, and content of their application materials. The most competitive applicants may be invited to participate in one or more panel 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. Please note that final decisions may consider your overall interview results and your application materials.

Work Schedule and Work Location

Current base location is at either Rail’s Operations Maintenance Facility (OMF-C) - 3407 Airport Way S. Seattle, WA 98134, Maintenance of Way North (MOW-N) - 920 North 137th Ave, Seattle, WA or OMF-East - 1907 120th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98005 and may change in future based on operational need. This position may be assigned to work on various shifts 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.

Union Membership

PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 -- Transit Chiefs

Questions about this recruitment?

Contact Brenna Burbank, HR Advisor, brburbank@kingcounty.gov.

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