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Knewin

Chief - Signals & Communications

Knewin, Seattle, Washington, United States, 98127


Are you ready to take on an exciting leadership role in the field of Rail Signals and Communications?King County Metro Transit

is seeking to hire multiplecareer service

Rail Signals and Communications Chiefs to join the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section. As a crucial member of the rapidly expanding Rail Division, you will oversee the coordination, direction, and supervision of personnel responsible for maintaining railway signals and communications equipment. This position offers incredible benefits, and the opportunity to lead a highly skilled workforce in contributing to Metro’s mission of providing safe, reliable transportation options to our community.

Our ideal candidates will be able to utilize their strong knowledge of Rail Signals and Communications systems to provide technical expertise to the team and be able to effectively support and communicate with a diverse employee work group in order to proactively solve problems that impact service delivery. The most competitive candidates will demonstrate their ability to encourage a culture of safety, inspire high standards of customer service excellence, and be able to motivate employees through relationship building, respect, and trust. Our Chiefs promote teamwork, resolve conflicts that arise, and promote a collaborative environment.

Who May Apply:

We are accepting applications from all qualified applicants.

Recruitment Information:

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service Signals Communication Chief positions within the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section. This recruitment will also be used to establish an eligibility pool for future Career Service or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) opportunities that may occur for the Rail Signals and Communications Chief classification over the next six-twelve months from the establishment of the list, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

NOTE:

These positions are considered safety sensitive.

Applicants for these positions are required to undergo physical and drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to the 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.ABOUT METRO TRANSIT'S EXPANDING RAIL DIVISIONMetro Transit's Rail Division is responsible for operating and maintaining Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail service on a 24.5-mile route from Angle Lake to Northgate. By the end of 2024, our Light Rail is expected to expand to nearly 60 route miles in length, with the planned addition of 19 more stations. These rail services complement Metro's robust fixed-route bus system and mobility services, and the Puget Sound transit agencies are working together to build an integrated system that lets people travel farther, faster, and more easily.

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

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. As a Rail Signals and Communication Chief, you will also:

Management duties:Build, support, and foster a culture of care within the Signals and Communication workgroup and Rail Division.Supervise, develop, and direct the work of Rail Signal and Communications personnel and equipment at bases and out in the field. Provide 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 broadly.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 Signals and Communications Chief, you will also:

Plan, operate, and maintain Signals operation for the 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.Collaborate with Sound Transit, Rail Division management, peers, and contractors to assure a safe, reliable, and efficient Light Rail operation.Identify and participate in process improvement and other improvement efforts.Lead safety and security, including coordinating and advising safety and security committees and make recommendations to management.Respond to questions and provide technical advice on project requirements, specifications, and material requirements.Maintain and verify various records regarding work performed, time spent, materials used, operating logs and related information; enter and extract data using automated systems; maintain manual records as required.Participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for signals & communications and associated features of the light rail system; prepare records and document maintenance and diagnostic data.Respond to emergency situations. Prioritize and determine work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks.Act as Project Manager for various projects and contracts.Perform other duties as assigned.We are looking for candidates who possess the following Minimum Qualifications:

Two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity which included leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group; ANDTwo (2) years of experience performing railway signaling and communications maintenance, repair, or installation, preferably on transit systems.OR,

any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the work. Note: Education cannot replace a minimum of two years of lead or supervisory experience in a related field.

Additional Minimum Qualifications include:

Strong motivation to manage a diverse employee team, promoting a culture of care, inclusion, and belonging while building relationships and trust with employees.Experience with APTA, FRA, FTA, and AREMA standards and best practices.Experience in analyzing, evaluating, and diagnosing malfunctions in electrical and electronic railway equipment, including determining repair requirements.Knowledge of and skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical and hydraulic equipment.Knowledge of traffic safety techniques and procedures for establishing maintenance and repair work sites, as well as skill in applying industrial safety techniques, principles, and procedures, including working from elevated platforms and equipment, and working at railway crossings with train and automobile traffic.The ability to assess employees' technical proficiency and productivity issues and address them through coaching and training.Skill in planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing the work of maintenance functions to ensure optimal effectiveness and efficiency while meeting established standards and deadlines.Strong problem-solving and time management skills, and the ability to effectively balance daily responsibilities, multiple simultaneous projects, and competing priorities from various internal and external stakeholders and partner agencies.Ability or skill in managing a highly unionized workforce, building strong relationships with Union partners, and attaining mutually beneficial solutions.Professional written and verbal communication skills, and strong interpersonal skillsExperience using computer software such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint) and ability to use an Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS, or similar asset management system.)Desirable Qualifications include:Advanced skills in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and drawings.Knowledge of budget monitoring.The ability to listen carefully to others with an open mind and give and receive feedback.Ability to learn principles and techniques of curriculum planning, training needs assessments, testing, and training program development.Skill in performing and documenting investigations into employee misconduct, including customer and stakeholder complaints.Experience overseeing project management coordination between departments/divisions (Construction, Contracts, etc.) through all project phases.Necessary Special Requirements:

Ability to obtain Hi-Rail, bucket truck, forklift, mobile crane, fall protection certification as well as various other specialty certifications within the workgroup.Valid driver's license (Washington license by date of hire) and an acceptable driving record.Class B CDL with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain one within 6 months after hire (training provided)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.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.Location and ScheduleThe work performed for this position is primarily on-site at the two Link Light Rail Operations and Maintenance Facilities: Central (3407 Airport Way South, Seattle) and East ( 1925 120th Ave Bellevue WA 98005). 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 exempt from the provisions of the FLSA and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. This position will have on-call responsibilities and may require incumbents 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.

Work ConditionsWork will be performed both indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. This position requires the use of standard office equipment and supplies, and the field of work also requires working in high places from mechanical lifts and structures and in high-voltage environments. The position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and supplies to demonstrate and teach repair procedures to others. Duties may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work.

To ApplyThe following application materials are required:

An online King County application, updated with all relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.Responses to all required supplemental questionsAttach an updated and accurate resumeAttach a cover letter (or letter of interest)that responds to the following prompts:Why does this job opportunity interest you?Choose two job duties from this posting and explain why they are your two strongest competencies.Note: Only the first 2 pages of your letter will be reviewed.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

skjones@KingCounty.gov .

Selection ProcessApplicants 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 without the following required materials may not be considered for this position:

King County ApplicationCover LetterResumeResponses to Supplemental QuestionsFor 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 GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance: +1 855-524-5627.

ABOUT KING COUNTY METRO TRANSITMetro is committed to providing transportation services that connect all people and all communities of King County, focus on the equitable distribution of our service and the equitable application of our work (inside and outside the agency), and combat climate change by doing our work in a sustainable manner. Metro Transit is King County’s largest Department, employing well over 5,000 people who primarily work in the field of transit operations, vehicle maintenance, transit facilities operations, and marine.

King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment, and radically improving urban air quality by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this nation's public transportation industry.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICEAs the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant, diverse community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that embraces the traditions of many cultures. To learn more, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx .

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 are 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 Americans and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo 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.

Union Membership: PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 -- Transit ChiefsClass Code:

8730400 TRANSIT CHIEF – RAIL WAY, SIGNALS & FACILITIESQuestions?

Contact the recruiter, Skyler Jones (he/him)

skjones@kingcounty.gov

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