King County
Rail Signals & Communications Chief
King County, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Summary***This growth opportunity is available to current Career Service Metro Transit Division (MTD) employeeswho have fulfilled their initial probationary period.***
Applications are being accepted from King County employees interested in a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) as a
Rail Signals and Communications Chief
within the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section. This SDA is expected to last a minimum of 6 months with a possibility of extension up to 2 years.
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.
Our ideal candidate 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 candidate 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.
About Metro Transit's Rail DivisionKing 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:
We are
only
accepting applications from current career service Metro Transit Division (MTD) employees who have completed their initial probationary period.
Recruitment Information:
This recruitment will be used to fill 1 Signals & Communications Chief SDA position within the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section.
NOTE:
These positions are considered safety sensitive.
Applicants are required to undergo 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.
Job DutiesApplying
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 perform the below:
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.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the Rail Division, with Sound Transit and in Metro broadly.
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.
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.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsWe are looking for candidates who have the below minimum qualifications:
One (1) year of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity which included leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group; AND
Two (2) years of experience performing railway signaling and communications maintenance, repair, or installation, preferably on transit systems;
OR 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.
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 skills.
Experience 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.)
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.
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.
Supplemental InformationLocation 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 questions.
Attach a cover letter (or letter of interest) that responds to the following:
Why does this job opportunity interest you?
Explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Choose two job duties from this posting and explain why they are your two strongest competencies.
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 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. Incomplete applications 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: 855-524-5627.
Union Membership:
PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 - Transit ChiefsClass Code:
8730400 TRANSIT CHIEF - RAIL WAY, SIGNALS & FACILITIESQuestions?
Contact the recruiter, Brenna Burbank, brburbank@kingcounty.gov
#RailJobs #TradesJobs
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 ApplyIf 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Applications are being accepted from King County employees interested in a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) as a
Rail Signals and Communications Chief
within the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section. This SDA is expected to last a minimum of 6 months with a possibility of extension up to 2 years.
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.
Our ideal candidate 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 candidate 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.
About Metro Transit's Rail DivisionKing 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:
We are
only
accepting applications from current career service Metro Transit Division (MTD) employees who have completed their initial probationary period.
Recruitment Information:
This recruitment will be used to fill 1 Signals & Communications Chief SDA position within the Rail Wayside Maintenance Section.
NOTE:
These positions are considered safety sensitive.
Applicants are required to undergo 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.
Job DutiesApplying
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 perform the below:
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.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the Rail Division, with Sound Transit and in Metro broadly.
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.
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.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsWe are looking for candidates who have the below minimum qualifications:
One (1) year of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity which included leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group; AND
Two (2) years of experience performing railway signaling and communications maintenance, repair, or installation, preferably on transit systems;
OR 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.
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 skills.
Experience 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.)
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.
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.
Supplemental InformationLocation 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 questions.
Attach a cover letter (or letter of interest) that responds to the following:
Why does this job opportunity interest you?
Explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Choose two job duties from this posting and explain why they are your two strongest competencies.
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 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. Incomplete applications 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: 855-524-5627.
Union Membership:
PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 - Transit ChiefsClass Code:
8730400 TRANSIT CHIEF - RAIL WAY, SIGNALS & FACILITIESQuestions?
Contact the recruiter, Brenna Burbank, brburbank@kingcounty.gov
#RailJobs #TradesJobs
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 ApplyIf 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr