Rail Traction Power Chief in , us

Rail Power Chief - Rail Division

Metro Transit's Rail Division seeks one outstanding people leader 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 Traction Power personnel and the maintenance of all Rail substations, electrical distribution, overhead contact system, and other power elements and controls.

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.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Plan, operate, and maintain Traction Power operations for Rail Division.
• Assign and verify inspections, service, and repairs.
• Assist in the development and management of budget.
• Build, support, and foster a culture of care within the Traction Power department.
• Assist with training and certification activities, including High Voltage qualifications.
• 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 staff and other affected personnel.
• Participate in accident investigation teams and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Manage contract administration of maintenance and service providers.
• Supervise, develop, and direct Traction Power personnel and equipment maintenance at bases and 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of principles of quality assurance, including preventative maintenance. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of theory, operation, and use of computers and computerized diagnostic and test equipment used in modern electrical applications. (Desirable)
• Problem‑solving & analytical skills 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 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.

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.
• 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.