Light Rail Operator Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary range is $104K to $206K with a midpoint of $155K. Total compensation includes project-based premiums that reflect project complexity, political sensitivity, size, and strategic importance. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint of the base range, however, we may go higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general direction, directs oversight on contracted maintenance services for light rail vehicles (LRV) and maintenance of way departments and structures; reviews, comments, and approves standard maintenance procedures for rail and LRV maintenance; reviews, approves, and processes tooling, equipment, and vehicles for rail maintenance; develops, maintains, and oversees the maintenance contractor’s budget; oversees and approves maintenance training; conducts daily and weekly meetings with maintenance managers, superintendents, contracts and procurement, and various operational engineering interests; assists with development, review, oversight, and stock levels of material inventory; directs warranty management as outlined in the IGA; provides ongoing technical assistance and troubleshooting services to the fleet and right-of-way maintenance crews; and provides overall technical support and expertise to Link Operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, trains, and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the division and all related staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline, and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary.
• Reviews work orders, maintenance system reporting, and reviews quality of workmanship inspections; coordinates day-to-day work issues with maintenance contractors; assists in the implementation of contractual supplied spare parts for the LRT inventory; recommends min-max stocking levels.
• Serves as a member of the rules and procedures committee, provides input and assists in the development of rules, standard operating procedures, and standard maintenance procedures, including implementation and training.
• Conducts manufactures’ site visits, FAI’s, and field reviews to determine problems and maintenance needs with equipment and assets, including future modifications to the rail fleet and systems.
• Meets with contractors to work out issues on repair methods, staffing levels, equipment needs, and coordinates the maintenance schedule to meet the needs of the rail system; and assists with the development plan for and oversees the asset management of shop equipment, maintenance of way equipment, signals, SCADA, light rail vehicles, and traction power system.
• Meets with senior staff and reports all department information as requested or required related to needs and actions taken; reviews reports and invoices from contractors and vendors and approves or denies based on findings and documentation; conducts meetings and/or responds to staff/contractor questions and concerns via email or telephone; provides guidance and direction related to maintenance issues; and follows up to ensure resolution.
• Provides support to the division/department and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees as assigned; serves as an SME on rail maintenance issues; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies, and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics/Electrical Maintenance, or closely related field. Five years of managing and supervising maintenance operations of heavy or light rail system, preferably in a transit/transportation related environment with multiple facility/office locations; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state driver’s license. This role will perform inspections on construction sites, stations, and facilities, including locations that are not currently served by transit. Driving an agency vehicle will be necessary to perform inspections along our full alignment.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a rail transit program.
• All areas of light rail to include wayside, traction power, vehicle, facilities, and operations.
• Methods and complex principles and practices of rail safety requirements in maintenance and operations.
• Working knowledge of an asset management program.
• Methods and techniques of rail vehicle manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul, industry standards, and practices.
• Principles and practices of traction electrification, signals, communications, and computer systems.
• Interpreting and applying applicable standard operation procedures, standard maintenance procedures, operating rules, federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Contract management including sole source procurement.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Total cost of ownership.
• Public relations principles.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Contract procurement strategies and management principles.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Managing and coordinating the maintenance operations services of the light rail line program.
• Developing solutions to maintenance operations problems.
• Applying advanced principles and practices of maintenance operations.
• Interpreting and using all types of operating manuals related to a light rail system, including part manuals, tooling, and equipment manuals.
• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Procurement of goods and services.
• Policy and procedure development.
• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
• Applying advanced project management and program development techniques and principles.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in both a standard hybrid office, field, shop, warehouse, and transit vehicles environments.
• Sound Transit has multiple Operations and Maintenance Rail Facilities. Must be able to work in an assigned location depending on business needs.
• This role will perform inspections on construction sites, stations, and facilities, including locations that are not currently served by transit. Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Subject to bending climbing, crawling, grasping, hearing, kneeling, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise when conducting site visits and working in the field.
• Position includes weekend/night shifts; position is responsible for providing supervision and maintenance of vehicle repairs.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action 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.