Rail Supervisor in Training (RSIT)
- Summary
Join Metro Link Light Rail Operations Team – A Career That Takes You Places!
King County Metro Transit is seeking for motivated individuals to join the Rail division as a Rail Supervisor In Training (RSIT). Our ideal candidate possess confidence, patience, good communication skills and consistency, demonstrate sound judgement and good decision making skills.This recruitment will be used to fill multiple Rail Supervisor-in-Training (RSIT) positions. Candidates selected for the positions will participate in a 12-month probationary period that involves classroom and on-the-job training and performance of Rail Supervisor duties. Upon successful completion of that training RSITs are promoted to the existing Rail Supervisor vacancies.
Rail Supervisors monitor and supervise rail operations on the Link Light Rail alignment via the Link Control Center (LCC), monitor work assignments, communicate with Rail Operators in the field, coordinate service requirements and provide Rail training. They ensure that safety and quality of services are delivered according to standards and that rules are followed.
This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo 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.
Link Light Rail
Metro’s Transit Rail Division is responsible for operating and maintaining Link Light Rail service from Angle Lake Station to Northgate Station, with plans and/or construction underway to extend the system to the north, east, south, and west. Expansion over the next five years alone will include the addition of more than 20 stations and 40 miles of light rail track. The light rail line is a critical part of the region’s transportation network and carries more than 79,000 daily weekday riders.
Great BenefitsKing County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most regional transit systems). We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family and state registered domestic partner. A competitive sick leave and vacation plan, participation in the State’s popular Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the county’s deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the next tabWho May Apply
This position is open to the general public and all King County employees. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list to fill open RSIT positions and any future vacancies that occur. The list will remain in effect until exhausted.
Internal candidates who are current King County Metro Transit Local 587 employees will receive an additional 5% on any passing test scores. And those who are advanced to the interview stage will receive an additional 5% added to their test scores.
WAGE NOTE: RSIT's earn $40.66 /hour for the first 6 months, then $43.06 / hour for the second six months. Upon successful completion of the 12-month training/probation, Rail Supervisors start at $43.06 and move in 4 steps to the top wage shown, in two more years.
How to Apply
Click on the “Apply” link in the upper right of the job announcement on our website’s job page and complete the employment application and supplemental questions thoroughly. See Supplemental Information below for additional important information on completing your application. For assistance with the online application process, please contact NEOGOV Customer Support toll free at: 1-877-204-4442.
Forms and Materials Required
Applicants should complete the online application at www.kingcounty.gov jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc. Your job history in the employment application must go back ten years (if you have ten years of employment). Please include earlier jobs if they are relevant to this position. Be sure to include your current position and (separately) each previous position you held at King County.Questions please reach out to:
Janay Brim, Talent Advisor
- Job Duties
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. You will also:
Rail Supervisors-In-Training perform a variety of duties that involve classroom instruction and on- the-job training. During the 12-month probationary period, each Rail Supervisor-in-Training must qualify as a Light Rail Operator (if not already qualified), as a Field Supervisor, a Base Dispatcher/Planner, and a Link Rail Operations Controller. Upon satisfactory completion of the training, and advancement to the Rail Supervisor position, they may move under specific union contract provisions, between the following three specific assignment areas:
Field Supervisors - Field supervisors facilitate the safe, reliable, and timely delivery of rail service. They use a variety of computer programs proficiently. Supervisors drive a service vehicle (typically an SUV) up to several hours at a time, work outside approximately 95% of the time and must endure inclement weather and occasional unsanitary conditions. Other duties include:
- Monitor service and facilities, perform minor mechanical troubleshooting on the road, coordinate with other agencies to help minimize service disruptions, and propose and implement solutions to service-related problems.
- Respond to emergencies on rail vehicles, rail platforms and rail rights-of-way and coordinate required activities with emergency response personnel; investigate rail accidents, derailments, incidents and industrial injuries.
- Provide accurate and timely documentation regarding incidents that occur on the right-of- way, platforms, and rail yard.
- Provide on-the-scene customer service and public relations for Rail; refer complaints to Operations Chief and assist with the fact-finding process.
Base Dispatchers/Planners - Base dispatchers/planners work in an office setting and use a variety of computer programs proficiently and manage several tasks at a time. Their duties include:
- Fill assignments with a qualified, non-impaired operator in accordance with the guidelines of the labor agreement
- Inform rail operators of assignments and assign operators to cover absences due to illness, miss-outs, management requests, and other events.
- Respond to inquiries from operators regarding work schedules, overtime, run specifics, and other related contract provisions.
- Compute operator pay time, record operator attendance and maintain records for the base.
- Maintain a variety of electronic reports; perform electronic data input and retrieval; review for accuracy all forms and documents received from rail operators and forward them to management or other units, as appropriate.
- Communicate and coordinate with vehicle maintenance staff on vehicle availability and maintain related documentation.
- Interact with a variety of Metro employees by telephone and in person.
Link Rail Operations Controller – Link Rail Operations Controllers are responsible for train operations on the mainline and work at the Link Control Center. They use a variety of computer programs proficiently and manage several tasks at a time. This is a stressful environment that requires excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to multi-task. Other duties include:
- Monitoring on time performance, Right of Way personnel, and field staff.
- Coordinate and interact with a variety of agency and outside personnel.
- Monitor fire, life, and safety alarm systems throughout the Link alignment.
- Control, monitor, and dispatch the entire Link rail system and maintain daily record keeping.
- Monitor Communication Center console and take action as appropriate; monitor and operate computerized and technical equipment and resolve operational problems; monitor DSTT and Rail operations to ensure delivery of service.
- Implement strategies and plans for the movement of trains to maintain service levels and provide extra service as required; assess overall rail service needs and make recommendations for improvement.
- Continuously communicate with operators using a variety of communication media such as two-way radio and cellular phones; monitor and maintain recording equipment; monitor radio traffic and respond with personnel changes, vehicle exchanges, or other changes as needed.
Work Schedule
Rail Supervisors-In-Training work at different locations from day to day, providing round-the-clock coverage. They may work in shifts that have less regularity, based on the needs of the training program. Once the training period is over, and the trainees are advanced to full Rail Supervisor status, they will be in a seniority-based pick system that provides opportunities to change shifts in the spring and fall of each year. They work in all three shifts (day, swing and graveyard), and the work is staffed seven days a week. Rail Supervisors work both regular and relief shifts, with consecutive days off. All Rail Supervisor personnel must be able to work non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays if necessary. These positions are non-exempt from the FLSA regulations and are therefore eligible for overtime pay.
Twelve-Month Probationary Period
After appointment, the RSIT shall be subject to a 12-month probationary period. At the end of 12 months, the RSIT is required to be qualified as a Light Rail Operator, Base Dispatcher/Planner, Field Supervisor and Link Rail Controller. Employment status for employees who are selected into the RSIT position but who fail to qualify during the probationary period will be handled in accordance with contract language, which may allow a return to their previous classification, external hires will be terminated from Metro. Rail Supervisors-in- Training will receive a performance review upon completion of training in each of the areas.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications
- Two and one-half years of full-time service in the five years preceding the closing date for applications (current King County Metro Transit Local 587 employees, R20.3.C.1)
- OR Two and one-half years of full-time transit or rail transportation service in the five years preceding the closing date for applications
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with transit or rail transportation operation schedules, procedures, forms, records and documents related to dispatching
- Working knowledge of transit or rail transportation operations rules and standard operating procedures
- Working knowledge of safe and proper operation of transit or rail vehicles and their basic mechanical features
- Ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations related to rail operations; industrial safety rules and regulations as applied to public transit and rail operation
- Working knowledge of two-way radio operation, procedures and phraseology
- Strong commitment to excellence and upholding of customer service standards
- Skill in oral and written communication; reading, writing and following detailed instructions
- Basic knowledge and skill in the use of Word, Excel, Outlook and a web browser; must be able to learn and use a variety of computer programs
- Skill in working effectively with a diverse population in varying occupations
- Skill in problem solving, analyzing and evaluating service efficiency and quality, and recommending improvements
- Skill in organizing work and setting priorities, weighing competing demands and making decisions to maintain service levels
- Ability to communicate performance feedback and clarification of duties and standards clearly and effectively with rail operators and other employees
- Experience in a supervisory or lead capacity and/or coursework in supervision.
- Skill in developing, assessing, and evaluating standard and custom training materials.
Necessary Special Requirements
- A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
- A Class B commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement or the ability to obtain and maintain a Class B license with passenger (p) endorsement.
- Passing a DOT physical examination (receipt of DOT Medical Certification) is required before hire and must be maintained.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Link Rail card after completion of Light Rail Operator training.
- Must be able to attain and maintain knowledge of operations technology including but not limited to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, and radio communication technology and terminology after training.
Incumbents in these positions will be sitting, handling tools, lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying weight up to forty feet, standing for long periods of time up to six hours and performing a variety of activities.- Supplemental Information
Application Process
It is important to fill out your application accurately. Applications will be screened for completeness, clarity, and competitiveness. Applicants should complete the online application at www.kingcounty.gov as described above. NOTE: Please answer all relevant question in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (if you have ten years) listing each position for each employer separately with duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc. Earlier job should be included if they are relevant in some way to this job and if they relate to our minimum qualifications. If you have questions about this please contact the HR contact stated above. Application Closing Date: 5/25/2022 12pm.
Information Session
We will offer information sessions in virtual formats to interested candidates. The information sessions will go over the details of the posting and day in the life of a Rail Supervisor. Applicants are highly encouraged to participate in this information session at 8:00 AM on Monday, May 16, 2022 or at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 , you can find the dates and times here
Selection Process
Based on the application content, the most competitive candidates will be invited to participate pre-employment self-testing. These tests include:- Computer Literacy and Internet Knowledge Test
- Employee Personality Profile – Client and Customer Service Aptitude
Candidates that pass the pre-employment self-testing will take a Rail Operations test, a multiple-choice exam based on knowledge and ability to apply the following documents:
- Rail Version of the ATU Labor agreement with Metro Transit
- The 2022 Rulebook for Link Light Rail
Applicants should study the ATU rail contract and the Rulebook and Standard Operating Procedures at the following internet link to prepare for the multiple choice exam: http://kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/MetroTransit/HumanResources/rail-supervisor- training.aspx
On this webpage, study the following:
- Current Labor Agreement Between Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587 and King County Metro Transit 2019-2022 (Rail Side)
- 2022 Link Light Rail Rulebook
For more information about testing and the interview, or feedback on your performance in these areas, please see 2022 Rail Supervisor additional information here.
Candidates that pass the testing, interviews, and acceptable record review (Employment reference check for all external applicants) will be placed on an eligibility list in seniority order as determined by ATU Local 587. Participation in upcoming classes for the purpose to fill existing vacancies will be done in accordance with a list. Once selected to enter a class from a list, each candidate must successfully pass a second record review/reference check. Those that do not pass the record review/reference check at this step will be disqualified and removed from the eligibility list.
Please note that record reviews/reference checks will be completed and must be successfully passed prior to ATU 587 seniority verification and again prior to placement into a RSIT training class. If an applicant chooses not to move forward with training when offered, they will be removed from the eligibility list.
RSIT training is intensive and includes classroom and hands-on training. During the training period, no vacation is allowed. Any already arranged time-off will need to be postponed to a later date. Employees who complete RSIT training and become certified will enter a regular career service position.
Final Offers are contingent upon successful complete of:- Demonstrating acceptable driving history by obtaining your current Washington State Abstract of Driving Record – FULL (This is a date sensitive document and cannot be accepted early; please don’t submit until requested.)
- Successfully completing DOT Drug and Alcohol paperwork and passing a two-year drug and alcohol background check
- Successfully passing reference checks/record review
- Successfully passing the criminal background review
- Satisfactorily completing the DOT physical exam again the Metro Transit Job Analysis to receive an acceptable DOT medical card and/or waiver that is approved by King County Metro Transit.
An excellent driving record is a requirement to become a Rail Supervisor In Training. Applicants' driving records will be reviewed prior to selection. Metro Transit Human Resources will purchase a current Five-Year Driving Abstract from the Washington State Department of Licensing. Driving records will be assessed on an individual basis and will be reviewed for the following: Frequency and seriousness of moving violations, suspension of license, failures to appear (FTA'S), unpaid tickets, and at fault accidents. Any of the following vehicle code violations within the last five years will automatically disqualify you from further consideration:- Hit and run incidents
- Vehicular Homicide
- Open Container Violation
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Reckless driving
- Negligent driving
- More than one at fault accident
Employee records will be reviewed for the candidate's most recent 12 months of active operating service. Fifteen days of active operating service will be considered a full month. If the candidate does not have a full month of active service in the twelve month window we will look back a maximum of eighteen months to find twelve months of active service. Applicants will be screened out of the Rail Supervisor-In-Training selection process 1) if the candidate does not have twelve months of active service in an eighteen month window 2) the record review totals 18 or more points, assigned as follows:- Major Infraction (18 Points each)
- Suspension or Decision Making Leave (10 Points each)
- Written Reminder (5 Points each)
- Oral Reminder (3 Points each)
- Unexcused Absences (6 Points each)
- Late Reports/Misses (purged misses will be counted, 3 Points each)
- Preventable Accidents
- Severe = 18
- Major = 9
- 1st Minor Accident = 5
- Successive Minor Accidents = 7
Class Code: 8704100 (Rail Supervisor), 8704110 (Rail Supervisor-Trainee)
Forbes recently 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.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
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 Apply
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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#RailJobs #TradesJobs
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County
- No
02If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff03Thank you for your interest in this employment opportunity. In applying for this job, please follow the instructions provided on filling out your employment application. Data fields provided should all be completed. This includes but is not limited to: • the education and work experience sections of your employment application. • A description of each position that you have held in the last ten years. If you held more than one position with an employer, please list each job separately, showing the dates of employment in each position. You should also include jobs that are prior to the last ten years if they were relevant to your qualifications. • For each position listed, state the month and year in which you started and in which you ended it and your reason for leaving the position. If you have been terminated from any previous jobs, please state the specific reasons why. Please also include your supervisor's name. Your application, along with the answers to your supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the qualifications and/or are competitive for this position. If you have any questions about this, please contact the HR Analyst identified in the job announcement. I have read the above statement and certify that the statements made by me on the application are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.- Yes
- No
04Are you an internal King County Metro Employee?- Yes, I am an internal King County Metro Employee
- No, I am not a current King County Metro employee
05Testing for this recruitment will be completed online. Please acknowledge that you have a valid email address that the testing will be sent to for completion.- Yes
- No
06This recruitment is open to applicants that have Two and one-half years of Full-Time service in the five years preceding the closing date for applications. Do you meet these requirements?- Yes
- No
07Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied for, but did not get hired, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?- Yes
- No
08If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A"09Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License? Please indicate if you ALSO hold a Class A or Class B CDL license, and any endorsements. Check all that apply.- Valid driver's license
- Class A CDL/Permit
- Class B CDL/Permit
- Air Brake Endorsement
- Passenger Endorsement
- I do not have a driver's license
10Have you had a license in another state besides Washington in the last 5 years?- Yes
- No
11If you indicated above that you have had a license in a state other than Washington in the last 5 years, list the state(s) and the years you had the license(s).12In the last 5 years has your license been revoked or suspended?- Yes
- No
13If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate why below, check all that apply.- Moving violation
- Unpaid parking ticket(s)
- Unpaid traffic ticket(s)
- Child support enforcement
- I have not had my license suspended
14If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.- once
- more than once
- My license has not been suspended
15Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply.- Reckless or negligent driving
- DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Hit and run incident
- Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
- Open container violation
- More than one at-fault accident
- None of the above
16How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last 5 years?- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 or more
- No Code Violations
17If you indicated above that you have been cited, list the date and offense.18How many at fault accidents have you had in the last 5 years?- None
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 or more
19List all accidents you have had in the last five years in which you were at fault, including employment-related accidents. Include the month and year of the accident, a brief description, the approximate dollar damage, whether or not there were injuries as a result of the accident, and if you were given a traffic citation. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered further. If no at-fault accidents, please answer "N/A".20Which Windows based computer software programs do you have working knowledge of? Check all that apply.- Excel
- Word
- Outlook
- None of the above
21Please describe in detail your experience in a supervisory or lead capacity and/or coursework in supervision, if any. If none, please answer "N/A".22Please describe your experience developing, assessing and evaluating standard and custom training materials, if any. If none, please answer "N/A".23Do you meet the following necessary special requirements? Ability, to the best of your knowledge, to pass a DOT physical, Ability to work non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays if necessary, Ability to obtain and maintain a Link Rail card after completion of training, Willingness to obtain and maintain a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement following hire.- Yes
- No
24Have you been terminated, or have you resigned in lieu of termination, from any position in the last ten years?- Yes
- No
25If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the name of the employer(s) and the reason for termination(s). Please understand that "Will explain in interview" is not a valid response and will result in your application not being considered further. (If not, please answer "N/A")26If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation for the testing process only.- Yes
- No
27I have read the job announcement and understand the duties and requirements for this position. I also understand that the provisions of the job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. I further understand that any employment offer may be subject to successful completion and results for drug and alcohol background check, pre-employment physical, drug testing, reference checks, driver's record evaluation, and criminal history checks. Having applied for employment with King County, I give my consent that any person, firm or organization listed hereon is authorized to furnish King County with reference material concerning my character, past employment or any other information requested. I hereby authorize the full release of my employment and work record to the Transit Division of King County for the purpose of evaluation and consideration for employment including, but not limited to, specific reasons and details regarding my resignation and/or termination, attendance and punctuality, infractions or any disciplinary actions I may have received, and disclosure of all performance evaluations for the previous ten (10) years. I agree to hold current or former employers harmless from any claim or action based upon the release of information or documentation relating to my employment record. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information. By checking this box and completing by name in the field below, I provide my consent for King County Metro Transit to obtain the above referenced information.- Yes
- No
Required Question