Transit Power Chief
- Summary
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About the Transit Power Chief
The role of the Transit Chief is critical to the management and oversight of the daily operations of Transit and the service we provide. Transit Chiefs provide policy direction, create an environment that models customer service, work collaboratively with union leaders and others within the organization, and are a resource to employees at the worksite.
This leadership role requires the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, provide quality customer service, and motivate employees through building respect and trust. Transit Chiefs promote teamwork and resolve conflicts that arise, promoting a cooperative environment and effective communication. Transit Chiefs are proactive in facilitating good working relationships, demonstrating cooperative interactions, and promoting teamwork with new members, facilitating inclusion, and demonstrating flexibility in accomplishing shared goals.
Our Transit Chiefs demonstrate support for the goals of the organization in providing quality public service and collaboratively working with other sections and departments, while recognizing the value of diversity of opinion, culture, and perspective.Safety Sensitive Position
This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety sensitive 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 substances testing program protocols.
- 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. As the Transit Power Chief, you will:
Direct and oversee the maintenance and repair of Transit electrical facilities, systems and equipment; supervise, plan, assign and review the work of skilled-journey-level Electrician Constructors, Line Workers, Cable Splicers and other craft work engaged in the maintenance and repair of low and high voltage electrical components, systems and the power distribution infrastructure; train staff to work safely and effectively in energized, high voltage working environments.
Develop and manage power distribution preventive maintenance, inspection and repair programs and operations; develop and manage facilities electrical inspection and preventive maintenance programs and operations.
Direct and ensure timely and appropriate response to power service disruptions, weather emergencies, and critical incidents; coordinate response with Superintendent, Transit Control Center, and other internal and external agencies as appropriate.
Serve as Power Distribution’s representative and contact point for consultants, contractors and engineers engaged in the design, construction and maintenance of power systems and components.
Supervise the acquisition, receipt, storage and disbursement of maintenance related parts and materials required to support operations; authorize purchases to level of assigned authority.
Supervise maintenance of and data inputs to automated maintenance and related information systems.
Monitor, manage and oversee the safety program; establish and maintain a safe working environment; oversee and ensure the proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in compliance with federal, state and agency regulations and requirements.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend service, quality, workplace, and business process improvements; monitor daily labor costs and modify operations when necessary to achieve performance improvement targets while maintaining established maintenance service levels.
Establish and maintain a collaborative and effective labor relations environment; ensure daily operations and personnel actions conform with the terms of negotiated agreements; confer with labor representatives to discuss and resolve issues; escalate issues to Superintendent or Transit Labor Relations staff as appropriate; may be delegated authority for first-step grievance determinations on a case-by-case basis; testify at arbitration, unemployment and related hearings as requested.
Manage employee absenteeism, vacation change requests, sick/injury leaves and related ADA/FMLA/KCFML/WFLA processes and requirements for assigned employees; review and approve leave requests consistent with staffing needs, employee preferences where possible, and applicable County policy/procedures and bargaining agreements; review, correct and approve payroll; administer federal safety-sensitive drug and alcohol testing program for assigned employees.
Interview and recommend selection of assigned staff; provide employees with training and development opportunities as available; counsel staff on effective customer relations and safety strategies; evaluate staff performance through record reviews and employee performance appraisals as necessary; counsel employees in performance improvement requirements when needed; conduct investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, negligence, policy/procedure violations and similar assertions; determine appropriate follow-up actions including counseling, training and appropriate disciplinary actions in consultation with the Superintendent, Human Resources and Labor Relations as required.
Ensure compliance with all Power & Facilities, Transit Division and County policies and procedures governing safety sensitive positions, employment, worker safety and related areas as well as with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
May be assigned to participate in internal and external work groups, project teams, committees, and task forces; coordinate maintenance operations with appropriate staff throughout the Transit Division as required.
Act as Superintendent as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
At a minimum, to qualify for this position you will need:
- Four years of related electrical work experience is required with two years in a lead or supervisory capacity and/or education that provides the candidate with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the work of the position.
- Working knowledge of the principles of organization, training, motivation, supervision, and personnel management.
- Working knowledge of the theory, operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of high and low voltage electrical systems.
- Knowledge of AC and DC electrical distribution systems and equipment.
- Working knowledge of high voltage switching up to and including 26,000V, and knowledge of best practices relating to distribution switching procedures.
- Knowledge of theory, operation, and use of computers and computerized diagnostic test equipment in modern electrical applications.
- Knowledge of fire/life safety and security systems.
- Knowledge of emergency and backup/standby power systems.
- Knowledge of supervisory, control, and data acquisition systems (SCADA.)
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local electrical codes and methods used to comply with those regulations.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with employees and customers, both internal and external.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to effectively supervise employees, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contracts.
- Knowledge of and skill in the use of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM.)
In addition, successful candidates will also have:
- Four years of experience in Transit's Power Distribution work group in the maintenance, repair, or installation of electrical or communications systems; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the work.
- Progressively increasing experience in direct supervision of employees.
- Experience in OSHA 1910.269 and/or WAC Chapter 45.
- All applicants must be 21 years old at time of application.
- A valid Washington State Class B Commercial Driver License, with appropriate endorsements, and acceptable driving record.
- Washington State Journey Electrician certificate.
- 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.
- Work requires remaining available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled rotational assignments as on-call Power Chief.
- Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as required for shift assignment and consistent with negotiated agreements.
- Work may require reporting for extended duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies.
- Supplemental Information
Who May Apply
This position is open to the general public and all current King County employees that have passed their initial King County probation period.
Application and Selection ProcessAn online employment application, completion of the supplemental questionnaire, and a cover letter are required. Cover letters should clearly demonstrate how you meet the position qualifications. Please also include the reasons for your interest, and any additional skills or experience you hope to gain by filling this position.
Applicants will be screened for completeness, competitiveness, and written communication skills. Candidates who demonstrate clearly, through their application materials, how they meet or exceed the minimum qualifications and ideal candidate profile, will be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.
Interview Information
Interviews are scheduled to take place the week of July 12, 2021. All interviews will be conducted using Microsoft Teams; a computer and camera will be required. Candidates must be available to interview on the published dates, if selected.
Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, being hired will be contingent on passing all requirements outlined for King County safety-sensitive positions. Those requirements include: an acceptable five-year driving record, a satisfactory record review, King County Drug & Alcohol pool verification (includes employees in current safety-sensitive positions) or passing a pre-employment drug screen and physical.Vacancy Information
This recruitment will be used to fill one career service and two term-limited temporary(TLT) or special duty assignment (SDA) positions. The acting assignment is expected to last approximately one year. This assignment will provide an excellent opportunity for a qualified employee to gain additional skills, knowledge, and experience by taking on the duties of the position during this period. Please review the position qualifications and some of the position responsibilities if you are interested in being considered for this acting position.
Work Schedule
Power Distribution is a 24/7/365 operation, positions may be assigned to work various shifts including weekends; days off may vary. These positions are FLSA exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime pay. The persons in this position will have on call responsibilities. Employees in this position may be required 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.
Union Representation
Positions in this classification are represented by Professional and Technical Local 17 - Chiefs Unit.Classification Code
8730600
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Robin St. James (she/her)
Human Resources Talent Advisor
Robin.StJames@kingcounty.gov
Forbes recently named King County 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 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 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 process, or if you have questions please contact Robin St. James via email at Robin.StJames@kingcounty.gov.
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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01As a reminder, a cover letter is a required attachment to your application. Have you attached a cover letter? If not, you can attach one now.
- Yes
- No
02How many years of experience in Transit's Power Distribution work group in the maintenance, repair, or installation of electrical or communications system do you have? Your experience and/or education must be represented in your application.- Six or more years
- At least four, but less than six years
- At least two, but less than four years
- Some experience, but less than two
- None
03How many years were spent in a lead or supervisory capacity?- Four or more years
- At least two, but less than four years
- Some experience, but less than two years
- None
04Have you completed coursework in supervision and/or management?- Yes
- No
05If you answered "yes" above, please list where and when you completed this coursework and if a certification was obtained. If you answered "no", enter "N/A".06Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?- Yes
- No
07If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer, "N/A".08Are you 21 years of age at time of application?- Yes
- No
09Do you currently possess a valid Driver License? Please ALSO indicate if you hold a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and the air brake or passenger endorsements. Check all that apply.- Standard driver license
- Class A CDL or CLP
- Class B CDL or CLP
- Air brake restriction removed
- Passenger endorsement
- I do not currently have a valid driver license
10Have you had a driver license in a state other than Washington in the last five years?- Yes
- No
11Has your license been suspended in the last five years? If yes, please indicate how many times, regardless of reason.- One time
- More than once
- My license has not been suspended in the last five years
12If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate the reason below. Check all that apply.- Moving violation(s)
- Unpaid parking ticket(s)
- Unpaid traffic ticket(s)
- Child support arrears
- My license has not been suspended in the last five years
13Do you have any of the following violation 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 for which you were ticketed
- Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
- Open container violation
- More than one at-fault accident
- None of the above
14If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you answer yes, the human resources staff person coordinating the testing for this recruitment will contact you asking for additional information. This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only.- Yes
- No
Required Question