Rail Activation Manager
- Summary
The Rail Activation Manager (RAM) is responsible for oversight and coordination of various Metro activities leading to the successful activation of any planned or existing Link Light Rail or Streetcar project for which the Metro Rail Division is responsible. This includes managing Metro's work towards moving the project from the conceptual phase through the construction phase to start-up testing and revenue operations as agreed by the owner (either the City of Seattle (SDOT) or Sound Transit (ST) as the case may be). The RAM will provide advice and counsel to SDOT or ST and Metro officials regarding strategic policy and issues related to implementation. The RAM reports directly to King County Metro Transit's Rail Division Director. This work may include support as requested by the Metro Rail Division Director, the SDOT Mobility Manager, or the ST Director of Operations or their designees.
Position information
This career service position is only open to current King County Employees. Please attach a letter of interest with your application.- Job Duties
The primary duties and responsibilities of the position depend on which project is being addressed and may include:
- Prepare and implement a Rail Activation Plan that will include all necessary activities to enable a successful, safe, and timely start of revenue service as well as prioritization of Metro program goals and objectives. Determine budgetary requirements and coordinate those requirements with the various agencies involved with the program. Determine financial and performance indicators for Metro's elements of the project as well as monitor the financial status of those project elements. Provide leadership and direction to Metro staff in all facets of rail activation, start-up, and integrated testing.
- Assume management responsibility for Metro's services and activities related to a Link Light Rail or Streetcar activation and start-up that impact and require facilitation and coordination with key internal and external clients including Sound Transit, City of Seattle and King County departments and other agencies having jurisdiction. Facilitate solutions and resolve conflicts to ensure that Metro's project deadlines are met and Metro's elements of the project comply with all state and federal requirements and codes.
- As directed, oversee and lead the work of King County Metro's Rail Operations and Maintenance staff assigned to the project, its consultants and contractors, and coordinate Metro's work on rail activation, start-up and testing. Ensure identification of all items that require testing, develop plans for all tests, and prepare test programs and procedures under the oversight of Metro's Rail Division Director.
- Facilitate the successful completion of System Safety Certification in concert with Sound Transit and/or City Seattle staff, including verification of items on the Safety Critical Items List.
- Represent Operations (including Maintenance) on committees such as Fire & Life Safety, Safety Certification and Rail Activation committees and upon request chair or assist the chair of such committees.
- Establish and maintain continuous communication with Metro, SDOT and/or Sound Transit Operations and Maintenance directors and managers regarding activation issues ranging from initial design through project completion as requested.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equity, safety and sustainability. Promote an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment and support diversity and inclusion goals.
Depending on the project, the role of the Rail Activation Manager may be to contribute to or to have full responsibility for the following duties:
For SDOT-owned projects:- Prepare Rail Activation Plan and staff plan.
- Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the details of expansion and implementation are taken care of.
- Prepare budget estimates.
- Ensure vehicles meet standards and that testing is adequate.
- Participate in creation and identification of Safety and Hazard identification.
- Ensure that documentation is complete and accurate including Design Submittals, Interlocal agreements, and maintenance plans/schedules.
- Track and assure compliance with FTA guidelines and policies for start-ups are followed including but not limited to the creation or modification of governing documents.
- Work directly with Metro Transit Human Resources to create, recruit and hire additional staff to support expansion.
- Other duties as assigned.
For work with Link Light Rail:- Support Metro and Sound Transit Operations Directors, Section Managers, and Superintendents in all parts of corridor expansions.
- Participate in the Rail Activation Committee representing Operations in support of various department Superintendents and Section Managers.
- Investigate various issues at the direction of Metro and ST Operations directors.
- Participate as directed in Integrated Testing activities.
- Assist Metro Operations in creating special rules and procedures for testing activities.
- Support Operations requirements in design submittal reviews.
- Support the ST Rail Activation manager in assuring that Operations input is received.
- Participate in identification of Safety Critical Items for Safety Certification.
- Attend acceptance inspections for civil, systems, and vehicle acceptance in support of or on behalf of Operations departments.
- Participate in Rules and Procedures activities as pertains to start-ups.
- Review and comment on new governing documents.
- Support Operation and Maintenance needs in identifying new staffing requirements.
- Provide support to the Rail division as a technical advisor for Operations and Maintenance.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and significant experience in strategy development and/or operational planning; broad executive general management experience, preferably within a service delivery environment, demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that improve organizational performance; or any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.
- Ability to demonstrate transparency and build trust, courageously and consistently acting upon a strong set of core values that are aligned with King County Metro Transit's values.
- Ability to work well, respectfully and establish, maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions, cultures and backgrounds.
- Demonstrated skill in working effectively as a team member and with diverse staff across the agency to coordinate the accomplishment of specific tasks.
- Knowledge of FTA, SDOT, KCM and ST safety guidelines.
Desired Qualifications- Previous experience in rail activation, design review and Rail Operations.
- Experience with equity or social justice topics as they relate to strategic planning.
Necessary Special Requirements
A valid Washington State driver's license within thirty days after hire, or the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner, is required.- Supplemental Information
Forms and materials required
Applicants must submit a King County Application and attach a letter of interest. The letter of interest should describe how your education and/or experience meets or exceeds the position's qualifications and how it has prepared you to perform the responsibilities and duties of this job. Attaching a resume is optional.
Selection Process
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and possibly other selection process elements such as a writing exercise or other test. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.
Work Schedule and Location:
This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not eligible for overtime pay. This position will work out of multiple locations including: Operations & Maintenance Facility, 3407 Airport Way S., King Street Center, 201 S Jackson Street and/or 901 5th Ave. All locations are in Seattle, Washington.
Union Membership
This position is not represented by a union.
Class Code: 2453100 – Strategic Planning Manager II
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Angela Alcaraz, HR Analyst, 206-263-2466, aalcaraz@kingcounty.gov
King County Metro Transit is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and values diverse perspectives, life experiences, and differences. King County Metro encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people of all ages, and veterans. We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.
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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01Attaching a letter of interest is required. Did you attach your letter of interest?
- Yes
- No
02This position is only open to current King County Employees. Are you a current King County Employee?- Yes
- No
Required Question