SDA Transit Control Center Operations Chief

Salary: $121,576.00 - $146,972.80 Annually
Location : Transit Control Center, 1263 6th Avenue South, Seattle, WA, WA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 2026RSH27162
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Bus Operations
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C3 : PROTEC17-Transit Chiefs
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week


Summary
**** This SDA opportunity is only available to King County Employees not currently on probation ****
Metro Transit's Bus Operations Division is offering a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) opportunity as a Transit Chief of Operations for the Transit Control Center (TCC). This SDA is intended to provide growth and career development to interested career service (or appointed) King County Employees who have passed their initial probation period.


The Transit Control Center Chief provides real-time daily management and oversight of the daily TCC operations, and the transit services provided by Metro. The TCC Chief supervises and manages the performance of First-line Supervisors who remotely monitor and direct fixed-route bus operations. This role also coordinates responses to transit service operational events and incidents, and ensures system-wide internal and external information distribution about transit operational status, incidents, and events. This high-profile position requires the ability to coordinate efficiently with internal and external partners and make real-time decisions to support all aspects of Metro Transit operations. This includes assuming command and direction during critical and emergency situations and providing policy direction.

The TCC Chief is a valuable resource to employees at the worksite, and the nature of the position requires candidates to demonstrate decisiveness, leadership skills, the ability to work collaboratively with union leaders and other professionals, and demonstrated skill in creating a work environment that models customer service and respect. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills to be able to represent all levels of the Agency on internal, external, and cross-organizational initiatives, task forces, and projects, either in a participatory or lead role.

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Who may apply: This is an internal recruitment. We are only accepting applications from current Career Service (or Appointed) King County Employees who have passed their initial probation period and meet the requirements for the position.


Position Info: This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment that is expected to last 1 year with the possibility of extension. This recruitment may also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Special Duty Assignment vacancies that may occur for the Transit Chief-Operations classification within the Transit Control Center over the next twelve months from the establishment of the pool, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Job Duties

Applying 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 wor k. As the TCC Chief, you will also:

• Supervise and direct the work of Transit Control Center staff, exhibiting positive leadership and role modeling. Indirectly supervise all transit operating personnel when responding to or making and implementing decisions regarding transit service.
• Oversee the daily operation of the control center, assuming command and direction, both on and off the radio, during emergencies and critical situations.
• Make real-time decisions to support transit service in emergency situations, particularly adverse weather and creatively solve transit operational difficulties as they arise.
• Schedule staff to ensure all assignments are covered and staffing levels are appropriate to the workload. Assign work schedules to relief coordinators.
• Actively support and drive staff development utilizing county resources and tailoring your efforts to their strengths and areas of potential growth.
• Plan and schedule coordinator training and orientation programs. Monitor and evaluate trainee progress and certify qualification upon training completion. Maintain training records.
• Be part of a rotating 24/7 on-call duty shared by all chiefs working in the Transit Control Center.
• Handle all personnel issues of assigned staff including employee support, and may be assigned to performance monitoring and evaluation, investigations, and appropriate progressive discipline up to and including suspension and termination. Review the work of each assigned coordinator to ensure qualitative and quantitative standards are met.
• Interpret and apply King County and Metro Transit policy and procedures.
• Conduct grievance hearings and make decisions regarding the resolution of grievances.
• Investigate, research, or direct the research and resolution of operator/customer/employee complaints/suggestions, service reports, scheduling data, etc.
• Work with others collaboratively to anticipate, identify and implement opportunities for efficiencies and business process improvements.
• Serve as a professional representative or liaison of the Transit Control Center, the Bus Operations Division, or King County Metro Transit with senior management, other public agencies, private contractors, the public, and other internal and external transit partners, customers, and stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the Transit Control Center budget and project budgets.
• Participate on and/or lead committees, projects, and work processes, as assigned.
• Act as Superintendent of the Transit Control Center, when assigned.
• Perform other related job duties.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who meet the following Minimum Qualifications:

• Increasingly responsible transportation-related experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Leadership skills, including decisiveness, good judgment, integrity, and a strong commitment to equity and fairness.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and ability to effectively manage transit operational, in-service, real-time situations, and emergency management.
• Critical thinking skills, particularly as they relate to emergency management, workforce planning, and process and continuous improvement.
• Time management skills that demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and daily responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to coach and mentor employees and/or first-line supervisors toward performance improvement.
• A high level of attention to detail and efficiency in the sometimes-discrete completion of sensitive tasks (such as completing critical forms and investigations accurately).
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral, that mirror Metro's expectations and values.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft operating system and MS Office suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint).

Successful Transit Chiefs will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Command skills
• Communications Skills
• Developing direct reports and others
• Problem-solving
• Strategic agility
• Ethics and values

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a lead or supervisory position relative to the Transit Chief Position.
• Experience working within a transit, fixed-route bus, or paratransit operations control/communications center environment which includes performing within its control and communication functions, such as call-receiving, dispatch, the management of services, schedules, and routes, and other related duties related to transit control and communication functions.
• Experience working in an emergency, police, or fire call center environment position with ongoing, regular responsibility for directly supervising personnel performing such functions.
• Knowledge of King County Metro Transit's policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the 587 Labor Agreement.
• Experience or knowledge of the HASTUS System, or similar automated scheduling and management information systems.
• Working experience in an operational unit of a public agency.
• Project management experience.
• The ability to think critically about impacts on service performance on both a local and global level.
• The ability to give and receive feedback constructively and listen carefully to others with an open mind.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to operate a fleet motor vehicle, or alternative ability to travel to locations for which public transportation is not regularly available.
• Work requires reporting for duty and directing first-line supervisory staff and operators, including during adverse weather events or other emergencies.
• Work requires being the 24/7 on-call Transit Control Center Chief at various times throughout the calendar year.

Supplemental Information

Job Structure
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. The selected candidate's work base will be the Transit Control Center (1263 6th Avenue South, Seattle, WA). We anticipate this SDA position to initially work the day shift (typically starting at 8 or 9 AM, Monday through Friday), although Chiefs may be assigned to work on various shifts including weekends, and days off may vary. This position also has on-call responsibilities which may require remaining available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled on-call rotational assignments. The nature of this work may require Transit Chiefs to report for extended duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies or events.

Application and Selection Process
The following forms and materials are required :

• Submit an updated online employment application through which includes ALL relevant work history going back at least 10 years or more (if necessary), accurate dates of employment, detailed job duties, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Respond to all supplemental questions
• Attach a cover letter. Your cover letter must describe how your skills and experience apply to the duties of this position.

Note: Candidates are encouraged to translate life experiences to show how they meet the required experience, knowledge, education, and skills. Only the first two pages of your cover letter will be considered, and additional attachments will not be reviewed.

Applicants meeting qualifications will be screened based on clarity, completeness, and content of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application MUST validate and support your responses to the supplemental questions and cover letter. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates may be invited to complete skills testing and participate in interviews. Please note that final decisions may consider your overall interview results and your application materials. Start dates will be determined after successful record reviews are completed, and dependent on the business needs of Metro. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position:

• King County Application
• Responses to Supplemental Questions
• Cover Letter

For guidance on how to complete these required materials, be sure to visit the for tips and examples on how to make your application materials more competitive for King County recruitments. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at For technical support related to your application, contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance: View phone number on click.appcast.io.
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Guided by our , 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 are 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 Americans 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.

Union Membership: PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 -- Transit Chiefs
Class Code: 8730200 TRANSIT CHIEF - OPERATIONS
Questions about this recruitment? Contact Emily Clark (she/her), Talent Advisor: View email address on click.appcast.io
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:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• 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: eligible King County employees may 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
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our


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.


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.
01


How many years of increasingly responsible transportation-related experience as a supervisor or leader do you have?

• 2 years
• 2 - 4 years
• More than 4 years

02


Describe your preferred approach to coaching direct reports to correct behavior issues, and/or improve performance.
03


Which of the following DESIRED qualifications do you have? Check all that apply.Note: Your work history section and application materials must also validate your responses.

• 1. Experience in a lead or supervisory position relative to the Transit Chief Position
• 2. Experience working within a transit, fixed-route bus, or paratransit operations control/communications center environment which includes performing within its control and communication functions, such as call-receiving, dispatch, the management of services, schedules, and routes, and other related duties related to transit control and communication functions
• 3. Experience working in an emergency, police, or fire call center environment position with ongoing, regular responsibility for directly supervising personnel performing such functions
• 4. Knowledge of King County Metro Transit's policies and procedures
• 5. Knowledge of the 587 Labor Agreement.
• 6. Experience or knowledge of the HASTUS System, or similar automated scheduling and management information systems
• 7. Project management experience
• 8. The ability to think critically about impacts on service performance on both a local and global level.
• 9. The ability to give and receive feedback constructively and listen carefully to others with an open mind

04


Which of the following MINIMUM qualifications do you have? Check all that apply.Note: Your work history section and application materials must also validate your responses.

• 1. Leadership skills, including decisiveness, good judgment, integrity, and a strong commitment to equity and fairness
• 2. Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and ability to effectively manage transit operational, in-service and real-time situations
• 3. Critical thinking skills, particularly as they relate to emergency management, workforce planning, and process and continuous improvement
• 4. Time management skills that demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and daily responsibilities effectively and efficiently
• 5. Ability to coach and mentor employees and/or first-line supervisors toward performance improvement
• 6. A high level of attention to detail and efficiency in the sometimes-discrete completion of sensitive tasks (such as completing critical forms and investigations accurately)
• 7. Effective communication skills, both written and oral, that mirror Metro's expectations and values
• 8. Working knowledge of Microsoft operating system and MS Office suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint)

05


Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to operate a fleet motor vehicle, or alternative ability to travel to locations for which public transportation is not regularly available?

• Yes
• No

06


The work in this position requires reporting for duty ion-site and directing first-line supervisory staff and operators during adverse weather events or other emergencies. The position also requires the 24/7 on-call Transit Control Center Chief at various times throughout the calendar year. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07


If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you check the "YES" box, the human resources staff person coordinating this recruitment will send you a request asking for additional information. (This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only).

• Yes
• No

08


I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions 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.

• Yes
• No

Required Question