Rail Base Section Manager (Transit Section Manager)

Overview King County Metro's Transit Department seeks a Rail Base Section Manager who will report to the Senior Operations Manager and lead strategy and execution across the Rail Division. The manager will drive a culture of care, operational excellence, on‑time expansions, and resilient partnerships with Sound Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation. Build a culture of care Provide operational excellence Deliver on time expansions Maintain healthy and resilient partnerships with Sound Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation The manager will develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability of rail operations and oversee the Base and Operations Support workgroups. Responsibilities Oversee the Base and Operations Support workgroups. Recruit, develop, engage, and lead section employees. Foster a sustainable culture of care, teamwork, and excellence; help employees understand the critical role they play in achieving agency goals. Develop and implement innovation and strategic initiatives that strengthen the Section’s near‑term performance and longer‑term effectiveness. Lead strategic planning and performance management for Rail Base Section. Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Develop and oversee implementation of key initiatives, including service optimization, technology integration, and sustainability efforts. Lead and coordinate Base Section oversight, upholding standards for reliability, quality, and customer experience across all rail services. Provide operational input during planning, design, testing, and construction phases of expansion projects. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver excellent service, including key labor and Sound Transit partners. Oversee budget and resources for the Section, ensuring responsible stewardship and long‑term operational sustainability. Develop and lead communication strategy for the Section, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent information flow to staff, leaders, and partners. Champion safety by ensuring that employee and public safety continue to be Metro’s highest priority. Maintain strict adherence to safety rules and procedures and continually seek to enhance safety practices. Manage special projects and cross‑functional teams delivering high‑impact outcomes aligned with agency priorities. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to rail operations and expansions. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must meet all of the following: Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Engineering, or related field and three (3) years of leadership experience in Rail Base Operations and or Operations Support. Option 2: An Associate’s degree in the above fields and five (5) years of leadership experience in Rail Base Operations and or Operations Support. Option 3: Seven (7) or more years of leadership experience in Rail Base Operations and or Operations Support. AND Three (3) years of experience leading and supervising people, including: Supervising multidisciplinary staff. Developing direct reports, encouraging career progression, providing challenging tasks, coaching, and mentoring. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations, strategic planning, or project management, including: Knowledge of business planning techniques. Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects and cross‑functional teams. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to make timely, quality decisions and assign decision‑making appropriately. Experience working with labor in unionized environments and respecting established processes. Additional minimum qualifications/competencies include: Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees. Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and populations. Passion for creating inclusive cultures that prioritize well‑being. Ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Knowledge of equitable treatment of employees and customers. Resilience, problem‑solving skills, and capacity to handle challenging situations with composure. Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and use employee input for decision‑making. Desirable Qualifications Knowledge of Local 587 and PROTEC Local 17 labor agreements. Knowledge of automated scheduling systems, including HASTUS. Knowledge of visual and data management systems, including Power BI. Experience managing remote workers. Knowledge of King County and Sound Transit relationship, policies, and procedures. Experience translating King County policies to Rail’s operating environment. Experience leading initiatives that produce equitable outcomes and increased inclusion for marginalized workforce; five (5) years highly desired. Work Schedule Work may include non‑standard hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents will be on call nights and weekends on a rotational schedule. The position is exempt from overtime pay. Teleworking Requirement The role is primarily hybrid, with expected office presence three days a week. Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to the King County worksite. A County‑issued laptop will be provided, and a reliable internet connection at the remote workspace is required. Union Membership This position is not represented by a union. Work Location Travel to various rail locations, including downtown Seattle and Link facilities, may be required.

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE

Class Code: 1132120 / Pay Grade: 77 EEO Statement 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. Contact For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr King-County,-W