Rail Traction Power Chief

Rail Power Chief

Metro Transit's Rail Division seeks one (1) outstanding people leader to fulfill the role of Rail Power Chief. This leadership position is critical in ensuring the delivery of light rail transit services and the day-to-day coordination, direction, and supervision of Traction Power personnel and the maintenance of all Rail substations, electrical distribution, overhead contact system, and other power elements and controls.

Our ideal candidates will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, and encourage a safety culture while inspiring high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust. Our Chiefs promote teamwork, resolve conflicts that arise, and promote a collaborative environment.

About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 50-mile route from Federal Way to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.

Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.

Who May Apply

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) career service (CS) vacancy and is open to all King County employees and the general public. This recruitment may also be used to establish an eligibility list for any future Career Service (CS), Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies in this classification, valid up to 12 months upon creation or until the list is exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

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 if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Those interested must submit:

• An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Complete responses to all required supplemental questions.
• A one (1) page cover letter (letter of interest) that fully addresses the following prompt:
• Why does this job opportunity interest you?
• How does your experience and background meet or exceed the qualifications for this position? Please specifically refer to your experience working with electrical and high voltage systems, as well as your experience in supervisory or leadership positions.
• Note: If you submit a cover letter longer than 1 page, only the first page of your letter will be reviewed and considered.

Note: Applications missing any of the above required materials will be marked as incomplete, and you will no longer be considered for the position

Anticipated Timelines

This posting will remain open until filled. Initial application review will be conducted two weeks following the posting date of this announcement, or on or after May 17, 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Interviews are anticipated to be scheduled with selected candidates beginning the week of June 1st, 2026, and ongoing thereafter until the positions is filled.

Please note: This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo a physical and 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.

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.

• Plan, operate, and maintain Traction Power operations for Rail Division.
• Assign and verify inspections, service, and repairs.
• Assist in the development and management of budget.
• Build, support, and foster a culture of care within the Traction Power department.
• Assist with training and certification activities, including High Voltage qualifications.
• Consult with engineering, warranty, safety, environmental, materials, transportation, contracts, and other staff in the development and implementation of maintenance programs and standard maintenance and operating procedures.
• Ensure a safe High Voltage work environment for Rail Electrical Worker staff and other affected personnel.
• Participate in accident investigation teams and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Manage contract administration of maintenance and service providers.
• Supervise, develop, and direct Traction Power personnel and equipment maintenance at bases and in the field as well as management support for the training of staff.
• Exhibit positive leadership and role modeling to encourage and support staff while managing employee performance. Chiefs assist in the selection of staff, coordinate, and assign work, counsel, and discipline subordinates in accordance with labor contracts and agreement provisions and Light Rail rules and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the Rail Division, with Sound Transit and in Metro.
• Participate in labor and employee relations activities for the Division.
• Represent management at disciplinary hearings and grievances, interpret labor contract provisions in support of supervisory role, including grievance resolution, establishing, and developing collaborative relationships with Union leadership, and assist in labor negotiations and contract changes as needed.
• Work closely with Human Resources and Labor Relations staff to track and resolve personnel issues and other related labor issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these minimum qualifications:

• Two years of work experience in electrical systems maintenance.
• Two years of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Two years of experience working with high voltage and knowledge of safety principles and all applicable regulations, including the WAC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and ASME.
• Working knowledge of the principles of organization, training, motivation, supervision, and personnel management.
• Working knowledge of the theory, operation, maintenance, overhaul, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in Facilities systems.

• Knowledge of principles of mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, digital circuits, and software used in modern electrical applications.
• Knowledge of principles of quality assurance, including preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge of theory, operation, and use of computers and computerized diagnostic and test equipment used in modern electrical applications.
• Problem-solving & analytical skills are required to assess employees' technical proficiency and productivity issues.
• Skill in planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing the work of the maintenance function for optimal effectiveness and efficiency while meeting established standards and deadlines.
• Ability to provide effective supervision in light rail maintenance practices, incorporating new methods, technology, and approaches as appropriate.
• Knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance.
• Ability to effectively supervise employees, and interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain a productive and motivational maintenance environment, and cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to successfully communicate with senior management, labor representatives, business and community groups, governmental agencies, customers, and staff.

• A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
• Work requires remaining available for work 24 hours per day during scheduled rotational assignments as on-call Chiefs.
• Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as required to support staff and critical work and consistent with negotiated agreements.