Transit Facilities Maintenance Chief presso King County, WA

About the Department

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*This position is open to current King County employees and the general public. *

King County Metro Transit’s Facilities Division has an exciting opportunity for a Transit Facilities Maintenance Chief (Transit Chief – Facility Maintenance). We are seeking to fill this position with an outstanding people leader. 

Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs are responsible for the planning, scheduling and coordination of a wide variety of maintenance activities performed at various transit properties and daily supervision of a variety of skilled journey-level trades and other maintenance workers.

The role of the Transit Facilities Maintenance Chief is critical to the management and oversight of the daily operations of Transit and the service we provide. Transit Facilities Maintenance 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 Facilities Maintenance Chiefs promote teamwork and resolve conflicts that arise, promoting a cooperative environment and effective communication. Transit Facilities Maintenance 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 Facilities Maintenance 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.

About Metro’s Facilities Division 

The Transit Facilities Division maintains all Metro Transit properties, such as bus bases, park & rides, bus shelters, and offices and maintenance shops. Services include bus shelter repairs and replacements, bus shelter cleaning, trolley wire repairs, radio maintenance for buses, environmental spill clean-up, bus sign replacement, graffiti removal, and other facilities maintenance duties. Additionally, the Facilities Division also implements capital improvement and grant-funded projects aimed to enhance the condition of County-owned facilities and to respond to ridership needs based on route usage and customer feedback.

As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant, diverse community with residents that represent countries from around the world. We are committed to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and workforce, and we encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

This recruitment may immediately fill one (1) Career Service position and may also be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service, as well as fully-benefitted Term-Limited Temporary (TLT)/Special Duty Assignment (SDA), vacancies in this classification and within this division that may occur over the next six (6) months, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

First-round interviews are currently anticipated to occur between December 1 through 5, 2025, but dates are subject to change.

WHO MAY APPLY: 
This position is open to King County employees and the general public.

TO APPLY:
Required Application Materials:

1. An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.  
2. Completed supplemental questions
3. A cover letter/letter of interest, which addresses all of the following*:
   • Why you are interested in and excited for this position.
   • The top skills, abilities, and knowledge that make you uniquely qualified for this leadership role.

4. A resume.

*Note: Please limit cover letter/letter of interest to no more than two (2) pages. Any additional attachments will not be considered.

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Erica Minshull, Talent Advisor for King County Metro Transit

Position Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. All employees are expected to model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors, and practices. As a Transit Facilities Maintenance Chief, you will also: 

• Develop short- and long-term work plans, assigns work, administer provisions of Union labor contracts, coach and/or discipline employees, participate in budget development, monitor budget, and inspect completed work for quality assurance. Utilize a computerized maintenance management information system application to monitor, track and document all maintenance activities.
• Exhibit positive leadership and role modeling to encourage and support staff while managing employee performance. Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs are responsible for investigations into employee misconduct, including customer complaints. In addition, Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs also work hard to develop collaborative relationships both within Facilities as well as throughout Transit and King County.
• Interpret labor contract provisions including grievance resolution, establishing and developing collaborative relationships with Union leadership, and assist in labor negotiations and contract changes as needed.
• Our Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs are committed to the future of this organization, and as part of that commitment, will participate in the selection of staff, ensuring a well-qualified diverse workforce.
• Play an integral role in supporting safety and security in Facilities, including coordinating and advising safety and security committees and making recommendations to management.
• In our efforts to continuously improve our service, Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs identify and participate in process improvement and continuing improvement efforts.
• Transit Facilities Maintenance Chiefs will act as Superintendent when assigned and will perform other job duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Three (3) years of experience performing facilities maintenance duties in an industrial/commercial/government/transit setting, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Ability to work and provide motivation in a team environment and with a diverse work group.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to resolve conflict, solve problems, and listen effectively.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of workload planning and scheduling, with ability to effectively manage competing priorities. 
• Intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and computerized work order systems, e.g. EAM.

The most competitive applicants will possess these DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Skill in supervising, leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group, recognize the importance of building relationships and trust with employees, and be excited and motivated to manage our diverse employee team.
• Familiarity with human resource and leadership concepts and principles, with dedication to employees and the management of their performance and development of their skills.
• Knowledge of the work performed by a variety of building trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, millwright, HVAC and similar occupational specialties.
• Knowledge of the work performed by a variety of building non-trades specialties such as custodial, groundskeeping, laborer, and similar occupational specialties.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of energy control, fire/life safety, security, environmental and related building control systems.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal codes and regulations that apply to commercial and transit properties and facilities.
• Knowledge of large-scale building maintenance, cleanliness, sanitization, and repair operations and effective preventive maintenance principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Transit Facilities Division and applicable County polices.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of employee performance management.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices as well as federal, state and local laws related to employment, civil rights, and affirmative action.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of labor relations including interest-based or collaborative labor negotiations, grievance and arbitration processes, and relevant labor agreements.

Necessary Special Requirements

Other Qualifications

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE

8730100 / 69

UNION STATUS
This position is represented by Professional & Technical Employees (PROTEC), Local 17.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications, as well as for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as such as internal record reviews or reference checks, and/or driving history review, etc. The first six (6) months of employment are served in a probationary capacity to provide an opportunity to confirm whether the position is a good match between the successful candidate’s interests and skills and the ability to perform the requirements of the job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an industrial setting where the worker is exposed to or near heavy operating machinery, high voltage, adverse weather conditions, uneven surfaces; catwalks/metal grating, noxious or toxic gasses and chemicals. The noise level is quiet to occasionally loud. Hearing protection and eye protection are required in some areas, and hard hats and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required on occasion.

WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
These positions may report to a variety of locations, which may include: North Facilities Maintenance (12525 Stone Ave N; Seattle, WA 98133); Central Facilities Maintenance (1301 Airport Way S; Seattle, WA 98134); and, South Facilities Maintenance (11911 E Marginal Way S; Seattle, WA 98168). Work may be required at other facilities through the Metro Transit service area.

These positions are anticipated to be full time, assigned 40 hours per week. Schedules can include day, swing, and overnight shifts, and work on weekends, holidays, and other non-standard workdays, and employees must be available for emergency response call-outs when needed. Additionally, these positions participate in a mandatory on-call rotation to provide immediate response to Transit incidents and other emergencies as required. This may be a 30-day rotation during which the Transit Facilities Maintenance Chief must be available to respond to emergencies by phone, radio, or on-site, if necessary, 24 hours a day and on weekends and holidays, to direct and coordinate personnel and equipment, with other work groups or agencies, as appropriate. These positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and are therefore not eligible for overtime pay. These positions require consistent on-site presence to accomplish assigned duties, and are generally not eligible for telework/remote work.
 

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

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