Rail Signal & Communications Technician - Lead

King County; Seattle (WA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

King County Metro Transit is seeking a Lead Signal and Communications Technician to oversee and direct the work of technicians in maintaining the Rail Signal and Communication systems. This role is vital to ensure the effective operation of Seattle's light rail system, requiring strong technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to safety practices.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time journey-level experience in railway signaling and communications.
• Must have completed a Journey Level Signal Training Program.
• Ability to obtain necessary certifications including CDL.

Responsibilities

• Lead direction for Rail Signal & Communication Technicians.
• Provide technical assistance and monitor workflow.
• Ensure quality and adherence to maintenance schedules.

Skills

Ability to plan

Skill in training

Basic computer skills

Knowledge of traffic safety techniques

Skill in oral and written communication

Skill in problem-solving

Knowledge of railway signaling and communications

Education

Journey Level Signal Training Program

Job description

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters.
King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Signal and Communications Technician!Lead Signal and Communication Technicians are responsible for providing lead direction, assigning and coordinating the work of Rail Signal and Communication Technicians. This is a working-lead position and all normal duties of a skilled journey-level Rail Signal and Communication Technician will also be performed. This recruitment is intended to fill multiple Career Service (CS) vacancies.

About Metro's Link Light Rail
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 33-mile route from SeaTac 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 is open to all qualified applicants internal and external and will be used to fill multipleCareer Service vacancies at Rail and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies that may occur over the next twelve months.

Safety Sensiti ve Position
This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to the 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.

Applying equity and social justiceprinciples 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. You will:

• As a working lead, perform the full range of responsibilities of the Rail Signal & Communications Technician classification.
• Take responsibility for coordinating the work of and providing technical assistance to techniciansperformingawidevarietyofsignal&communicationsmaintenanceduties; assign work in accordance with work operating requirements and workload demands; control and monitor work flow.
• Respondtoquestionsandprovidetechnicaladviceonprojectrequirements,specifications and material requirements.
• AssistinthetrainingofotherSignal&Communicationsworkersinrequiredmaintenance operations, standard operating procedures and safety procedures.
• Providefeedbacktothechief/superintendentonemployeeandteamworkperformance issues.
• Monitorworkassignmentstoensureworkhasbeencompletedinaqualitymannerand withinestablishedtimeframes;ensureadherencetoallmaintenanceschedules;ensure equipment is maintained and in proper working order.
• Advisecrewmemberswhentheirworkisdeficientorisinviolationofestablished regulations and procedures.
• Maintainvariedrecordsincludingworkperformed,timespent,materialsused,operating logs and related information; enter and extract data using automated systems; maintain manual records as required.
• Participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenanceprogramforsignals&communicationsandassociatedfeaturesofthelightrail system; prepare records and document maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Respondtoemergencysituations.Prioritizeanddetermineworkprioritiesforemergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
• Perform snow/ice removal during inclement weather to maintain the system Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of full-time journey-level experience performing railway signaling and communications anddocumented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training Program (FRA or Transit equivalent) is required.

Additional qualifications include:

• Ability to plan, assign, balance and check work
• Skill in training and providing technical assistance
• Ability to use automated maintenance management information systems in order to process work orders and assignments
• Basic computer skills in standard software applications including MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook, with the ability to enter and extract information from automated systems
• Knowledge of traffic safety techniques and procedures with establishing maintenance and repair work sites
• Advanced skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics and drawings
• Skill in oral and written communication including reading, writing and following instructions
• Skill in preparing written reports, inspection forms for documenting defects and repairs of work orders in designated computer programs; skill in preparing time and material cost estimates; ability to keep accurate records
• Skill in working with a diverse group of individuals in a tactful and diplomatic manner
• Willingness and ability to apply King County's core values around inclusion, equity and social justice as a team member and representative of King County to the public
• Skill in problem-solving and analyzing data to solve common and complex problems Knowledge of the fundamentals of railway signaling and communications
• Knowledge in analyzing and evaluating malfunctions in electrical and electronic railway equipment and determining repair requirements; skill in performing electronic fabrication and assembly tasks, such as soldering and wire harnessing; skill in problem-solving, analyzing, diagnosing and evaluating equipment problems
• Knowledge of and skill in industrial safety techniques, principles and procedures including working from elevated platforms and equipment and working at railway crossings with train and automobile traffic
• Knowledge of and skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical and hydraulic equipment
• Skill in the application of customer service techniques and principles when dealing with customers in a tactful and diplomatic manner

Necessary Special Requirements

• Ability to obtain boom truck, forklift, Hi-Rail, overhead and mobile crane as well as various other specialty certifications within the work group.
• 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.
• Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement or ability to obtain one. (we train)

Working Environment
Work indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Work in high places from mechanical lifts and structures and in high voltage environment to perform inspections. Position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and supplies and may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work.

Work Schedule
This work unit supports a 24/7/365 operation and is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. Employees must be able to work one of three shifts: Day, Swing, or Graveyard (shifts that work through the night). Work schedules may include non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Schedules are based on a seniority pick system. Per the union contract, shift differential is paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 5% for the second shift and 7.5% for the third shift, on top of hourly pay. This is considered to be an essential position and is required to report to work during adverse weather and/or other urgent/emergency needs. Per the union contract the current hourly rates are:

• Day shift: $65.90
• Swing shift: $69.20
• Graveyard: $70.84

Work Location
Employees may report to any of the following locations: Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134, OMF East 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, and Maintenance of Way North (MOW-N) at 920 North 137th Ave, Seattle, WA 98133, as well as otherlocations in King County as they become available in the future.

Application Process
Applicants should complete the online application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs which includes the Supplemental Questions. Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, salary, etc. Your job history in the employment application should go back ten years (if you have ten years of employment). Earlier jobs should be included if they are relevant in some way to this job. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application FAQs atwww.kingcounty.gov/jobs.

Selection Process
Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview process. Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed a physical examination, drug screens and a drug and alcohol background check as needed. Reference checks and reviews of driving records will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment.

Union Membership
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587.

Class Code
8311250 - Rail Signal & Communication Technical - Lead

If you have specific question regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Brenna Burbank, HR Analyst
[e-mail]

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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.

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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.

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

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

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