Summary
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* This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *
King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for multiple
Line Crew Chief.
The Line Crew Chief's will manage a team of skilled workers, and perform work with high voltage (600 volts and above), journey-level work to troubleshoot, maintain, repair, upgrade, and perform comprehensive preventive maintenance on rail electrical systems as well as electrical systems and equipment in Light Rail shops, tunnels, and other facilities.
The ideal candidate for this position 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.
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 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 on line for years to come.
This recruitment may immediately fill up to four (4) Career Service positions and may also be used to establish an eligibility pool for future Career Service vacancies in this classification, valid up to 12 months or until exhausted and at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Interviews are anticipated to occur during the week of
May 12 through May 16, 2025, but are subject to change.
Who May Apply
This position is open to King County employees and the general public, although current members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77, who apply within the initial five (5) working days of this posting will be given first consideration.
To Apply
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.
- Completed supplemental questions.
Current Hourly Rates
1st Shift (Day): $76.50 | 2nd Shift (Swing) and 3rd Shift (Graveyard): $81.09
Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
We highly recommend visiting the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective:
Career Support Services - King County.
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.
As The Line Crew Chief, You Will
- Plan, supervise, train and evaluate the work of journey-level workers and subordinates.
- Direct and supervise the erecting and maintenance and repair of assigned Transit electrical systems and facilities.
- Assign, prioritize, and coordinate the work of journey-level workers and subordinate staff.
- Train Rail Electrical Workers and subordinate staff in a small group setting or on-the-job/hands-on.
- Maintain LR Overhead Contact System (OCS); maintain light rail overhead lines and associated components, underground feeders, switches, electrical wiring and systems including a variety of single phase, three phase and DC systems.
- Perform routine inspection, maintenance, repair and upgrades to OCS components such as messenger wire, contact wire, section insulators, pole and enclosure mounted switches, air gaps, insulated and un-insulated overlaps, poles, and associated equipment.
- Perform inspections, maintenance and upgrades of substations and their components such as switches, transformers, rectifiers, fuses, relays, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), batteries, chargers and associated equipment (including the LRV shop stinger system).
- Maintain and repair equipment in Light Rail shops, offices, park and ride lots, and tunnels.
- Assign work; control and monitor workflow; ensure adherence to all Traction Power maintenance schedules with safety as the first priority.
- Respond to questions and advise crewmembers as requested; instruct crewmembers on work assignments.
- Control and monitor workflow; ensure adherence to all maintenance schedules.
- Interpret and apply labor agreements and County and Metro Transit policy and procedures.
- Prepare requisitions for and ensure proper storage of tools, materials, equipment and supplies.
- Prepare routine reports indicating kind and amount of repair work completed and materials used in such work.
- Provide training on tools and materials, electrical systems, and related systems.
- Respond to emergency calls for repairs during non-working hours, as necessary.
- Coordinate and monitor safety and training programs.
- Provide technical assistance to subordinate staff, contractors and employees of other jurisdictions.
- Participate in planning, scheduling and estimating activities.
- Demonstrate supervisory skills.
- Provide safety training.
- Ensure crews work safely; follow all safety rules and procedures.
- Provide verbal and written directions.
- Work on and around high voltage equipment.
- Knowledge of related laws and codes, including advanced knowledge of electrical and safety codes and regulations.
- Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Demonstrate proficiency with business applications, such as email and word processing.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Two years experience supervising electrical workers in the maintenance or construction of electrical systems.
- Three (3) years of high voltage (600 volts and above) electrical maintenance and/or electrical construction experience, including any hands-on experience acquired in an educational program, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job duties.
- Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate (EL01), Journey Level Line Worker Certificate, High Voltage Journey Level Certificate OR equivalent high voltage certification is required.
- Knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance.
- Experience in safely and efficiently using electrical test equipment.
- Experience in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
- Experience in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
- Problem solving and analytical skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in maintaining Light Rail Overhead Contact System (OCS) and components.
- Experience in maintaining Traction Power Substations (TPSS) components.
- Knowledge of Rail industries standards.
- Current Washington State Flagger Certification.
- Current Forklift Operator Certification.
- Current First Aid Certification.
- Knowledge of principles of quality assurance, including preventative maintenance.
- Knowledge and understanding of electrical theory, high voltage work and modern industrial controls
- Working knowledge of the theory, operation, maintenance, overhaul, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in Traction Power and Facilities systems.
- Knowledge of principles of mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, digital circuits, and software used in modern electrical applications.
- Knowledge of theory, operation, and use of computers and computerized diagnostic and test equipment used in modern electrical applications.
- Skill in planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and organizing the work of the maintenance function for optimal effectiveness and efficiency while meeting established standards and deadlines.
- Knowledge of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public Transportation Association) standards.
Necessary Special Requirements
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history or the ability to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and 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 reference checks or internal record reviews.
Work Schedule
This position is anticipated to be full time, assigned 40 hours per week.
Employees must be able to work any of the three shifts (day, swing, or graveyard). Work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is part of a workgroup that provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year support. Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system and potentially can change every 6 months based on seniority. This position is non- exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval.
SAFETY SENSITIVE
These positions are considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive 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 substances testing program protocols.
Union Membership: This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77.
Work Location: Employees may report to any of the following locations:
- Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA.
- Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA.
- Maintenance of Way North (MOWN) at N.137th St. Seattle, WA
- And any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 8208200 / 37
For More Information Regarding This Recruitment, Please Contact
Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at
[email protected].
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#RailJobs #TradesJobs
Benefits
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 Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
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
Are you a current member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77, and who was referred to this posting by the union hall?
02
Do you have two years experience supervising electrical workers in the maintenance or construction of electrical systems experience?
03
If you selected yes for previous question, please describe how and for which organization you have obtained this experience? If you indicated that you do not have this experience, please mark 'N/A'.
04
Do you have three (3) years of high voltage (600 volts and above) electrical maintenance and/or electrical construction experience, including any hands-on experience acquired in an educational program, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job duties?
05
If you selected yes for previous question, please describe how and for which organization you have obtained this experience? If you indicated that you do not have this experience, please mark 'N/A'.
06
How have you applied equity and social justice principles in your current and/or previous role(s)? Experience may include roles in either a professional or volunteer setting. If you do not have this experience, how would you approach incorporating equity and social justice principles into this role with Metro Transit Rail Division?
07
This position requires the ability to: work shifts that include day, swing, and overnight; work shifts that may include weekends and holidays. Are you able to meet these requirements?
08
Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?
09
If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A". If current Metro Operator, please answer "N/A
10
Do you possess a current Driver License valid in the State of Washington?
- Yes
- No, but I am able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
- No, and I am *NOT* able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
11
In the last five (5) years, has your driver's license been revoked or suspended?
- Yes
- No
- N/A - I do not have a driver's license
12
If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.
- One time
- More than once
- My license has not been suspended
- N/A - I do not have a driver's license
13
How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last five (5) years?
- No code violations
- 1 code violation
- 2 code violations
- 3 code violations
- 4 code violations
- 5 or more code violations
- N/A - I do not have a driver's license
14
Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five (5) years? Select all that apply.
- Reckless or negligent driving
- DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Hit and run incident
- Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
- Open container violation
- More than one at-fault accident
- None of the above
- N/A - I do not have a driver's license
15
Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children, or relatives of a domestic partner.
16
If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
17
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select one.
- Bus Operations Division
- Capital Division
- Employee Services Division
- General Manager's Office
- Facilities Division
- Finance & Administration Division
- Marine Division
- Mobility Division
- Rail Division (including Streetcar)
- Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
- Vehicle Maintenance
- N/A
18
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship or enter "N/A".
19
Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
- King County Metro Employment Site
- King County Metro Employee
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- King County Careers/Government Jobs.com
- Job Fair
- Trades/Transit Job Board
20
If you selected "job fair" or "Trades/Transit Job Board" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.
21
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
22
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
23
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).
24
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.