Rail Transit Grounds Specialist Lead

King County Auburn, WA Full-time

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Summary

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King County Metro’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Rail Grounds Specialist! The Lead Rail Grounds Specialist is responsible for the overall maintenance of a variety of landscaping including turf, gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamental planting. Work involves installing, modifying, and performing routine maintenance and repair of irrigation systems. The Lead Grounds Specialist will also provide team leadership, training, direction, and work coordination of a gardening crew to ensure safe and effective landscape operations.

As the Lead you will help develop annual work plans, provide daily/weekly scheduling of work, monitor work for quality and quantity, and apply herbicides and pesticides. Work requires incumbent to learn and transfer new and expanded knowledge and skills as parts, components, materials, and equipment are modified and updated. Work is performed under general supervision of higher-level Power & Facilities administrators and supervisors.

Link Light Rail

Metro Transit's Rail Division is responsible for operating and maintaining Link Light Rail service on a 20.4 mile route from south of Sea-Tac Airport to Northgate. Expansion over the next five years alone will include the addition of more than 20 stations and 40 miles of light rail track which is a critical part of the region's transportation network. The light rail line is a critical part of the region's transportation network and carries more than 79,000 weekday daily riders. Working in Rail offers a wide variety of opportunities to showcase your skills as the Rail Division grows. This planned growth will create many promotional and training opportunities for personnel. Get in on the ground floor with a trades position in the Rail Division and get your career started with Metro!

Who May Apply

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external and will be used to fill current career service vacancies at Rail and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service and/or temporary vacancies that may occur over the next twelve months at the discretion of the hiring manager.

This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo 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.

Work Schedule
This position has a unique work schedule and work hours may vary depending on the season. During the Spring and Summer season the schedule may be 4/10's Monday-Thursday and 5/8's during Fall and Winter. Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system and potentially can change based on seniority and need. This is an essential position and is required to report to work during adverse weather and/or other urgent/emergency needs. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.

Work Location
Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134 or OMF East 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005.

Required Application Materials:

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.
Completed supplemental questions
Cover letter ( highly encouraged)

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. If you need an accommodation in the selection process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the Human Resources contact for this job announcement, as noted above.

An Employer To Be Proud Of

King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry.

Great Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family including state-registered domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the Benefits tab on this posting.

Additional Benefits

Safety clothing, uniforms and equipment provided
Transit pass good on Metro, Pierce, Community and Sound Transit

If you have specific question regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Janay Brim, Talent Advisor
jbrim@kingcounty.gov

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. We model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors and practices across all of the job duties listed below:

Maintain, modify, or repair irrigation systems; establish watering schedule and program controllers; analyze and/or modify system blueprints used in system installation, as needed.
Prepare and apply insecticides and/or pesticides; control pests using pesticides and plant growth using herbicides; maintain records, conform with requirements of Integrated Pest Management (1PM) program.
Operate all equipment to include gardening tractors, mowers and power man lift equipment; maintain a variety of basic gardening equipment such as edger’s, mowers, pruning tools and spraying tank equipment.
Provide training and ensure safe operations of equipment and tools.
Assist Chief in the inspection, approval, and work coordination of contractor work.
Perform landscape maintenance of a wide variety of landscape medium including turf, ornamental plants, soil, trees, shrubs, and retention/detention ponds; install new turf; repair damaged areas.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed, such as ice, snow and trash removal.
Plan/schedule, direct and coordinate the daily work assignments of the landscape crew.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of current experience as a Transit Grounds Specialist OR at least two years of similar experience in a professional grounds keeping position.
Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Knowledge of gardening principles, methods, 1PM techniques and equipment and materials needed for various jobs.
Knowledge of basic hand and power tools use and safety requirements.
Ability to read instructions for the application of fertilizer, pesticides, and insecticides.
Ability to work in a team environment and a diverse work group.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to resolve conflict and listen effectively.
Ability to organize, manage, and structure work effectively.
Knowledge and experience in performing skilled pruning and trimming tasks.
Basic computer skills and knowledge of e-mail, MS Word and computerized work order systems.
Knowledge of general grounds maintenance principles and techniques.
Knowledge of landscape design.

The most competitive candidates will have the following desirable qualifications:

One year of professional experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
Knowledge of workload planning and scheduling.
Customer service skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Skill in handling multiple competing priorities.
Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in training and providing technical assistance.
Skill in problem solving.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Washington State Driver License
Valid WA State Public Operator's License (to apply pesticides) or ability to acquire within 6- months of hire. (Metro may be able to assist with the cost of acquiring the license).
WA State Public Operator's License endorsement in disease and ornamental plants or ability to acquire within 6-months of hire.
Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Physical Requirements
This work requires frequently working in a stooping or kneeling position. May be required to do a lot of twisting or bending. Physical effort is required to perform such tasks as weeding, lifting, shoveling and using heavy gardening equipment and tools.

Work Environment: Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. When warranted, safety equipment and protective clothing will be used/worn. Indoor work may include exposure to exhaust and fumes.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process: Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications. Candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted above will be invited to participate in a basic computer skills test, upon passing candidates will be invited to a panel interview. 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, Local 587.

Class Code: 9210200

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options. If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

submit proof of vaccination, or
have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

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.

#RailJobs #TradesJobs

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:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
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: King County employees are eligible to 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
10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite gyms and 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 please 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. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

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.

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
No.

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

Are you a current Transit Ground Specialist with a minimum of two (2) years of experience at Metro OR an ATU Local 587 Employee with at least two years of similar experience?

Please indicate which of the following minimum requirements you meet. Select all that apply.

Valid Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL), with Class B endorsement, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
Valid Washington State Public Operator's License, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
Valid Washington State Public Operator's License with endorsement in disease and ornamental plants, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
The ability to lift/move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Valid Driver's License

Please indicate the additional desirable qualifications you possess as related to this position. Select all that apply.

Two (2) years of professional work experience in the groundskeeping or gardening field, including plant selection, care, and maintenance, or related coursework/training, or some combination thereof demonstrating the ability to perform the essential job duties of the position.
One (1) year of professional work experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, or related coursework/training, or some combination thereof demonstrating the ability to perform the essential job duties of the position.
Knowledge of gardening, landscaping, and/or grounds maintenance principles and techniques, IPM techniques, and equipment and materials needed for assigned jobs.
Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Knowledge of basic hand and power tool use and related safety requirements.
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.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of workload planning and scheduling, with ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
Basic computer skills and knowledge of email, Microsoft Word, and computerized work order systems, e.g. EAM.

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?

If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A".

In the last 5 years, has your license been revoked or suspended?

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate why below, Check all that apply

Moving violation
Unpaid parking ticket(s)
Unpaid traffic ticket(s),Child support enforcement
Child support
I have not had my license suspended

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.

Once
More than once
My license has not been suspended

Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply.

Reckless or negligent driving,DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Hit and run incident
Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault,Open container violation
Open container violation
More than one at-fault accident
None of the above

How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last 5 years?

1
2
3
4
5 or more
0

If you indicated above that you have been cited, list the date and offense. For speeding tickets, please list the posted speed limit and your actual speed. Be sure to include whether your license was suspended for the citation, and whether or not the ticket has been paid. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered. If no violations, please answer "N/A".

How many accidents have you had in the last 5 years?

No accidents
1
2
3
4
5 or more

List all accidents you have had in the last five years in which you were at fault, including employment-related accidents. Include the month and year of the accident, a brief description, the approximate dollar damage, whether or not there were injuries as a result of the accident, and if you were given a traffic citation. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered further. If no at-fault accidents, please answer "N/A".

Which Windows based computer software programs are you skilled in using? Check all that apply.

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook
None of the above

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).

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.

Required Question

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King County

Auburn, WA