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 Operations Chief, you will:  
 

• Supervise and direct the work of first-line supervisors and transit operators, exhibiting positive leadership and role modeling, encouraging and supporting staff development and training, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ADA accommodations as needed.
• Develop and implement programs to manage employee performance, including providing progressive discipline, taking disciplinary action, and referrals to training.
• Investigate and respond to allegations of employee misconduct. Determine and administer appropriate discipline and/or corrective actions.
• Address specific employee performance deficiencies: counsel, direct, assist the employee in problem-solving the deficiencies, establish and communicate performance expectations.
• Interpret and apply labor agreements and County and Metro Transit policy
• Conduct grievance hearings and make decisions regarding the resolution of grievances.
• Interview and recommend the selection of transit operators and first-line supervisors.
• Work with internal and external groups including other Transit Operations Divisions, Vehicle Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Scheduling, Finance, Union officers and stewards, emergency response organizations, contractors, the public, elected officials, and representatives from private organizations on various Operational issues and projects.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints; mitigate high-profile service delivery issues with elected officials, other agencies, and the public.
• Workforce planning to ensure that adequate staff exists to meet service schedule requirements.
• Project management for smaller projects within Bus Operations and throughout the Metro Transit Division (MTD).
• Make budget-minded decisions during both day-to-day base operations as well as ongoing projects.
• Coordinate and advise the Base Security and Base Safety Awareness committees; implement base-specific initiatives to improve safety and reduce operator and passenger assaults; make base safety and security recommendations to upper management.
• Work with others to anticipate, identify and implement opportunities for service quality, workplace and business process improvements.
• Make real-time decisions to support transit services during emergency situations.
• Act as Superintendent of Base Operations when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Candidates must have:

• Three years of increasingly responsible experience relative to the Transit Chief position, including at least two years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Recognizes the importance of building relationships and trust with employees. Effectively lead a diverse team and has the ability to work with others well by displaying cooperation, assisting team members in completing tasks, and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with human resource and leadership concepts and principles and be dedicated to employees and the management of their performance and development of their skills.
• Ability and comfort with managing a highly unionized workforce, as well as being committed and skilled in building strong relationships with our Union partners.
• Demonstrated experience of being detail-oriented, timely, possess sound judgment, and have a commitment to fairness and equity.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders who share King County's goal of providing quality transit service to our community.
• Possess critical thinking skills, particularly as they related to emergency management, workforce planning, and process and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in time management, timely decision making, and ability to manage multiple work and special projects efficiently.
• Ability and willingness to learn new programs and skills

• Experience in a Transit Chief Position
• Knowledge of King County Metro Transit's policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the 587 Labor Agreement
• Experience or knowledge of HASTUS System 

• Valid Washington State Driver License with acceptable five-year driving record.
• Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays, as required for shift assignment and consistent with negotiated labor agreements.
• Work may require reporting for extended duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Application and Selection Process

An online employment application, completion of the supplemental questionnaire, and a Letter of Interest are required.