Executive Operations Director-Light Rail EXECU01769 at Sound Transit in Seattle, Washington

Job Description:

The ideal candidate plans, directs, manages, and implements the operations, services, and functions of the light rail operations within the Transportation and Maintenance Division, including the daily operation, oversight, adherence to budget, performance, safety, operations and maintenance of the Central Link Light Rail system. Directs and actively participates in forecasting, planning, and implementation for the Link capital development program focusing on future extensions, service levels, fleet expansion, staffing, facilities, and maintenance. Particular focus on total cost of ownership for maintenance and operation of the expanding system. Collaborates closely with the Executive Operations Director, Corridor Operations; to increase Corridor Director’s knowledge of day to day operations for consistency in project development throughout the system. Provides support to the Operations Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of Transportation and Maintenance as needed, additionally this leader will need to collaborate with division leaders across the Operations department, along with other Agency departments/divisions and outside agencies. This is an executive leadership position requiring working with ST executives, key stakeholders, contractors, and elected officials.SALARY: $‎140k - $‎210kESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.• Plans, directs, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.• Collaborates across divisions to ensure day to day activities and lessons learned are being shared with a particular focus on Corridor Directors to implement consistent operations, maintenance, and facilities within the capital expansion program.• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the division and all related staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary; and provides labor relations support to Tacoma Link and lead collective bargaining agreement negotiations.• Provides day to day policy direction, agreement, enforcement, and provides clarity in all Link related matters; implements safety and emergency management plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Standard Maintenance Procedures, audits, and training; interfaces with four separate Fire Departments; provides necessary testing and documentation for Certification of Occupancy; identifies cost savings areas and any possible efficiencies; provides external, other departments, and senior management input on operations and maintenance reviews, management and administration of performance, timeliness & safety practices; directs and implements Event Services such as Mariners, Seahawks, etc.; meets with contractors on performance and operations issues; plans and coordinates Train Schedules; directs Command, Control & Communications for emergency/crisis, and interruption of service. • Plans and manages fleet and vehicle maintenance and procurement issue; oversees fleet maintenance; approves/disapproves deviations to maintenance/inspection intervals; comments, approves/disapproves engineering change requests; oversees the equipment technology enhancements and maintenance integration including all wayside and right of way maintenance; manages the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition system (SCADA) and its capabilities; develops maintenance strategy and coordination for long term needs; and oversees all non-revenue vehicles used in support functions.• Manages, directs, and oversees the maintenance of an electrified rail road infrastructure, such as track, and roadbed and especially the electrical/electronic aspects of signalization that includes signals, switches, with bungalows and their corresponding configuration control management planning; manages and directs the high voltage electrification distribution system consisting of Traction Power Substations, Overhead Contact System, feeder/current return system, and electrical utilities interface; manages the stray voltage monitoring and containment work program; oversees procurement, management and direction of contractors performing subject work that depends heavily on timely and quality routine inspections and maintenance in conformance to regulatory standards to ensure a safe train operation; interacts with state regulatory auditors; oversees development and warranty policies and procedures; manages the development and adherence to inspection and maintenance contracts and schedules according to standards.• Develops and manages divisional plans such as Safety, Fleet Maintenance and Management, Emergency Preparedness, Warranty, and Rule Book; and develops letters of response to stakeholders, customers, and/or other governmental entities with inquiries regarding programs.• Participates on the Joint Rail Safety Committee; inputs data into Link System Safety Program Plan; serves as lead, facilitator, and manager overseeing the program safety audit; accountable for overall safety of system for customers, employees, and contractors; provides co-development of and authorizes plans and participation in execution of emergency planning exercises with emergency responders; provides close coordination with Security Management on security staffing needs; develops security staffing and reviews; directs responsibility for the State of Washington Labor and Industries, OSHA compliance and complaints; provides oversight to ensure compliance with various national codes and regulations.• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, priorities and budgets for assigned projects, services, and functional area within the Division; makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; identifies and implements cost saving initiatives; prepares sole source purchasing documentation and justification; variance tracking of actual expenditures to budgets; develops and administers contract documents; prepares sole source purchasing documentation and justification, variance tracking of actual expenditures to budgets; and prepares or approves budget presentations and make presentations to decision makers to gain approval for procurements.• Provides support to the division/department and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.• Other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience:Bachelors Degree in facilities management, civil engineering, planning, business administration, or closely related field and ten or more years of experience in managing and directing transit maintenance and operations functions for large complex programs/organization that includes seven years of staff supervisory, budgetary, and management responsibility, preferably in a transit/transportation related environment with multiple facility/office locations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.Required Licenses or Certifications:• Valid state driver’s license.• May be required to obtain National Incident Management Systems certification.Required Knowledge of:• Extensive knowledge of Light Rail Transit operations.• Advanced principles and practices related to Light Rail Operations and Maintenance.• Transit systems, operations, maintenance, facilities, and planning.• Advanced knowledge of CAD, mechanical and electrical engineering principals.• Public transportation principles and best practices.• Contract management.• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs and reporting requirements.• Principles and practices of program development and administration.• Contract procurement strategies and management principles.• Policy and procedure development.• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to transit operations.• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.• Advanced principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.Required Skill in:• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.• Interpreting chart recordings and data downloads such as event recorder, SCADA logs, etc.• Federal transit administration (FTA) capital grant procurement procedures.• Conceptualizing, influencing, developing, and administering goals, objectives, guidelines, and procedures for the Division.• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.• Complaint resolution and problem solving.• Presentation development and public speaking skills.• Procurement of goods and services.• Principles of research and analysis.• Policy and procedure development.• Critical and strategic problem solving.• Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.• Applying advanced project management and program development techniques and principles.• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.Physical Demands / Work Environment: • Work is performed in a standard office environment.• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and hazardous chemicals when conducting site visits and working in the field.• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.  Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action 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.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)