Senior Rail Activation Manager

Salary range is $130k to $235k, with a midpoint of $180k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Senior Rail Activation Manager (Senior RAM) will manage, and direct implementation of the multifunctional cross-departmental activities established to ensure the safe and efficient activation of the assigned Link Light Rail Extension project. This position will advance the delivery of rail extension projects by driving the application of industry best practices to the myriad of activation and commissioning tasks that must be planned, managed, and documented to verify and validate that the project is functionally and operationally ready to enter revenue service.

ESSENTIAL 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.

• Directs the development and implementation of the project specific rail activation and start-up plan, directing the activation program management activities ensuring the efficient management and implementation of framework activities.
• Provides leadership, direction, and oversight to the various assigned agency leads in all facets of Rail Activation and Test and Commissioning, ensuring smooth and efficient transition to revenue service operations.
• Helps to develop project start-up budget, costs, and schedule, and monitors burn rates and communicates changes or potential impacts utilizing established reporting mechanisms.
• The Senior RAM will own the Activation and Test and Commissioning program, the scope of which is to work with multiple cross-functional teams and drive decisions that improve the delivery, facilitate solutions, and resolve conflicts to ensure that timelines are met and asset readiness to enter operations.
• Directs and manages cross-functional and cross-departmental teams comprising all project specific stakeholders assembled to conduct the array of Activation and Test and Commissioning activities that must be successfully completed to ensure safe and efficient revenue service operations.
• Directs the activation teams review of Activation and Test and Commissioning project work plans, documents, work products, procedures, and conducts or attends periodic project meetings.
• Directs standard reporting to ensure alignment with ATO Activation and Test and Commissioning program key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Directs project specific Activation and Test and Commissioning liaison activity coordination with other programs, divisions, Departments/Offices, and outside agencies; serves as a point of contact to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and their Project Management Oversight Consultant (PMOC) for all project-related activities.
• Represents the Agency with outside agencies including police, fire, emergency response units, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), PMOC, FTA, elected officials, the public, and other appropriate entities and organizations to ensure timely project delivery.
• Provides point of contact for project-specific Activation and Test and Commission planning to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; directs and coordinates assignment of activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations; and works closely with other Agency departments and divisions to provide essential cooperation and communication related to Activation and Test and Commissioning.
• Provides the Executive Director of ATO with timely communication regarding status of the Activation and Test and Commissioning program and current issues; monitors and reports the state of Agency readiness for start of revenue service.
• Serves as a primary contact for any inquiries or issues for project-specific Activation and Test and Commissioning. Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees as needed for the successful completion of the project. Performs high-level negotiations and effectively partners with other departments and divisions.
• Directs interfaces with project teams to address lessons learned from rail activation into current projects preparing for rail activation.
• Coordinates with project leadership and key agency stakeholders to evaluate and recommend a potential revenue service date.
• Motivates staff through the lens of Sound Transit's values and assigns resources using interpersonal and management techniques. Demonstrates a consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups and individuals and fosters a positive attitude within a customer service environment.
• Manages and directs complex work activities by applying project management techniques and principles.
• Directs and drives the development of appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various project stakeholders ranging from Agency employees, contractors, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies. Interprets and administers policies and procedures.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• 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: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or Management, Transportation, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field and eight years of senior-level experience, including project management, delivery, activation, and/or administrative responsibility, in heavy or light rail operations, rail operations, vehicle maintenance, scheduling, training and fiscal management; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state driver's license. This role will perform inspections on active construction sites, stations, and facilities, including locations that are not currently served by transit. Driving an agency vehicle will be necessary to monitor construction tasks and respond to emergent situations at any time of day, within assigned projects and project corridors.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Operations, services, and activities related to light rail activation, start-up, and testing.
• Design and construction of electrified rail vehicles and related components.
• Rail transit system design and construction and the critical relationship with operations.
• Advanced principles and practices related to program areas of assignment.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and technical characteristics of light rail design, construction, and operations.
• Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the areas of assignment including those related to human resources, contract administration, real property, and other assigned areas.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Performing high level exceptional negotiations and effectively partnering with other departments and groups.
• Leading and motivating staff and assigned resources using superior interpersonal and management techniques and demonstrating a consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups and individuals.
• Managing large complex capital projects by applying project management techniques and principles.
• Fostering a positive and progressive attitude in a customer service environment.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, contractors, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Interpreting and administrating policies and procedures.
• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
• Monitoring program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Using computer software programs to compile and prepare spreadsheets and reports.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment and in a field, construction site environment.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Position is responsible for being on construction sites for inspections, monitoring tasks, and responding to emergent situations; may be subject to bending, climbing, grasping, hearing, reaching, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.
• Position includes on call and weekend and/or night shifts to respond to situations 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.