Text mode

Printer Friendly | Tell a Friend

Assistant Director, Light Rail Operations

Transporation Services Department - Close Date: Open Until Filled

Scope of Position
Assists the Director or Deputy Director, Transportation Services in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Transportation Services Department including providing leadership oversight to operations and maintenance, project operations and planning, facilities and right of way (ROW) programs; coordinates assigned activities with other Departments/Offices and outside agencies; serves as acting Department Director/Deputy Director, Transportation Services as required; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Department Director or Deputy Director, Transportation Services.  The Assistant Director, Transportation Services, is a position reserved for those who are heading up large program areas within Transportation Services.  The Assistant Director will typically have at least two program manager level employees reporting to them, or have primary responsibility for one of the ST transit modes, such as Link Light Rail Operations. 

An Assistant Director, Transportation Services works in association with the Transportation Services Director or Transportation Services Deputy Director to provide management direction for implementation of the Department’s programs and projects. In addition to general management responsibilities assigned by the Transportation Services Director/Deputy Director, positions in this class generally assume responsibility for the day-to-day management, internal operational oversight, administration, and technical oversight of several functional program areas and specific activities. Responsibilities generally include monitoring compliance with identified objectives and scope commitments; coordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, other Agency departments, and local, state, and federal agencies; and monitoring of schedules and budget performance, as well as implementing efficient practices in each area of responsibility.

Essential Functions
This job description reflects a representation of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned due to reasonable accommodation or specific requirements of an individual Agency Position Profile or for other reasons.

1. Participate in the overall management of the Transportation Services Department; assume day-to-day management responsibility for assigned services and activities including organizing internal staff to accomplish departmental goals and objectives, project management, internal coordination, budget monitoring, and other assigned divisions, programs, and functional areas.
2. Participate in managing the development and implementation of Transportation Services Departmental goals, objectives, priorities, and action plans including those for each assigned service area; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
3. Establish, within Agency and departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels for assigned divisions, programs, and functional areas; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
4. Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; establish assigned Transportation Services Departmental work group(s) and supporting working policies; create and promote a positive work environment for assigned staff; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
5. Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the work plan for assigned divisions, programs, and functional areas; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility consistent with established objectives to appropriate staff; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
6. In association with the Department Director, Transportation Services, assume responsibility for staff and general administration support and application of Agency policies for contracting, W/M/DBE, EEO/AA, accounting, and other related matters.
7. Oversee the administration and management of assigned contracts; manage, oversee, and participate in contract negations, schedule monitoring, and budget performance monitoring; implement corrective actions as required.
8. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; develop a competent, well-trained, properly structured, and highly motivated staff capable of achieving Division, Transportation Services Department, and Agency goals and commitments; provide coaching, training, and technical information to ensure a knowledgeable and skilled staff.
9. Establish and communicate performance standards and provide staff with timely constructive feedback; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
10. In association with the Department Director, Transportation Services, oversee and participate in the development and administration of the Transportation Services Department budget including budgets for assigned divisions, programs, projects, and functional areas; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
11. Oversee negotiation and management of third party agreements to maintain partnerships and ensure compliance and accountability; ensure that services are completed within the scope, schedule, and budget and that all objectives are successfully met.
12. Provide staff assistance to the Department Director, Transportation Services; identify strategic and policy issues; provide strategic level advice to the Director, Transportation Services regarding major policy and problem solving issues; ensure Sound Transit Board is apprised of relevant policy issues and that appropriate Board direction is sought; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
13. Serve as a primary contact for the assigned divisions, programs, projects, and functional areas as well as for the Transportation Services Department as assigned; represent the assigned divisions, programs, projects, and functional areas to other departments, divisions, programs, projects, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments, divisions, programs, projects, and outside agencies and organizations.
14. Explain, justify, and defend department, division, program, and project policies, procedures, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
15. Participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; serve as a member of the Service Delivery Steering Committee to address operational issues within the Agency.
16. Work closely with Transportation Services Department staff to support the Sound Transit Board and Executive Management’s decision-making by maintaining communications and overseeing the development of briefing materials, responding to requests, and presenting details as necessary.
17. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporate new developments as appropriate.
18. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
19. Serve as acting Department Director, Transportation Services as required; represent the Department in the absence of the Director, Transportation Services.
20. Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of assigned Transportation Services Department divisions, programs, and functional areas.
• Advanced principles and practices related to program areas of assignment.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Transit systems, operations, maintenance, facilities, and planning.
• Contract management
• Public transportation principles and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of transit modal operations if assigned a specific transit mode.
• Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• 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.

Ability to:

• Assist the Department Director or Deputy Director, Transportation Services in managing and directing a comprehensive transit mode or large area of transit operation support activities.
• Develop, manage, and direct assigned divisions, complex programs, and functional areas as assigned within the Transportation Services Department.
• Conceptualize, influence, develop, and administer goals, objectives, guidelines, and procedures for the assigned divisions, programs, and functional areas and participate in the development and administration of Departmental goals and objectives.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, develop, and evaluate a diverse employee group.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Analyze and review budgetary information to determine the impact on assigned divisions, programs, functional areas, and projects.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Use a variety of professional management and/or technical concepts in accordance with Transportation Services Department and Agency objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.

Skill in:

• Performing high level negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.
• Leading and motivating a diverse work force and leading and managing change using superior interpersonal and management techniques.
• Fostering a positive and progressive attitude in a customer service environment.
• Applying appropriate or 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.