Supervisor-Light Rail Transportation

Supervisor-Light Rail Transportation

Under general direction, supervises, assigns, coordinates and reviews the daily operations, functions, and activities of the Tacoma Link Light Rail System. Supervises and oversees staff responsible for operating light rail vehicles, yard, and operations and maintenance facility; ensures for safe and on-time delivery of service, superior customer service, conducts safety inspections, accident response and investigation, inspection of personnel, equipment, and property; resolves service disruptions; inspects systems equipment. Trains and re-certifies staff; ensures staff are adequately trained; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; coordinates and assists with planned special events; and performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

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, coordinates, 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.
• Coaches, trains and motivates staff. Coordinates and / or provides staff training; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the division and all related staff. Provides advice and counsel to staff; provides input and / or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate / necessary.
• Prepares, issues and collects daily operational documents; conducts fit for duty on operators prior to start of their shift; coordinates the pull out / pull in of Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for passenger service. Conducts daily sweeps of the right-of-way checking for obstructions and / or abnormalities, overhead catenary system, track conditions, LRV signal and switch operation, and any unsafe conditions along the alignment. Maintains the Record of Train Movements and Daily Supervisors Log; monitors 2-way radio system making acknowledgements as required; and performs daily CCTV operational check on each camera and documents results.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the daily functions of the operators and train movement to ensure safety and efficiency throughout passenger service. Maintains the daily operation of rail system to include on time performance of train schedules; responds to all emergencies (medical and safety) on trains and in station areas; assists responding agencies to any issues on the alignment; resolves customer issues; assists with passenger information regarding service, station stops, directions and how to use the link. Replaces missing or torn station signs, removes graffiti and debris on the right-of-way (ROW) and within Agency property. Maintains daily paperwork and verification of completion and correctness before submitting to the manager; in an emergency and / or operator absence, operates the train in passenger service; and troubleshoots, arranges and implements recovery of LRV failures during passenger service in a timely fashion.
• Performs daily and monthly safety inspection of equipment, operations, staff and facility. Assists maintenance personnel to resolve issues involving signals, switches, and roadway and vehicle repairs; coordinate and support train movement during maintenance activities for non-operations testing. Monitors operation procedures to ensure safe practices; coordinates with Safety on safety critical requirements; identifies and implements prompt corrective action related to safety hazards; oversees performance and evaluates work carried out by internal and external contractors to ensure compliance with ROW procedures; responds to and conducts thorough investigations of accidents / incidents.
• Coordinates Special Events; sets up service hour extensions for such special events as emergency drills, parades, marathons, commercials and special requests; schedules staff; arranges extra security; coordinates with internal / external entities as appropriate. Assists with emergency drills by planning, developing and coordinating the emergency scenario with management and peers; serves as liaison with Tacoma Fire and Tacoma Police; documents the plan outlining the objective, roles and responsibilities, and test instructions; and coordinates, sets the time and location and conducts to drill.
• Conducts training and re-certification of staff to include classroom lessons, hands on training, and ride checks. Develops all TLLR operator training curriculum; assists with new hire training; monitors performance and provides assistance in areas of need; provides input on annual performance evaluations. Assists contractors on ROW procedures prior to commencing work on alignment; assists on developing training programs, curriculum, and training materials; reviews cruise records on board video and CCTV records when required and documents with recommendations for action.
• Monitors and recommends or revises rules, procedures and training materials ensuring that they coincide with each other; develops and issues Bulletins when operational needs persist; monitors and ensures Automated Passenger Count is operational and functioning properly; and serves as liaison for Automated Passenger Counting system.
• Provides encouragement and counseling to employees; promotes continuous improvement to prevent interpersonal issues, encourages and enforces compliance with established rules and procedures; develops and assists with incentive / recognition program to recognize employees' efforts and safety records; works with fellow supervisors as a team to provide consistent and cohesive supervision and maintains a climate of communication and cooperation.
• Provides support to the division / department and others on matters as directed. Serves as staff on a variety of committees as assigned; 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.
• 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.

Education and Experience : Associate's degree, four years of experience in the operation of light or heavy rail transit vehicles; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

This position is considered safety sensitive. It requires a DOT physical that meets standard to qualify for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, and recertification as needed, and a negative drug test. Following is a description of the circumstances for testing as required by Federal regulations 49 CFR Part 655 : random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal Transit Authority DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.

Operational characteristics, services and activities of a transit program.

All areas of light rail to include wayside, vehicle and facilities and operations.

Methods and principles and practices of rail safety requirements in operations.

Training methods and techniques of vehicle standards and practices.

Principles of signals, communications, and computer systems.

Pertinent Standard Operating Procedures, federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including basic requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to public transit services.

Light rail vehicle recovery techniques and procedures.

Standard safety applications.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Public relations principles.

Principles and practices of project development and administration.

Policy and procedure development.

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.

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.

Applying principles and practices of light rail vehicle operations.

Coordinating and directing light rail vehicle operations programs.

Safely operating passenger light rail vehicles in accordance with applicable traffic laws.

Performing pre-trip & post trip inspections on vehicles.

Applying principles and practices of