Administrator III
Apply NowCompany: King County, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary : $111,259.20 - $134,492.80 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025BB23748
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 02/05/2025
Closing Date: 2/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Summary
King County Metro's Transit Department has an exciting opportunity for one Administrator III position to work within the Rail Division's Business and Administration section. This leadership role reports to the Rail Administrative Services Superintendent or Chief, and collaborates with employees, colleagues, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service while advancing the following strategic priorities within the division:
This Administrator Ill position will lead a high-performing team responsible for managing various administrative functions to support Metro Transit's Rail Division.
This role also requires effective communication with diverse stakeholders, proactive problem-solving, breaking down barriers, change management oversight, continuous improvement implementation, and fostering employee engagement to create a culture of care within the Division. The ideal candidate will excel in navigating an ambiguous work environment, possess leadership experience, and manage multiple competing priorities to deliver substantial results in a fast-paced setting. Additionally, the candidate should have a solid background in equity and social justice, with experience in enhancing opportunities and support for historically disadvantaged employee groups.
About Metro Transit's Link Light Rail Expansion
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.
Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.
Position Information
Who May Apply: This recruitment is open to current King County employees as well as the general public.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Service vacancy.
Job Duties
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 this work. As an Administrator Ill, you will also:
Lead a team to implement and oversee administrative support for the Division by:
Act on behalf of higher-level supervisors as needed and perform other duties as required.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
We are looking for candidates who have:
OR any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
Additional minimum qualifications include:
Necessary Special Requirements:
Supplemental Information
Work Schedule
The base work schedule is 40 hours per week, and normally day shift Monday through Friday, however, due to the 24 hour/7 day a week operation of a public transit service, this position may require off-shift work. The position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.
Work Location
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment working both in the office and at home. The expectation is to be working on site 2-3 days a week. Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various Sound Transit facilities. Employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
The primary location for onsite work is the Operations and Maintenance Facility at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA. Some work out of other locations may be required, including the Operations and Maintenance Facility - East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA and any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
Employee will be provided with a Sound Transit issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
Required forms and application materials:
Applications without the above required materials may not be considered.
NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving etc.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at:
Selection Process
Applicants will be screened for clarity, thoroughness, competitiveness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a one or more interviews. Applications that are not complete or do not include the required attachments may be disqualified and not advance in the process.
Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed a reference check.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact Brenna Burbank Brenna, HR Analyst at
Class Code: Administrator Ill 2810300
Union Representation: PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17
If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brenna Burbank, HR Analyst at
#RailJobs
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Have you attached your resume and cover letter?
02
This position requires travel to locations throughout King County. Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner?
03
What is your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe and Outlook?
04
Please indicate below your demonstrated proficiency in Sharepoint.
05
Please describe your proficiency with hosting online meetings through conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
06
This position requires experience in developing, supervising, and overseeing administrative functions performed for a workgroup, section and/or division or three (3) or more years of experience leading people in an advanced Business Administrative work group. Please briefly describe in 2-3 sentences your relevant experience that allows you to meet this qualification.
07
MTD - Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
08
MTD - If you selected "f" or "g" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.
09
MTD - Are you using related military experience to qualify for this position?
10
MTD - If you're using related military experience, please provide your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If you held multiple MOS, feel free to indicate more than one.
11
MTD - Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children or relatives of a domestic partner.
12
MTD -Do you have any relatives who work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
13
MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.
14
MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. If you answered "no", please list "N/A".
15
MTD - Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
16
MTD - If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
17
MTD - If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
18
I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, fordisciplinary measures, including dismissal.
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025BB23748
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 02/05/2025
Closing Date: 2/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Summary
King County Metro's Transit Department has an exciting opportunity for one Administrator III position to work within the Rail Division's Business and Administration section. This leadership role reports to the Rail Administrative Services Superintendent or Chief, and collaborates with employees, colleagues, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service while advancing the following strategic priorities within the division:
- Developing a Culture of Care
- Providing operational excellence
- Delivering on time expansions
- Maintaining healthy and resilient partnerships with Sound Transit, our partners in Rail Service Delivery
This Administrator Ill position will lead a high-performing team responsible for managing various administrative functions to support Metro Transit's Rail Division.
This role also requires effective communication with diverse stakeholders, proactive problem-solving, breaking down barriers, change management oversight, continuous improvement implementation, and fostering employee engagement to create a culture of care within the Division. The ideal candidate will excel in navigating an ambiguous work environment, possess leadership experience, and manage multiple competing priorities to deliver substantial results in a fast-paced setting. Additionally, the candidate should have a solid background in equity and social justice, with experience in enhancing opportunities and support for historically disadvantaged employee groups.
About Metro Transit's Link Light Rail Expansion
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.
Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.
Position Information
Who May Apply: This recruitment is open to current King County employees as well as the general public.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Service vacancy.
Job Duties
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 this work. As an Administrator Ill, you will also:
Lead a team to implement and oversee administrative support for the Division by:
- Overseeing daily operations and supervising administrative staff. Act as a key strategic and technical adviser to the Rail Administrative Services Superintendent and other management staff, to provide administrative solutions.
- Directing the development and implementation of strategic goals, vision, workforce management, performance measures, strategies, and policies.
- Supporting the development of a skilled and effective team, managing, and mentoring staff, and providing expertise in administrative best practices.
- Addressing staffing resource gaps by allocating work assignments among administrative team.
- Establishing performance standards, initiating corrective actions as needed, and reviewing operational and administrative policies to recommend improvements to the Rail Division's leadership team.
- Developing and clarifying administrative policies and procedures in collaboration with Rail leadership, King County Metro Employee Services and Sound Transit personnel.
- Representing the section in various internal and external groups, project teams, committees and task forces on topics that affect section systems and service delivery.
- Developing and managing administrative guidelines, processes, and procedures for administrative functions using tools like excel, word, PowerPoint, that assists administrative staff and evaluate performance and identify resource gaps.
- Supporting business teams in implementing significant administrative business process improvements through process improvement methodologies.
- Analyzing operational trends to optimize work assignments, staffing, absenteeism, leave usage, and forecasting future staffing needs.
- Building collaborative relationships with collective bargaining units (Unions), ensure consistent application of labor policies and contract provisions, investigating grievances, and support legal or contractual conflict resolution.
- Providing guidance on complex or sensitive issues to subordinate supervisors and staff.
Act on behalf of higher-level supervisors as needed and perform other duties as required.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
We are looking for candidates who have:
- An associate degree or equivalent in Business Administration (or a related field)
- Experience in developing, supervising, and overseeing administrative functions performed for a workgroup, section and/or division or three (3) or more years of experience leading people in an advanced Business Administrative work group.
OR any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
Additional minimum qualifications include:
- Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees.
- Proven experience in communication and internal employee engagement, including:
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work well with diverse individuals and populations.
- Experience and passion for fostering positive, inclusive cultures that prioritize employee well-being and belonging.
- Demonstrated skill and experience in leading and supervising people, including:
- Developing and leading direct reports, supporting career growth, assigning challenging tasks, and effectively supervising administrative staff.
- Commitment to empowering, mentoring, and training staff, with a focus on process improvement and employee engagement.
- Building respectful, equitable relationship with employees and customers and solving problems for collective benefit.
- Demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and capacity to handle challenging situations with composure and effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented, organized, and show initiative involving matters internal to Metro, as well as external matters involving suppliers, contractors, and vendors.
- Skill in maintaining strict confidentiality in the handling of sensitive data and information involving matters internal to Metro, as well as external matters involving suppliers, contractors, and vendors.
- Data analysis skills that support the ability to make data-driven decision, identify trends, and track program effectiveness.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail. Proven ability to multi-task and remain organized in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and changing priorities.
- Time management skills that demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and daily responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.
- Intermediate level proficiency with software and tools generally used by business and administrative staff, including Office products such as Outlook, Work, Excel, Teams and Sharepoint.
Necessary Special Requirements:
- Avalid Washington State Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
Supplemental Information
Work Schedule
The base work schedule is 40 hours per week, and normally day shift Monday through Friday, however, due to the 24 hour/7 day a week operation of a public transit service, this position may require off-shift work. The position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.
Work Location
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment working both in the office and at home. The expectation is to be working on site 2-3 days a week. Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various Sound Transit facilities. Employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
The primary location for onsite work is the Operations and Maintenance Facility at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA. Some work out of other locations may be required, including the Operations and Maintenance Facility - East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA and any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
Employee will be provided with a Sound Transit issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
Required forms and application materials:
- Submit an online employment application, completed at and complete all answers to the supplemental questions.
- Attach a resume.
- Attach a cover letter that describes your interest in this position and how you meet or exceed qualifications.
Applications without the above required materials may not be considered.
NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving etc.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at:
Selection Process
Applicants will be screened for clarity, thoroughness, competitiveness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a one or more interviews. Applications that are not complete or do not include the required attachments may be disqualified and not advance in the process.
Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed a reference check.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact Brenna Burbank Brenna, HR Analyst at
Class Code: Administrator Ill 2810300
Union Representation: PROTEC17: Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17
If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brenna Burbank, HR Analyst at
#RailJobs
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Have you attached your resume and cover letter?
- Yes
- No
02
This position requires travel to locations throughout King County. Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner?
- Yes
- No
03
What is your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe and Outlook?
- Little to none - will need training
- Beginner - Up to 1 year of experience in all applications
- Intermediate - Moderate Use with 2-3 years of experience in all applications
- Fully proficient in all applications, used daily, with over 3 years of experience
04
Please indicate below your demonstrated proficiency in Sharepoint.
- Little to none - will need training
- Beginner - up to one year of experience
- Intermediate - moderate use with 2-3 years of experience
- Fully proficient with over 3 years of experience
05
Please describe your proficiency with hosting online meetings through conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
06
This position requires experience in developing, supervising, and overseeing administrative functions performed for a workgroup, section and/or division or three (3) or more years of experience leading people in an advanced Business Administrative work group. Please briefly describe in 2-3 sentences your relevant experience that allows you to meet this qualification.
07
MTD - Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
- a. King County Metro Employment Site
- b. King County Metro Employee
- c. Indeed
- d. LinkedIn
- e. King County Careers/Government Jobs.com
- f. Job Fair
- g. Trades/Transit Job Board
08
MTD - If you selected "f" or "g" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.
09
MTD - Are you using related military experience to qualify for this position?
- Yes
- No
10
MTD - If you're using related military experience, please provide your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If you held multiple MOS, feel free to indicate more than one.
11
MTD - Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children or relatives of a domestic partner.
- Yes
- No
12
MTD -Do you have any relatives who work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
- YES
- NO
13
MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.
- a. Bus Operations Division
- b. Capital Division
- c. Employee Services Division
- d. Facilities Division
- e. Finance & Administration Division
- f. General Manager's Office
- g. Marine Division
- h. Mobility Division
- i. Rail Division (including Streetcar)
- j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
- k. Vehicle Maintenance
- l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit
- m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro
14
MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. If you answered "no", please list "N/A".
15
MTD - Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
16
MTD - If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
17
MTD - If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
18
I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, fordisciplinary measures, including dismissal.
- Yes
- No
Required Question