Project/Program Manager III (SDA/TLT)

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Company: King County, WA

Location: Seattle, WA 98115

Description:

Salary: $53.49 - $64.66 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Job Number: 2025KA24378
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time

Summary
**This recruitment is open to King County employees and the general public**

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division is seeking a transformational Program/Project Manager III (SDA/TLT). This position is based within the Director's Office team whose mission it is to drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and excellence in the Rail Division through communication, project management, business intelligence, and problem-solving, fostering a healthy and equitable work environment for all employees. This role will support event planning and programs and projects spanning five operational sections within Rail-Business & Administration, Facilities, Operations, Vehicle Maintenance, and Wayside. This dynamic position requires the ability to jump between program management, project management, policy and process administration, and hands-on event coordination.

This recruitment process will be used to fill one (1) Term Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position. This PPM III SDA/TLT position is anticipated to last up to 12 months, with possibility of extension. This requisition may be used to generate an eligibility list for future similar Term Limited Temporary (TLT) and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification within the Rail Division. The eligibility list would be valid for twelve months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority.

About King County Metro Transit's Rail Division
King County Metro is the exclusive partner and operations and maintenance provider to Sound Transit's Link Light Rail system. Light Rail is the backbone of Puget Sound's mobility future. With fast, frequent, reliable connections, the system is poised for significant expansion during this decade.

As the alignment continues to grow, it will influence and inform Metro's investments of resources well into the future. In order to strategically and effectively manage such a significant, accelerated rate of growth, the Division Director's Office has established the following strategic priorities to address what matters most:

  • Meet our obligation to Sound Transit and the region through effective expansion of staff who operate and maintain the light rail system
  • Build a culture of care, belonging and inclusion where all employees can thrive
  • Ensure safe, high-quality operations for employees and customers
  • Strengthen partnerships with Sound Transit (Link)
King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement.

With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. All these qualities make this King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Work Schedule and Location:
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. The work week is normally Monday through Friday, (standard work hours) between 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., may require working a flex schedule when necessary. This position offers a hybrid work schedule that combines telecommuting with occasional on-site work at the Operations and Maintenance Facility-Central (3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA). Some work out of other locations may be required, including the new Operations and Maintenance Facility - East (1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA).
Job Duties

A priority focus of this position is Employee Engagement and fostering a Culture of Care. This will include applying program and project management skills to lead event planning efforts focused on employee appreciation, gathering and responding to employee feedback, and supporting initiatives that improve morale and build a healthy workplace culture. Approximately 50% of time will be allocated to this set of job duties, with fluctuations based on timing of engagement events and activities. The remaining 50% of job duties will focus on program and project management activities that support the Rail Division strategic priorities.

Applying 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 the work.

As a Rail PPM III, you will:
  • Lead projects that align with the four strategic priorities of the Rail Division (foster a culture of care, provide operational excellence, deliver on time expansions, and maintain healthy and resilient partnerships with our partners in rail service delivery). Example projects include leading after-action reviews to improve operational efficiencies, establishing new job classifications, and facilitating the adoption of new technologies.
  • Work in partnership with line level craft employees, senior leadership, and the Director's Office team (program/project managers, change management and internal communications professionals, and data analysts) to advance projects, identify needs, assign tasks, and support program and project success.
  • Utilize communication skills to develop, nurture, and advance strategic relationships across King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other external stakeholder groups.
  • Use various tools, including project management software and office applications, to manage project timelines and deliverables.
  • Apply a lens of innovation and continuous improvement to all projects, with a focus on sustainability and system improvement.
  • Serve as a system of support and a critical problem-solver for leadership from across the Rail Division.
  • Conduct research on industry best practices and determine applicability to the Rail operating environment.
  • Facilitate discussions and workshops with diverse teams from across the Division to gather input and translate ideas into action.
  • Identify metrics to measure success of projects, programs, and events.
  • Integrate social justice principles into all projects, while identifying equity impacts of programs, projects, and employee engagement efforts on a diverse and large, deskless workforce.
  • Manage a combination of in-person and virtual project and program work spanning 3+ base locations across the Link Light Rail service area.
  • Support the scheduling and coordination of workshops, meetings, training sessions, and project teams.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these minimum qualifications:
  • Three (3) years of project or program management experience including initiating, planning, executing, and closing out projects to achieve specific goals OR equivalent knowledge/experience to be successful in this role.
  • Must be able to set priorities, meet deadlines, organize work assignments, and operate with strong attention to detail.
  • Must be able to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Experience identifying and implementing creative solutions to persistent problems.
  • Be an effective communicator using both oral and written communications, including comfortability facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Knowledge of equity and social Justice principles and an ability to effectively communicate on these topics.
  • Experience collaborating with and presenting information to a diverse group of employees, including line-level staff and executive leadership.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Ability to successfully navigate ambiguous environments, shift priorities as needed, and create clarity amidst uncertainty.
  • Ability to balance on-going projects with responding to urgent needs and requests from Rail leadership. Must approach challenges with a willingness to engage in problem-solving and be an active listener.
  • Willingness to take on other duties as assigned and support peers in advancing the goals of the Rail Director's Office.
  • Possess a valid Washington state driver's license (or ability to obtain Washington state driver's license upon hire) or alternate ability to travel to off-site locations.
DesirableQualifications(NotRequired)
  • Experience with the public sector, either through consulting or employment within a government agency.
  • Experience working in an Operations, Maintenance, or Service Delivery environment with a large, deskless workforce.
  • Experience with event coordination or planning.
  • Experience utilizing various technologies to improve project management, enhance program success, and measure impact (i.e., Miro, Microsoft Planner, Smartsheet, Tableau).
  • Experience managing budgets and supporting event planning and/or projects or programs in a resource-constrained environment.
  • Experience leading continuous improvement efforts, including planning and facilitating workshops.
  • Experience tracking outcomes using quantitative and qualitative measures.

Supplemental Information

Who may apply: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, different perspectives, and life experiences, and encourage people of all backgrounds 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: Khadija Al-mohanawy, HR Analyst, at

Application Process:
Forms and Materials Required
If you are interested in this position, follow the application instructions carefully. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
  • An online employment application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment, or more to include all relevant experience. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All relevant experience must be included in the application.
  • Responses to Supplemental Questions. Please provide narrative responses to the questions. Do not copy and paste from your resume in response to Supplemental Questions. Doing so will result in an incomplete application, unless the submitted information completely and directly answers the questions posed.
  • An attached resume
  • Applications that do not include the required materials, may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.

    Application materials will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and possibly other selection process elements. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks and/or a record review.

    Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
    PPM III: PROTEC 17/2441300/Grade 63

    For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Khadija Al-mohanawy, HR Analyst, at

    Teleworking Requirement The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment that is predominately remote telework completed with occasional on-site attendance as needed at Operations and Maintenance Facility Central located at 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134. 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 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. 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.

    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 "True North", 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.
    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
    For additional information about employee benefits, visit our

    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

    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.

    02

    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
    03

    This position requires a resume. Did you attach the required resume? If not, you may still go back to that section of the application and attach it. Applications that do not include all required materials may be rejected as incomplete and not advance in the process.
    • Yes
    • No

    04

    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

    05

    How many years of project or program management experience including initiating, planning, executing, and closing out projects to achieve specific goals, do you have?
    • None
    • Less than 1 year
    • At least 1 year but less than 3 years
    • At least 3 years but less than 5 years
    • 5 years of more

    06

    In a couple of sentences, please describe your 3+ years of professional experience in project or program management including organization names, timeframes, and your roles and duties. Please include the name of the employers where you obtained the experience listed above. (if none, list N/A)
    07

    In a few sentences, please describe a specific example when you worked in a quickly adapting environment and how you were successful while navigating change. (if none, list N/A)
    08

    In a few sentences, please describe how you have applied the principles of equity and social justice in professional environments? (if none, list N/A)
    09

    In a few sentences, please explain how your background and experience bring a unique and beneficial perspective to this position of Project/Program Manager III within the Rail Division.
    10

    Please indicate which, if any, of the "desirable qualifications" you meet.
    • Experience with the public sector, either through consulting or employment within a government agency.
    • Experience working in an Operations, Maintenance, or Service Delivery environment with a large, deskless workforce.
    • Experience with event coordination or planning.
    • Experience utilizing various technologies to improve project management, enhance program success, and measure impact (i.e., Miro, Microsoft Planner, Smartsheet, Tableau).
    • Experience managing budgets and supporting event planning and/or projects or programs in a resource-constrained environment.
    • Experience leading continuous improvement efforts, including planning and facilitating workshops.
    • Experience tracking outcomes using quantitative and qualitative measures.
    • None of the above
    • All of the above

    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 - If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative 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.
    15

    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.
    • Yes
    • No

    16

    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, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
    • Yes
    • No

    Required Question

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