Program Lead for Trolley Expansion and Modification (TP IV)

Full Job Description

King County Metro is seeking a Transportation Planner IV to serve as Program Lead for Trolley Expansion and Modification within the Speed and Reliability Workgroup in the Capital Planning & Portfolio Management Section of the Capital Division.

As part of Metro’s commitment to a zero emissions future, the trolley network plays a vital role in delivering clean, reliable electric transit service, and this program helps guide its strategic maintenance and expansion.

The Speed and Reliability Workgroup lead near and mid-term capital planning for transit corridor improvements, spot enhancements, and trolley bus expansion and modification projects in partnership with local jurisdictions.

The team identifies, prioritizes, and guides these projects through planning, design, and implementation phases, working closely with Metro’s Capital Project Delivery section and external partners.

As Program Lead, you will:

• Manage the Trolley Expansion Planning Program, including program governance and biennial Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget submittals.
• Oversee planning and implementation activities for trolley-related capital projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and key stakeholders to build support for projects and the overall program.
• Identify process gaps and develop strategies and solutions to advance program goals.

We are looking for a results-driven leader who can:

• Strengthen partnerships with internal teams and local jurisdictions, especially the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
• Foster innovation and explore creative approaches to expand and improve Metro’s trolley network.
• Excel in a collaborative environment and lead complex transportation planning and engineering projects.
• Navigate ambiguity and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Support department goals in promoting equity and social justice.
• Lead the trolley expansion program planning process and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies, implementation plans, and solutions in alignment with program goals.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the development of staff; provide clear direction and leadership to direct reports.
• Oversee planning teams, provide technical guidance, and secure conceptual project approval from internal partners and local jurisdictions.
• Manage small to complex trolley, spot improvement, corridor, and partnership projects through the planning phase; monitor design and implementation phases for projects delivered by local jurisdictions or Metro's Capital Project Delivery section; prepare project updates and coordinate closely with project teams and agency partners.

• Prepare project intake, charters, and initial project management plans for trolley modification, spot improvement, corridor improvement, and partnership projects.
• Prepare project and program budget materials; develop financial strategies and cash flow projections for projects identified in the CIP; collaborate with the Capital Project Delivery and Central Services Sections on budget needs.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with project stakeholders, local agency staff, project team members, and other partners.
• Select, manage, and oversee consultant work.
• Lead, participate in, and facilitate governance committees, including stakeholder advisory groups, technical advisory committees, and other workgroups as needed.
• Prepare grant applications for State and Federal funding.
• Apply innovative and efficient planning approaches and tools to address challenges in a complex and rapidly evolving environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Planning (Land Use, Urban, Regional, Transportation, Environmental), Public Administration; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• At least three years of experience in program and/or project management for transportation projects, including project initiation, planning, design, implementation, and/or closeout.
• Demonstrated experience leading and/or supervising staff, including providing direction, mentoring, assigning tasks, supporting professional development, and building effective teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinate with consultants, and navigate issues involving multiple competing interests.
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles, practices, and analysis techniques,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing clear and concise reports for varied audiences, facilitating multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering presentations on complex topics.

• Familiarity with zero-emissions bus technology (preferably electric trolley buses) state of the practice, advantages, and limitations relative to other bus technologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing and negotiating agreements with external parties to deliver a scope of work
• Experience in navigating ambiguous situations by utilizing effective strategies to guide program and/or project work teams

Additional Information

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 Kam Kaur, Talent Advisor atkakaur@kingcounty.gov.

Required Application Materials:

• Submit an online application through our careers site. Update your application with all relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more if necessary), including detailed job duties, dates of employment, and clear explanations for reasons for leaving.
• Attach a resume.
• Attach a cover letter that highlights how your experience, knowledge, and skills align with the position's responsibilities. Your cover letter should also clearly articulate your interest in this position.
• Thoroughly respond to all required Supplemental Questions within the application.

Selection Process:

Applications and required documents will be reviewed for clarity, thoroughness, competitiveness, and writing skills.

Your application must confirm and support your answers to the supplemental questions and any experience mentioned in your resume.

If responses cannot be validated within your application, or if applications are missing the required materials listed in this job announcement, candidates may be removed from consideration.

The most competitive candidates may be asked to participate in one or more panel interviews.

Final scores may be weighted to consider overall application materials, relevant experience, and interview scores.

Offers and start dates will be finalized after completing any required pre-employment screenings, such as reference checks and/or internal record reviews.

Work Schedule:

Our regular business hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, work outside of these hours may occasionally be required. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and therefore, is not eligible for overtime pay. We may also consider flexible hours.

Work Location:

The Capital Division works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle WA 98104.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

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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.

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.