Wayside Section Manager

Wayside Maintenance Section Manager (Transit Section Manager)

This senior leader will report to Rail’s Senior Maintenance Manager and will manage programs and staff within the Wayside Section overseeing the following work groups:
Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Signals & Communications, Track and Right of Way, and Wayside Maintenance Planner Scheduler. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing long‑term business and employee strategy, including strategic initiatives, budget and finance, communication, and section processes and procedures.

• Lead the Section in delivering safe, reliable, and effective maintenance while driving continuous improvement.
• Lead planning, operations, and delivery of Wayside functions for the Division.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies and initiatives to enhance the Section’s performance.
• Oversee the Section’s budget, resources, and material management.
• Generate insightful reports using EAMS, Excel, and other operational platforms to enable effective maintenance planning, prioritization, and resource scheduling.
• Provide senior leadership and cross‑divisional collaboration; serve on Rail’s Senior Leadership Team and collaborate with external partners.
• Develop and maintain a culture of care, inclusion and belonging within the Wayside Section, including employee motivation and communication strategy.
• Ensure safety and public safety remain the highest priority, maintaining strict adherence to safety rules and procedures.

Ideal candidates possess effective leadership capability, strategic organizational planning skills, and a commitment to teaching, mentoring, and developing staff. They are adept at navigating complex conversations, engaging the workforce to identify opportunities for process improvement, and fostering an environment where employees are supported to perform at their best.

• Option 1:
  Five (5) years of management or supervisory experience in rail wayside maintenance.
• Option 2: A two‑year degree in a related field and three (3) or more years of management or supervisory experience in rail wayside maintenance or a related field.
• Option 3:
  Three (3) or more years of experience in rail wayside maintenance and two (2) or more years of management or supervisory experience in rail wayside maintenance or a related field.
• Experience implementing rules and procedures that keep people safe in a variety of operating environments.
• Experience overseeing safety‑critical positions.
• Experience integrating an equity mindset and methodology into continuous improvement activities.
• Experience working effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience working with labor, within unionized environments.
• Effective communication skills and decision‑making that reflect fairness, respect, equity, and inclusiveness.
• Experience supporting and building on a culture of employee engagement.

• Practices and industry standards of maintaining light rail systems, equipment, and structures.
• FTA, APTA, AREMA standards and other technical documents.
• Railroad operations and on‑track safety application.

• Solid expertise in the maintenance of track, signal, and SCADA systems.
• Proven experience developing and delivering organizational strategies.
• Demonstrated experience building, leading, and developing high‑performing teams.

The position is full time, 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. It is eligible for telework/remote work. Work outside of the normal workday is required periodically.

Predominantly on‑site at the Operations and Maintenance Facility Central (OMF‑C) at 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134. Reasonable residence within Washington state required.

Application materials, including the online application, letter of interest, and supplemental question responses, will be screened to determine qualification and clarity. Selected candidates may be invited to interview and undergo pre‑employment processes such as reference checks.

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