Senior Technical Trainer-Tacoma

Sound Transit•Tacoma, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, supports Tacoma Link operations and maintenance departments and Agency training and development opportunities. The role identifies, develops, tests, deploys, and tracks compliance for technical training programs that support Tacoma Link’s organizational goals. Core areas include rail operator, rail maintenance, and rail supervisor training, as well as compliance training and tracking through a Learning Management System (LMS). The position manages Tacoma Link training records and programs to ensure their accuracy, safekeeping, reporting, and compliance with jurisdictional and Agency requirements. It develops and delivers classroom and field instruction, supports audits, evaluates training needs and effectiveness, and collaborates with internal and external partners. The role also serves as Tacoma Link’s LMS subject matter expert and supports emergency management drills and exercises. Work is performed in a hybrid environment, with an expectation of working in the office at least three days per week. Site visits and field work may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise. The position is safety sensitive and requires a qualifying DOT physical and drug testing under applicable federal transit regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Computer Science, Trade School Instruction, or a closely related field, and four years of experience training adults in an organizational setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver’s license, with no more than one violation in the past 12 months, excluding DUI and reckless driving.
Ability to meet DOT physical standards for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, with recertification as needed, and to pass a negative drug test. The position is subject to random, post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing under federal transit regulations.
Communication skills for working with departments at all levels, consultants, and trainees.
Working knowledge of vehicle maintenance and right-of-way maintenance practices.
In-depth knowledge of industrial safety practices, including lock-out/tag-out, fall protection, and OSHA standards.
Ability to work with technically diverse client groups and culturally diverse teams and clients.
Knowledge of consulting practices, training processes, safety principles, Sound Transit and Tacoma Link rules, policies, procedures, and lead or supervisory methods and techniques.
Knowledge of LMS content documentation and reporting; hands-on use of Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of planning, goal setting, implementation, needs assessments, program evaluations, and training delivery methods suited to the material and audience.
Knowledge of project, meeting, and time management, and the importance of confidentiality in HR and training contexts.
Ability to create training videos or online training and write age-appropriate training materials.
Understanding of lecture, large- and small-group exercises, and informal presentation formats.
Ability to interpret situations and apply best practices; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, management, and vendors.
Ability to lead training-process improvement, implement process changes, and improve productivity.
Ability to communicate and coordinate with coworkers, customers, and vendors; work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
Ability to manage projects and make decisions in fast-paced, difficult environments while maintaining quality.
Ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge of state and federal rules related to rail operations and maintenance, and industrial safety rules applicable to public transit and rail operations.
Ability to respond to inquiries effectively in oral and written communication; research, analyze, and evaluate service-delivery methods and techniques; and work cooperatively with departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Rail Operator Certification.
Some experience with Excel and Visio.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, plan, organize, conduct, and evaluate technical training programs for Tacoma Link, including rail operations, rail maintenance, health and safety, Agency, and other technical subjects.
Partner with HR and Safety divisions to evaluate employee training records and consultant contracts.
Manage, safeguard, maintain the accuracy of, and report training records and programs required to satisfy jurisdictional and Agency requirements.
Provide subject matter expert support for audits of the Tacoma Link training program.
Collaborate with internal and external departments to define training needs, develop learning objectives and curriculum, conduct training, identify instructors, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Develop classes covering current and upcoming technologies, product features, and troubleshooting information.
Develop courses using adult learning principles, appropriate media, product information, and technical sources; update the LMS with courses and completed training for compliance reporting.
Deliver initial classroom and field training for employees in safety-sensitive positions and evaluate refresher-training and safety-regulation training needs.
Serve as Tacoma Link’s LMS subject matter expert, update staff on system use, create training programs and reporting processes, and partner with HR to maintain accurate employee records.
Write materials for new programs and review, evaluate, and modify existing or proposed programs; recommend changes.
Prepare and distribute training and onboarding materials, including instructional materials, handouts, evaluation forms, and visual aids; set up audiovisual equipment and give presentations as needed.
Schedule classrooms and prepare physical training spaces.
Support emergency management drills and exercises.
Act as liaison to external consultant trainers, contract with vendors, and process training and venue invoices.
Serve on committees and special projects as assigned; participate in professional groups and keep abreast of trends, innovations, regulations, and their impact on the Agency.
Adapt to shifting duties, schedules, priorities, and programs; perform other duties as assigned.
Model Sound Transit’s core values and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow applicable Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures, and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with no cost for employee coverage, plus comprehensive coverage for eligible dependents.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 12% Sound Transit match on a 10% employee contribution.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of annual paid time off, with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service.
12 paid holidays, up to 2 paid floating holidays, and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance discount.
No-cost ORCA card for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Inclusive reproductive health support services.
Opportunities for professional development and recognition.