Senior Technical Trainer-Tacoma

Sound Transit•Tacoma, WA

21h•$81,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, the Senior Technical Trainer supports Tacoma Link operations and maintenance departments and agency training and development. The position identifies, develops, tests, deploys, and tracks compliance for technical training programs, with responsibility for rail operator, rail maintenance, and rail supervisor training, as well as compliance training and tracking through a Learning Management System (LMS). The role manages Tacoma Link training records and programs to satisfy jurisdictional and agency requirements, supports audits, collaborates with internal and external departments to assess training needs, and develops and evaluates curriculum. It creates and delivers classroom and field instruction for employees in safety-sensitive positions, maintains LMS courses and completion records, and prepares onboarding and instructional materials. The position also coordinates with consultant trainers and vendors, supports emergency management drills and exercises, and contributes to committees and special projects. The incumbent is expected to model Sound Transit’s core values, contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion, follow applicable safety requirements, and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices. This safety-sensitive position requires a qualifying DOT physical and negative drug test, with drug and alcohol testing as required by federal regulations. Work is performed in a hybrid environment, with an expectation of working in the office at least three days per week. Field and site visits may involve exposure to machinery, extreme weather, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise, as well as physical activity and lifting objects up to 25 pounds.

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.
Must meet the DOT physical standard for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, obtain recertification as needed, and have a negative drug test; subject to federally required drug and alcohol testing.
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 and procedures, and lead or supervisory principles and techniques.
Knowledge of LMS content documentation and reporting.
Hands-on proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of planning, goal setting, implementation, needs assessment, evaluation, and training delivery methods suited to course materials and audience needs.
Project, meeting, and time management skills; ability to manage projects and make decisions in fast-paced, difficult environments while maintaining quality.
Understanding of confidentiality in HR and training situations.
Experience creating training videos and/or online training and writing age-appropriate training materials.
Ability to use varied presentation formats, including lectures, large- and small-group exercises, and informal settings.
Ability to interpret situations and apply best practices; establish effective relationships with department staff, management, and vendors; and communicate and coordinate with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
Ability to lead training process improvements, implement process changes, and improve productivity.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
Ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations for rail operations and maintenance, and industrial safety rules and regulations applicable to public transit and rail operations.
Effective oral and written communication, inquiry response, research, analysis, and evaluation of new service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to work cooperatively with other departments, agency officials, and outside agencies.
Able to meet the position’s 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 requirements, and other technical training.
Partner with HR and Safety divisions to evaluate employee training records and consultant contracts.
Manage, safeguard, maintain the accuracy of, and report on training records and programs required to meet jurisdictional and agency requirements.
Provide subject matter expertise for audits of the Tacoma Link training program.
Collaborate with internal and external departments to define training needs, develop learning objectives and curricula, conduct training, identify instructors or speakers, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Develop courses on current and upcoming technologies, product features, and troubleshooting; apply adult learning principles and appropriate media and technical sources.
Update the LMS with courses and completed training for compliance reporting, and support staff in using the system.
Develop and deliver initial classroom and field training for employees in safety-sensitive positions; assess refresher training and safety standards and regulations training needs.
Write materials for new programs and review, evaluate, modify, and recommend changes to existing or proposed programs.
Prepare and distribute training and onboarding aids, including instructional materials, handouts, evaluation forms, and visual aids; arrange classrooms and audiovisual equipment and deliver presentations as needed.
Support emergency management drills and exercises.
Liaise with external consultant trainers, contract with vendors, and process training and venue invoices.
Participate in committees, professional group meetings, special projects, and teams; stay current on talent, training, and organizational development trends and relevant regulations.
Model Sound Transit’s core values, contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion, follow agency safety rules, and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Perform other assigned duties, adapting to shifting duties, schedules, priorities, and programs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with no cost for employee coverage, with comprehensive coverage options 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; director-level employees and above accrue additional days.
12 paid holidays, up to two paid floating holidays, and up to two 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 tuition expenses.
Inclusive reproductive health support services.
Opportunities for professional development and recognition.
Work-life balance.