Superintendent-Commuter Rail Operations

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general direction, the Superintendent of Commuter Rail provides operational oversight of Sounder Commuter Rail service, coordinating day-to-day service delivery with partner railroads, including BNSF, Amtrak, WSDOT, local transit partners, and contracted service providers. The position monitors system performance, oversees incident response, reviews operational data including on-time performance, ensures compliance with FRA regulations and Sound Transit policies, and represents Sound Transit’s operational interests with host and tenant railroads.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Operations Research, Security Management, or closely related field.
Five years in railroad, commuter rail, or rail transit operations, including experience working with host railroads, contractors, or operational partners in a service delivery environment.
Valid Washington state driver’s license.
Knowledge of FRA regulations, 49 CFR requirements, and railroad operating rules including GCOR.
Principles of incident management and service regulation, preferably in a railroad context.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of operating characteristics of rail systems including signals, track, communications, and facilities.
Skills in data analysis, report writing, interpretation of operational metrics, and performance monitoring.
Ability to work collaboratively with host railroads, contractors, government agencies, and internal stakeholders.
Ability to respond effectively under pressure, manage rapidly changing operational conditions, and support service restoration efforts.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to represent Sound Transit in technical and operational settings.
Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Policy and procedure development.
Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
Applying advanced project management and program development techniques and principles.
Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.

Nice To Haves

National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications.

Responsibilities

Monitors day-to-day Sounder service delivery across all corridors, ensuring operations meet contractual commitments, regulatory requirements, and Sound Transit service standards.
Coordinates with BNSF as host railroad, Amtrak, WSDOT, local transit partners, and internal Sound Transit teams on operational issues, performance trends, and service adjustments.
Oversees operational reporting including on-time performance, delay attribution, service delivery metrics, and FRA reporting where applicable.
Supports post-incident review, documentation, and corrective actions.
Participates in and supports operational readiness, seasonal readiness planning, and service change implementation.
Provides operational oversight during incidents, ensuring timely coordination among BNSF, Amtrak, local emergency responders, WSDOT, and Sound Transit departments.
Monitors incident response processes with attention to service restoration, communication flow, and adherence to applicable procedures and agreements.
Interfaces with operating partners to ensure service delivery obligations are met, including performance metrics, operational readiness, and reporting.
Reviews operational components of agreements with BNSF, Amtrak, and other partners and monitors compliance related to daily operations.
Coordinates on operational aspects of inspections, audits, FRA reviews, APTA assessments, and internal safety and quality audits.
Analyzes operational data, identifies trends, and prepares reports for internal stakeholders, leadership, and external partners.
Maintains awareness of changes in FRA regulations, APTA guidelines, railroad industry standards, and operational best practices.
Supports development and updates of operational procedures, plans, and supporting documents.
Embraces agency values and prioritizes internal and cross-departmental collaboration to achieve successful outcomes for the assigned project and other agency initiatives.
Interfaces with operating partners to ensure service delivery obligations are met, including performance metrics, operational readiness, and reporting.
Participates in departmental initiatives and supports the planning and execution of strategic business priorities.
Maintains effective working relationships with external partners that may include federal, state, and local officials, project partners, and key community stakeholders.
Provides departmental support on assigned matters; may serve on working groups and committees; prepares and presents reports and correspondence; participates in professional and industry groups; monitors and integrates relevant trends and developments; and ensures consistent and effective application of policies and compliance with laws and regulations.
Takes full accountability for ensuring compliance with Sound Transit policies and procedures and for delivering the project as a safe, secure, and reliable high-capacity transit system to ST Operations.
Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors across the agency.
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet Insurance discount.
ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.