Operations Security Liaison Assistant (SDA)

*This is an internal recruitment. We are only accepting applications from eligible ATU 587 bargaining unit members who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.*

Metro Transit’s Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance (SSQA) Division seeks multiple entry-level safety professionals to join our team as Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Operations Security Liaison Assistants supporting Bus Operations. 

As frontline defenders of transit safety, Operations Security Liaison Assistants (OSLAs) play a vital role in protecting both operators and riders by acting as a resource for safety and security questions, providing expert on-site support across our operating bases, and fulfilling 800-1000 monthly requests for bus video from a wide range of internal departments, law enforcement, and external partners. Responsibilities also include collaborating with base security committees, assisting employees with reporting in Origami, and facilitating After Action Reviews. The work in this role directly contributes to Metro’s exemplary customer service, the safety and security of our employees and riders, and overall risk mitigation for King County. These Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions report to the SSQA Transit Safety & Security Superintendent. 

Who May Apply: These SDA opportunities are only available to current Career Service employees represented by the ATU 587 Union who have been a Full-Time Operator for a minimum of three (3) years and have passed the probationary period in their current position (587 Contract Article 20: Section 9). Part-time Operator experience does not count towards the minimum 3 years’ experience requirement. Approval is required from your current Supervisor, Chief, or Manager in order to accept a Special Duty Assignment. We strongly encourage all candidates to speak to their leadership team about their interest in this SDA before applying.

Recruitment Info: This recruitment will be used to fill three immediate Operations Security Liaison Assistant (SDA) vacancies for a duration of up to 12 months. Additional Operations Security Liaison Assistant (SDA) vacancies are anticipated in 2027. This recruitment may be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill future SDA vacancies in this classification and workgroup. If created, the eligibility list would remain active for up to 12 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority. 

Ideal candidates will exhibit the following critical competencies:

• Are punctual, reliable, and have an exceptional attendance record.
• Possess strong task and time management skills.

• Have demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring safety and security at Metro Transit in current and past roles.
• Have a track record of providing world-class customer service to our riders, other employees, and external partners.

• Possess exemplary interpersonal and conflict management skills.

• Desire to learn and grow, with a resourceful approach to the learning process.
• Takes initiative to understand and apply coaching and feedback.

• Are highly detail-oriented with a functional knowledge of Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office programs.
• Possess knowledge, experience, or a strong interest in any of the following areas:
  1. Bus Operations and Maintenance
  2. Customer Service
  3. Transportation Safety and Security

For a full list of qualifications and application instructions please see the ‘Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills’ and ‘Supplemental Information’ sections below. 

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably, is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As an Operations Security Liaison Assistant (SDA) you will: 

• Video Management: Retrieve and process video footage from coach surveillance systems, coordinating with various groups on related safety and security topics.
• On-site Support: Serve as the primary liaison for transit employee safety and security concerns at operating bases.
• Data & Reporting: Utilize Metro's safety data management system (Origami) to enter and review safety and security reports.
• Incident Analysis: Support the investigation and analysis of safety and security incidents.
• Risk Mitigation: Participate in safety and security meetings for hazard identification and corrective action planning, and monitor work sites to develop mitigation strategies.
• Employee Support & Compliance: Recommend appropriate tools and training to employees, ensure safety and security promotional materials are current, and monitor organizational activities for compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following REQUIRED minimum qualifications:

• Must be a current career service ATU 587 bargaining unit member with at least three (3) years of experience as a Full-Time Operator for King County Metro Transit. Part-Time Transit Operator experience does not count towards this experience requirement.
• An exemplary attendance record that proves your ability to be reliable and punctual.
• Possession of a current, unrestricted Washington Commercial Driver’s License: Class B, passenger endorsed, air brake restriction removed is necessary. A current CDL Medical Examiner’s card is also required.
• Knowledge of the bus operating environment and the buses themselves.
• Knowledge of coach operations including activating equipment and relocating coaches in emergencies, as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, and the ability to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Functional knowledge of Windows-based computers and navigating Microsoft Office Suite applications is required.

Highly competitive candidates will have the following desired (but not required) qualifications:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and related applications.
• Understanding of chain-of-custody procedures with a demonstrated ability to follow and respect established protocols.
• Familiarity with Metro and ATU 587 agreements pertaining to the appropriate and lawful use of video surveillance.
• Technical expertise in video surveillance systems, including retrieval, processing, and secure handling of video data.
• Knowledge of Metro’s fleet operations, including fleet management, vehicle deployment, and hosteling procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities, with a resourceful approach to problem-solving both technical and operational contexts.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Candidates must be willing to work flexible shift times (and occasional on-call duties) to complete critical tasks with minimal disruption to transit services, and according to departmental needs.
• If you hold a safety-sensitive position prior to accepting this Special Duty Assignment, you may continue to be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols.
• Candidates must pass the King County Work Record Review during the recruitment and at the time of appointment. See the Work Record Review point values and screen-out threshold table in the section below for more details.

How To Apply: Applications submitted without the required application materials listed below may be deemed incomplete and be removed from consideration. Additional documents and attachments, such as resumes, will not be reviewed if submitted. Please ensure all relevant work, volunteer, or other applicable experience is included in your online King County application.

Required Application Materials:

The following materials are required to apply:

• An online King County application updated with accurate contact information and relevant work history going back at least 5 years (or more, as needed), including your current job. Thoroughly describe all job duties and responsibilities, dates of employment for each position you held, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Completed supplemental questions. 
• A Cover letter no longer than one (1) page addressing the following required prompts: 
  • What specific knowledge, skills, or abilities do you hope to gain from being selected for this Special Duty Assignment? AND
  • Describe one or two traits you possess that will support your success in this role including a brief, specific example from your own work experience that demonstrates these traits.

Your cover letter must address both above prompts, be written in your own words, and include information specific to you. Cover letters that do not meet these requirements and/or are generic or non-specific may cause your application to be removed from consideration. Formal headings are not required.

Selection Process: Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications, and for clarity, thoroughness, and competitiveness as it relates to this position and the instructions above. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and will be required to pass a King County Work Record review (according to the criteria listed below). Placement into this SDA is not guaranteed and is dependent on your current Chief, Supervisor, or Manager’s approval and the business needs of Metro Transit. Offers are contingent on candidates successfully completing any necessary pre-employment processes, such as internal record reviews, driver’s abstract review, criminal background check, etc.

King County Work Record Review (point values and screen-out threshold)

Performance records will be reviewed for the candidate's most recent 24 months of county employment as of the closing date for this recruitment. A month of actual employment is defined as a calendar month in which the employee has worked 15 or more full or partial days. Candidates may be screened out and removed from consideration if they do not have the required 24 months of qualifying employment to review within the preceding 4 years leading up to the closing date for this recruitment.

Applicants will be screened out of the selection process if the record review totals 15 or more points.

Points will be assigned within each of the following work record categories: Performance Reports: Oral Reminders: 3 points each.  Written Reminders: 5 points each.  Suspensions and Decision-Making Leave: 10 points for each instance.  Major Infractions: 18 points (36 months are reviewed for major infractions). Attendance: Misses: 6 points for each unexcused absence; 3 points for each absence; 3 points for each late report.  Absences and late reports purged by the bus side 60/30 day rule will be counted for Rail. Safety and Accidents: Preventable Accidents: 18 points for each severe accident; 9 points for each major accident; 5 points for first minor accident; 7 points for each successive minor accident.

Candidates are required to meet these work record criteria during the recruitment AND at the time of SDA placement.

Work Schedule: This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay. Employees in this job classification will work 40 hours per week on a flexible work schedule approved by their immediate supervisor with typical work hours between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Employees must be available to work an altered schedule, including swing and graveyard shifts as needed, and must be willing to be on call when deemed necessary to respond to job responsibilities. Employees may be required to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays.

Work Location: Work will generally be performed onsite each day at Bus Operations bases but may include all Metro bases (including Rail) or locations anywhere within the King County Metro Transit service area.

Classification / Union: Transit Operations Security Liaison 9631100 / This position is represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.

Additional Requirements:

Driver’s Abstract Review: Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable five-year driving record (to be verified via a Driver’s Abstract review prior to employment). Any of the following violations in the last five years will automatically disqualify candidates under consideration:

• Reckless or negligent driving
• Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated 
• Hit and run accident citation
• Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault 
• Open container citation
• More than one at-fault accident (does not include non at-fault accidents) 
• Any 1 suspension for a moving violation
• 3 or more moving violations
• Any license suspension, revocation, cancellation or disqualification based on a traffic or moving violation 
• License restrictions (such as an ignition interlock device requirement)
• Any convictions for reckless or negligent driving, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicular assault or homicide
• Any alcohol, drug or test refusal related occurrences
• Any other driving record incidents or occurrences that provide a reasonable basis to question the applicant's ability to provide safe and public transportation

WA State Driver’s License: Successful candidate must possess a Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of hire and have the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely fashion to places where public transportation may not be readily available.

Background Check Requirement: Where the criminal conviction relates reasonably to the fitness to perform the job duties, Metro Transit has a responsibility to ensure a safe and reliable public transportation system for its passengers and its employees. The following criminal convictions may establish an impermissible nexus with positions that require interaction with the general public and/or, unsupervised access to other employees or the general public and/or, responsibility for the maintenance and safety of Metro Transit property:

• Crimes of a sexual nature committed against an individual including, but not limited to, rape, child molestation, and unlawful sexual acts.
• Any crime of a sexual nature that results in inclusion on the national sex offender registry.
• Crimes involving violent or assaultive behavior including, but not limited to, murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, assault, battery, kidnapping, extortion, carrying or use of a deadly weapon.
• Crimes involving the physical control, sale, use, transportation of controlled substances, and/or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Note – the nexus of prior misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor convictions related to marijuana should be evaluated carefully in light of SB 5605, Misdemeanor Vacating for Marijuana.
• Crimes involving dishonesty such as fraud, embezzlement, the mishandling, theft, and/or the misappropriation of funds or property, or possession of stolen property.
• Crimes involving serious or repeated discrimination or harassment based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation (municipal law applies in Seattle).

The above do not constitute a comprehensive list of convictions with a potential nexus to Metro Transit classifications, nor do they automatically disqualify an applicant from further employment consideration. For additional information please refer to: RCW 43.43.830.

Safety Responsibility: Employees

• Responsible for understanding the safety policy and their role in safety

• Report all safety concerns
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system

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.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Sarah Ottele at [email protected]. 

Need help with your application?

• Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.
• For technical support related to accessing or completing your application, contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance during regular business hours: +1 855-524-5627 or email [email protected].
• The King County Workforce Development page offers free guidance, resources, and checklists to help candidates present their skills and experience competitively for King County recruitments. We highly encourage you to visit the 'General Career Resources' section on their website for more tips.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

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No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

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.