Summary
King County Metro Transit's Safety, Security & Quality Assurance (SSQA) division is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Contracted Security Administrator to oversee and support our contracted security program. Metro Transit utilizes contracted security personnel for addressing security-related needs at our Metro facilities, transit centers, and bus routes, including fare enforcement. This role will be part of the Transit Security workgroup which focuses on developing and implementing security services and systems to ensure Metro employees, customers, and infrastructure are safe from harm. Our ideal candidate is a dedicated civil servant with experience planning, developing, and administering comprehensive and effective security or customer service programs. They will be committed to promoting employee and passenger safety, reducing organizational risk, safeguarding transit resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. The Contracted Security Administrator provides oversight of security service contracts that provide security personnel for Metro, ensuring adequate staffing, effective deployment of resources, compliance with contract requirements, and high-quality service delivery. This role is also responsible for managing the contract expenses to the approved budget. The Contract Security Administrator may participate in the development of requests for proposals (RFPs) and contract amendments with King County Procurement when new contracts or adjustments to the existing contracts are needed.
Success in this role requires strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, a commitment to data-driven decision-making, attention to detail, and a high degree of accountability. The Contracted Security Administrator must effectively engage internal and external partners, lead through influence, foster a safe and respectful workplace, and work collaboratively across Metro and community partnerships.
Safety, Security & Quality Assurance Mission: We provide leadership and the highest level of support and customer focus to continuously improve Metro's safety culture and security practices in order to best protect Metro employees, patrons and the communities we serve from harm.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position with a duration of one year from date of hire, with the possibility of extension. In addition, this recruitment selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool for any future Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification. The eligibility pool will be retained for up to 12 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority. The Contracted Security Administrator is a Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) classification.Job Duties 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 the Contracted Security Administrator, you will:
- Oversee deliverables of contracted security services, ensuring service delivery hours and budget are managed according to the contract(s).
- Promote safety and security awareness and culture throughout Metro by developing and championing security programs, ensuring compliance with all related local, state and federal codes and regulations, negotiating agreements and coordinating with regulatory agencies, and issuing work stoppages in accordance with SSQA Division operating policies and delegated authority.
- Recommend and implement performance measurement goals and work effectively with King County Metro staff to establish the programs, systems, and processes required to fulfill those goals.
- Forecast, track and report on security program statistics, including overall program effectiveness, cost trends, and similar performance metrics. Participate in strategy, policy, and implementation planning efforts.
- Plan, develop, coordinate and implement cross-divisional projects and programs.
- Represent Transit Security and Emergency Management Section in a wide variety of internal and external work groups, project teams, committees, and task forces. Engage with a variety of internal and external partners responding to stakeholder needs and feedback as applicable.
- Evaluate data and conduct assessments to analyze trends in security services being provided. Make recommendations to continuously improve efficiency and customer service delivery methods.
- Audit security and customer service programs, assess program performance and prepare summary reports for data-driven decision-making. Evaluate compliance, risk, and control effectiveness of the contracted security programs.
- Develop, amend, implement, and maintain program standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensuring appropriate training and guidance for SOP implementation.
- Lead assigned staff and oversee the work of outside contractors and consultants to ensure compliance with established processes, protocols, and policies.
- Prepare presentation materials and publications for internal and external use. Make presentations to agency leaders and peers, the general public, and elected officials.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
At King County Metro, Transit Security Administrators model the following critical competencies:
- Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Conflict Management - Handles conflict situations respectfully and effectively.
- Effective Communication Skills - Develops and delivers effective and professional multi-modal communications that convey a clear understanding, for a variety of different audiences.
- Customer Service - Strong listening skills to understand customer needs and concerns.
- Instills Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
- Quality Decision-Making - Makes good, informed, timely decisions.
- Planning and Aligning - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
- Strategic Mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
We are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience dedicated to service delivery and operational program management OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work.
- Experience in design, implementation, maintenance, evaluation, and continuous improvement of operational programs and service delivery.
- Experience coordinating, tracking, and monitoring the work of others including contractors and vendors to ensure compliance with established deliverables, protocols, and policies.
- Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, including resolving conflicts, fostering a positive and productive team culture, and effectively planning, prioritizing, and delegating work assignments.
- Experience applying the full scope of local, state and/or federal codes, regulations, and policies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and reliability, including the ability to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and prepare and deliver clear and effective presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to provide effective customer service and manage work activities in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Skill in statistical, operational and trend analysis, and problem-solving.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency with automated management information systems and standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation tools.
Highly competitive candidates will have the following desired (but not required) qualifications:
- Experience in transportation, transit fare, customer service, and/or security programs.
- Working knowledge of the operations, policies and procedures of a transit organization.
- Experience applying the full scope of local, state and federal codes and regulations for bus and rail system security management.
- Experience applying the full scope of local, state and federal codes and regulations that apply to employee safety and security.
- Skill in analyzing incident reports and/or emergent conditions and supporting the direction of appropriate resources and response.
- Experienced in security and emergency management communication best practices.
- Experience and/or completed coursework in Critical Incident Management for Institutions of Higher Education and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) /Incident Command Systems (ICS).
Supplemental Information Who may apply: We are accepting applications from all qualified candidates including current King County employees and the general public. How to apply: Applications submitted without the required application materials listed below may be deemed incomplete and be removed from consideration.
The following application materials are required:
- An online King County application. Updated with accurate contact information and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
- Completed supplemental questions. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported and verifiable by information found within your application materials.
- A resume.
- A cover letter describing your alignment with this role and the skills you would bring to the team. Also, briefly discuss BOTH of the following:
- How you have overseen and coordinated the work of staff, contractors, or vendors, including methods you use to lead and hold others accountable.
- An example of working in a dynamic environment with competing priorities and how you remained adaptable and effective. Note: Only the first two (2) pages of your cover letter will be reviewed. Formal headings are not required. Cover letters that do not directly address the above prompts may be deemed incomplete and be removed from consideration. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request an accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact: Talent Advisor, Sarah Ottele at sottele@kingcounty.gov. Selection Process: Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications, as well as for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. The most competitive applicants may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and/or other selection process elements. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed all necessary pre-employment processes, such as internal record review or reference check, driver's abstract review, criminal background check, etc. Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. Work hours are comprised of a 40-hour work week, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may be required to work extended hours, weekend, and holidays. Work Location: This position follows a hybrid work schedule requiring a minimum of three days a week onsite at King Street Center (201 South Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104), and/or at various Metro facilities including Transit/Rail bases and other locations throughout the Metro Transit service area, consistent with King County Metro's hybrid work policy. Remote workdays may be adjusted based on operational or business needs. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities and must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance to their assigned King County work site to respond to meet reporting requirements. Union / Classification / Classification Code / Grade: Professional and Technical Employees Local 17 (PROTEC17 - C4) / Transportation Security Administrator / 2450200 / 68 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
Necessary Special 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
Employees must possess a Washington State driver's license within 30 days of hire.
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. 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 sottele@kingcounty.gov. 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. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer 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.
Benefits
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.