Metro Transit is hiring a Research Specialist (Project/Program Manager III) to manage transit research projects as a part of Metro’s Research and Evaluation program, which is responsible for conducting market and customer research to help Metro develop and evaluate policies, programs, products and services. Research and Evaluation is part of the Research & Innovation group in the Mobility Division. As Metro evolves into a mobility agency the Research Specialist will play a key role in shaping how Metro will meet transportation needs in King County and will help advance programs and initiatives such as Equity and Social Justice, innovation, sustainability and modernization. This is an outstanding opportunity for a high performing individual looking to play a critical role in shaping the future of travel in the Puget Sound area.

King County Metro Transit
Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment, and radically improving urban air quality. This is accomplished while providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in the public transportation industry.

Who may apply and Position information:
We are accepting applications from all qualified applicants. This recruitment will be used to fill 1 (one) immediate career service vacancy.  This recruitment may also create an eligibility pool for future PPM III career service/TLT/SDA vacancies that occur within this group. The eligibility pool is valid for up to 6 months upon creation, or until exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees.  You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As a Research Specialist you will also:

• Serve as a resource and provider of transit and customer research data for senior management and staff. Manage, update, and develop tools that downstream users of data require to plan, develop, and manage transit service, products and programs.
• Conduct research and specialized analyses using data from multiple sources, including but not limited to Census, agency, and customer survey data bases. Act as project manager and liaison on assigned projects. Represent the section on assigned project teams. This could involve working with internal or external peers, consultants, or vendors as part of a multi-disciplinary or cross-jurisdictional team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Social Science, Marketing, Statistics or related field and 3 years of work experience in related field OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the work
• Experience independently managing small and large projects
• Experience effectively preparing project communications and presentations for management or other senior level audiences
• Knowledge of and experience with various data collection methods, including both qualitative and quantitative
• Experience with research design and methodology
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex data
• Demonstrated ability to report data using charts, graphs, tables
• Demonstrated ability to write reports and technical documents
• Demonstrated ability to use data to evaluate options and make recommendations or decisions with minimal guidance
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret and translate quantitative and technical information to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions and backgrounds
• Survey design knowledge and experience
• Knowledge and/or experience with survey design tools, such as Survey Monkey and Google Forms
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills for managing and prioritizing a diverse workload with multiple customers
• Proficient use of statistical software packages, such as SPSS and R
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project
• Facilitation skills and experience designing and moderating focus groups and workshops
• Knowledge and understanding of Equity Social Justice principles and applying those principles

Desired Qualifications

• 5 years of work experience in related field
• Experience with visual analytics platforms, such as Power BI and Tableau
• Knowledge of statistical methods such as power calculation, significance tests, etc.
• Experience with mapping software such as ArcGIS
• Knowledge of and experience measuring health and quality of life outcomes
• Knowledge of and experience conducting behavioral science studies
• Knowledge of market segmentation methods and applications
• Experience with consultant solicitation and selection process – could include writing an RFP, evaluating proposals, and selecting consultants for support services, managing contract requirements and budget
• Experience engaging with the community
• Experience with implementing Equity and Social Justice initiatives

Supplemental Information

To Apply:
Complete an online application and answer the supplemental questionnaire.  You are also required to attach a cover letter and resume.  The cover letter should tell us why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified.

NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving etc.

Applications that are not complete, or do not include all required materials may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.

Selection Process
The application, supplemental questionnaire, cover letter and resume will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a writing and/or skills test and one or more interviews. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.

Competitive Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region).  We offer a benefits package that includes a medical, dental and vision benefits plan with employer-paid premiums for the whole family and domestic partner, generous vacation, sick holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State’s Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County’s deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan).

Work Schedule
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.  A typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered. Work outside of the normal workday is required periodically.

Temporary Telecommuting Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed remotely, at least through July 5, 2021 in compliance with King County’s telecommuting mandate. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.  Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.  Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.

To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

Union Membership:  This position is represented by PROTEC17 bargaining unit.

Class Code:  2441300 Project/Program Manager III

Questions about this recruitment? Contact Angela Alcaraz, HR Analyst, 206-263-2466, aalcaraz@kingcounty.gov

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers. 

Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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. 

Guided by our “True North“, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles–we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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.

To Apply
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 accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.