Director, MOW Operations - Government Jobs : Job Details

TriMet is seeking a strategic, safety-driven leader to serve as our Director of Maintenance of Way (MOW). This position reports directly to the Executive Director of Maintenance Operations and will lead all right-of-way (ROW) infrastructure maintenance while ensuring the overall safety, reliability, and performance of the Portland Metro Region's light rail system. This role will include oversight of signals, track, bridges, overhead catenary systems, and traction power substations.

This role is critical to maintaining our rail system in a state of good repair (SGR), in full compliance with regulatory standards and agency performance goals. The Director will champion a high-reliability culture through strategic planning, preventative maintenance programs, and KPI-driven improvements, while aligning MOW operations with TriMet's Safety Management System (SMS) and long-term asset management strategies.

We're seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a deep commitment to safety and reliability as foundational values. This individual will lead, develop, and motivate teams to deliver consistent, measurable improvements while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and service dependability. Success in this role requires deep technical expertise in rail infrastructure, maintenance, and safety, a proven track record of fostering a strong safety culture and experience navigating complex operational and regulatory environments at both the state and federal level. Demonstrated success managing large teams, union environments, and cross-functional projects is essential.

This role requires being onsite five (5) days per week. Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required.

Serve as a good steward of TriMet and maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings. Forbes Magazine recently ranked TriMet as one of the top five places to work in Oregon! TriMet is ranked the number one Oregon-based employer in the state, as well as the top Transportation and Logistics employer in the state.

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering or systems engineering is required.

Eight (8) years of total credited experience.* Five (5) years of experience in Maintenance of Way, track, overhead catenary systems, substations, and signals and switches are required. Two (2) years of experience in a unionized workforce are required.

Three (3) years of leadership/management responsibilities at a medium to large public or private organization are required. Possession of current/valid Class C license issued by Oregon or Washington; ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards.

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training.* The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description. Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the credited experience .

Type of Position / Grade / FLSA Grade 21, Exempt, Non-Union, Full-Time.

Salary Range Minimum: $153,939.00 Maximum: $230,910.00 Salary offers will be determined by a candidate's education, training and relevant experience. Any final offer of employment will fall within the range stated above. For transparency, we choose to list the full available grade range, however, TriMet's salary administration process will ultimately determine the final salary offered.

Selection Process Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of: 1. Application Review (please include: Cover Letter and Resume) 2. Panel Interviews 3. Reference Check

Supplemental Information Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each. Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at 503-###-####, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation. TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. ADA Statement As applied to the workplace, applicants and employees must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions may include required job functions performed infrequently as well as production standards related to the quality and quantity of work. If a person with a disability could meet job qualifications with a reasonable accommodation, TriMet will work with the employee to accommodate the need. If TriMet's accommodation is effective in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job, it need not be the employee's preferred accommodation.