Light Rail Operator

Salary : $31.39 - $44.84 Hourly

Location : Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type : Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs / week

Job Number : 2025JL23959

Department : MTD - Metro Transit

Division : Rail

Opening Date : 02 / 19 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 6 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : J2 : ATU L587-Transit

Full- or Part-Time : Full Time

Hours / Week : 40 hours / week

Summary

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

Become a Rail Operator - A Career That Takes You Places!

King County Metro's Rail Division is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Rail Operators. Rail operators interface with customers and the Link Control Center. Ideal candidates possess confidence, patience, good communications skills and consistently demonstrate sound judgment and good decision making. Working in Rail offers a wide variety of opportunities to showcase your skills as the Rail Division grows. This planned growth will create many promotional and training opportunities for personnel. Get in on the ground floor and get your career started with Metro's Rail Division!

About King County Metro Transit

King County 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, by 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 this public transportation industry. Metro was named Outstanding Public Transportation System of 2018 by APTA, the American Public Transportation Association.

About Link Light Rail

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.

Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.

This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment, will 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.

Great Benefits

King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most regional transit systems). We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family and state-registered domestic partner. A competitive sick leave and vacation plan, twelve holidays a year, and participation in the State's popular Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the next tab.

Who May Apply

This position is open to the general public and all King County employees and will be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies, and Rail Operator Reserve list if needed, until the eligibility list is exhausted. Internal applicants who are represented by the ATU 587 contract will receive an additional 5% on passing test scores and an additional 5% added to their interview score.

Work Schedule

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. The work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Work schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system, which occurs two times a year.

Program Overview

• Training includes light rail vehicle (LRV) operation, rules & regulations, vehicle and wayside systems
• Hands-on training includes manual operation of system components in all weather conditions
• Closed book written exams require a passing score of 90%, some require 100%
• Performance exams conducted the final week of training requires 90% passing score
• Candidates successfully completing the training course will graduate as a certified LRV Operator and earn a Rail Card

How To Apply

Click on the "Apply" link in the upper right of the job announcement on our website's job page (), and complete the employment application and supplemental questions thoroughly. See Application Process below for additional important information on completing your application. For assistance with the online application process, please contact NEOGOV Customer Support toll free at : 1-877-204-4442 (Governmentjobs.com customer support).

For questions about this job posting, please reach out to :

Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor,

Job Duties

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

Conduct self in an appropriate manner as a representative of KC Metro & Sound Transit using sound judgment at all times, working safely on the job, respecting co-workers and assuring the quality of services to all customers both internal and external.

Operate LRV in revenue and non-revenue service in strict compliance with King County Light Rail rules and procedures pertaining to operations.

Reports all unusual occurrences including vehicle and Right-of-Way to the Controller and follows all traffic, safety, emergency and standard rules and operating procedure.

Successfully communicate with and follow directions from LINK Control Center via radio.

Communicate effectively with all customers regarding service delays, disruptions, and during emergency situations.

Prepare, submit and maintain accident and incident reports and other documentation as determined by management.

Operate test trains as required for acceptance of equipment and all other tests required which specify the need for train operations.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications

Experience providing verifiable and exceptional customer service to the public

Reliable transportation to report to work

Ability to read, speak and write in English

Work history must be verifiable, including self-employment

The most competitive candidates will have experience performing safe driving techniques and principles in public transportation vehicles in accordance with schedules, skill in oral and written communications, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Necessary Special Requirement

Must have or be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and maintain certification and National Registry number

Ability to successfully complete the LRV Operator Training Program, obtain LRV Certification and maintain LRV Certification

Working Conditions

Sit for extended periods

Lift or pull up to thirty (30) pounds

Perform repetitive body movements to operate controls

Work independently with a minimum of breaks

Able to walk between stations and facilities, with distances up to half a mile in any weather condition

Supplemental Information

Application Process

It is important to fill out your application accurately. Applications will be screened for completeness, clarity and competitiveness. Applicants should complete the online application at as described above. NOTE : Please answer all relevant questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (if you have ten years) (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc. Earlier jobs should be included if they are relevant in some way to this job and if they relate to our minimum qualifications. If you have questions about this, please contact the HR contact stated above.

I nformation Session : We will offer informational sessions in virtual formats after the posting closes to interested candidates. The information sessions will go over the details of the posting and day in the life of a Light Rail Operator. Applicants are highly encouraged to participate in this information session.

Selection Process

Based on application content, the most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in competency-based testing.

Online Competency based exam details :

Candidates will need to have a passing individual score of Recommended or Highly Recommended on the CSAP portion of the test and 50% or higher on the CAST portion to move forward in the selection process.

Note : Applicants will not be paid for information session or the online pre-employment self-testing.

Interviews : Candidates that successfully pass both parts of the competency-based testing will be invited to interview.

Those who pass the competency-based exams, interview, and successfully pass an initial record review

Please note that record reviews will be completed and must be successfully passed prior to ATU 587 seniority verification and again prior to placement into a Rail Operator training class.

If an applicant chooses not to move forward with training when offered, they will be removed from eligibility list. Entry into an LRO training class by an internal candidate will be done in accordance with R19.3 Promotional Lists.

Training

Rail Operator training is intensive and includes classroom and hands-on operating instruction. During the training period, no vacation is allowed. Any pre-arranged time-off will need to be postponed. Employees who complete Rail Operator training and become certified will either enter a regular career service position or temporary assignment, if available. If there are no vacancies internal candidates will become a Reserve Rail Operator and will return to their FTO / Streetcar / PTO position. As needed, Rail will offer temporary assignments to employees on the reserve list in order to fill temporary workforce shortages in seniority order. For operators on the reserve list, if a temporary assignment or career service position becomes available, the employee must accept the assignment.

Final Offers are contingent upon successful completion of :

Current Internal Transit / Streetcar Operators are excluded

Current Internal Transit / Streetcar Operators with a valid DOT medical card are excluded

Driving Record

An excellent driving record is a requirement to become a Light Rail Operator In Training. Applicants' driving records will be reviewed prior to selection. Metro Transit Human Resources will require a current Five-Year Driving Abstract. Please do not provide this abstract until requested. Driving records will be assessed on an individual basis and will be reviewed for the following : Frequency and seriousness of moving violations, suspension of license, failures to appear (FTA'S), unpaid tickets, and at fault accidents.

Any of the following vehicle code violations within the last five years will automatically disqualify you from further consideration :

Record Review (Internal Applicants) Employee records will be reviewed for the candidate's most recent 12 months of active operating service. Fifteen days of active operating service will be considered a full month. If the candidate does not have a full month of active service in the twelve month window we will look back a maximum of eighteen months to find twelve months of active service. Applicants will be screened out of the LRO selection process 1) if the candidate does not have twelve months of active service in an eighteen month window 2) the record review totals 18 or more points, assigned as follows :

Severe = 18

Union Membership

This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.

Class Code : 9602000

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 principleswe 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.

For more information about careers with Rail, please visit : kingcounty.gov / metro / RailCareers , or with this QR Code.

RailCareers #RailJobs #TradesJobs

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 :

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

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.

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided : 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff

Are you a current King County Transit ATU 587 employee?

If you are a current King County Transit Local 587 employee, please state your PeopleSoft ID, current job title, and work location. in the order above. (If not a King County Transit Local 587 employee, please type "N / A")

When applying for this job, you must be at least 21 years old, do you meet this requirement?

Testing for this recruitment will be completed online. Please acknowledge that you have a valid email address that the testing will be sent to for completion.

Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment medical examination?

If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing and available to work at any hours / shift, including days, swing, graveyard, weekends and holidays?

If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing to work mandatory overtime?

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied for, but did not get hired, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License? Please indicate if you ALSO hold aClass A or Class B CDL license, and any endorsements. Check all that apply

Have you had a license in another state besides Washington in the last 5 years?

If you indicated above that you have had a license in a state other than Washington in the last 5 years, list the state(s) and the years you had the license(s).

In the last 5 years, has your license been revoked or suspended?

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.

How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last 5 years?

How many at fault accidents have you had in the last 5 years?

If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you check the "YES" box, the human resources staff person coordinating this recruitment will send you a request asking for additional information. (This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only).

MTD-Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children, or relatives of a domestic partner.

MTD - If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department?

MTD - If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship.

MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.

MTD - Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

MTD - If you selected "f" or "g" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.

I have read the job announcement and understand the duties and requirements for this position. I also understand that the provisions of the job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. I further understand that any employment offer may be subject to successful completion and results for drug and alcohol background check, pre-employment physical, drug testing, reference checks, driver's record evaluation, and criminal history checks. Having applied for employment with King County, I give my consent that any person, firm or organization listed hereon is authorized to furnish King County with reference material concerning my character, past employment or any other information requested. I hereby authorize the full release of my employment and work record to the Transit Division of King County for the purpose of evaluation and consideration for employment including, but not limited to, specific reasons and details regarding my resignation and / or termination, attendance and punctuality, infractions or any disciplinary actions I may have received, and disclosure of all performance evaluations for the previous ten (10) years. I agree to hold current or former employers harmless from any claim or action based upon the release of information or documentation relating to my employment record. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information. By checking this box and completing by name in the field below, I provide my consent for King County Metro Transit to obtain the above referenced information.

Required Question

Salary : $31 - $45