Rail Service Worker

King County Metro Transit’s Rail division is seeking motivated and enthusiastic

Rail Service Workers - multiple positions!

King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region. Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system playsa central rolein expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go.

Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide. This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day.

The Rail Service Worker is primarily responsible for the cleaning and light maintenance of the interior and exterior of Link Light Rail vehicles, shop and yard maintenance and shop equipment.

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.

Who May Apply

This position is open to current King County Metro Employees and the general public. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?

We highly recommend visiting the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Career Support Services - King County.

Wage Information

1st Shift (Day), $29.18 - 41.69 per hour.

2nd Shift (Swing), $30.64 - 43.77 per hour.

3rd Shift (Graveyard), $31.37 - 44.82 per hour.

Vacancy Information

This recruitment will be used to fill TWO immediate career service vacancies and may be used to create a pool for future vacancies.

Recruitment Timeline:

Posting: August 07, 2026, through August 23, 2026.

Application Reviews begin in the week of August 24, 2026

This position is paid on an hourly (non-exempt) basis and is therefore eligible for overtime pay if scheduled. The work week and scheduled hours may vary. Rail Service Workers perform work in a 24/7 operations environment, employees must be able and willing to work at any location, any day, any shift (day, swing, or graveyard). Work shift is subject to change based on seniority bid system and needs of the business. In addition, this position has on-call responsibilities and must respond to emergency situations as needed.

An Employer To Be Proud Of

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 King County Metro Transit means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. This is an exciting time for King County Metro Transit; we are expanding service and recently received the 2018 award for the best large transit agency in North America.

This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587.

Class Code: 9420100

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 Talent Advisor listed on this job announcement.

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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.

An on-line King County application and completion of the supplemental questionnaire are required.

• One year of professional cleaning experience and/or automotive equipment servicing OR any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position
• Experience with and knowledge of basic janitorial techniques.
• Knowledge in the use and care of cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, steam cleaners, and scrubbers.
• Knowledge of basic safety rules, practices and principles and applicable OSHA laws. Knowledge in the proper use and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
• Basic knowledge of and skill using current computer software applications for data maintenance such as Maintenance Management Information Systems or equivalent tracking systems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to understand, interpret, and follow directions
• Ability to learn and operate LRVs or streetcars in a safe manner. (Training provided. Testing and certification will be required.)
• Skill in using common hand tools, maintenance and/or cleaning equipment. Skill in performing physical labor.
• Accurately performing simple numeric calculations and record keeping tasks. Skill in working under established deadlines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of people.

• Experience with biohazards and human waste.
• At least 6 months of experience as a Rail Utility Service Worker
• Experience performing light maintenance on equipment or similar type work.

• Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling and stooping.
• Work in confined spaces and at heights and in cramped and awkward positions.

• Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record. (Out of state candidates must obtain their Washington State driver's license prior to hire.)
• Ability to qualify for and maintain a "Yard Only" Rail Operator's Certification.
• Ability to qualify for Right of Way Protection Worker Certification.
• Ability to qualify for forklift certification.

Supplemental Information

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 competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family including state-registered domestic partner, competitive 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). For more details, please see the Benefits tab on this posting.

If you have questions about this recruitment, please contact: Neha Bansal, HR Talent Advisor, nbansal@kingcounty.gov

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:

• Clean interior and exterior of Light Rail Vehicles ("LRV") or streetcars by hand washing and steam cleaning, using a variety of solvents, soaps, and cleaning chemicals.
• Report any defects to supervisor, such as defective lights, body damage, interior damage, and operating defects.
• Post, add and subtract the amounts of commodities used in designated logs.
• Move LRVs or streetcars around the shop and yard.
• Remove trash and debris from the LRVs or streetcars.
• Check and replenish consumables such as sand and wiper fluid. Couple and uncouple rail vehicles.
• Maintain shop facilities and/or vehicles following written procedures or as instructed.
• Clean and service shop equipment and/or vehicles.
• Make deliveries or pick up materials.
• Operate computer for related data input and retrieval; may enter transactions and related data into a computer information system.
• Perform related duties as required.