Light Rail Operator

Seattle

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters NOTE: This position is only open to current King County Bus Operators impacted by a current or upcoming non-domicile CDL expiration. Former operators currently participating in the Ambassador Program are also eligible. We are not accepting external applications or applications from Bus Operators not impacted by the non-domicile CDL expiration at this time. 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 Metro Transit’s Expanding Rail Division 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 plays a central role in 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. 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 recruitment is open to current King County Bus Operators impacted by a current or upcoming non-domicile CDL expiration. Former operators currently participating in the Ambassador Program are included as eligible. This recruitment 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. 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. Work Location. Employees may report to any of the following locations: Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility Central (OMFC) at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134, Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility East (OMFE) at 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, and/or any other locations based on business needs. 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:Madison Sta Ines, Talent Advisor, mstaines@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:Provide safe, professional, and courteous on-time light rail service for customers in King County. 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 Must be at least 21 years of age. 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. A valid Washington State driver's license is required and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver’s license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire. 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. Able to climb stairs and board rail on elevated guide way. 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

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