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Contract Railroad Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Rail Electrical Worker

Seattle, WA · On-site

$67.70 - $71.76/hr

This position has a bid process for shift and base per the IBEW contract. Shifts may change or base may change based on seniority, according to current contract. Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay ...

Rail Electro-Mechanic

Seattle, WA · On-site

$38.82 - $55.46/hr

Per the union contract, shift differentials are paid to those working second and third shifts ... Re-rail trains/streetcars and recover vehicles from accidents. lnstall special electronic testing ...

... Rail Authority's Construction Package 1 (CP1) is the first significant construction contract executed on the Initial Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley.

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Contract Railroad information

See Renton, WA salary details

$19

$29

$55

How much do contract railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract railroad in Renton, WA is $29.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.69 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Railroad workers when adapting to different worksites and clients?

Contract Railroad workers often transition between various projects, each with unique operational standards, safety protocols, and client expectations. Adapting quickly to new environments, understanding site-specific rules, and communicating effectively with unfamiliar teams can be challenging. Building flexibility, staying current on safety certifications, and maintaining a proactive approach to learning site requirements help professionals excel in this fast-paced, variable work setting.

What is the difference between Contract Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectContract RailroadRailroad Conductor
CredentialsVaries, often includes safety certifications and experience in rail operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety training, and certification
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often on specific projects or short-term assignmentsEmployed by a railroad company, working on daily train operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by various rail companies for flexible staffingEmployed directly by a railroad company, integral to train crew
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for employment flexibility and project-based workCompared for daily operational roles and responsibilities

In summary, Contract Railroad workers typically operate on a temporary or project basis, offering flexibility for rail companies, while Railroad Conductors are full-time employees responsible for train operations and safety. Both roles require safety certifications and industry knowledge but differ mainly in employment structure and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Railroad Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Railroad Worker, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety protocols, and equipment handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with track maintenance machinery, inspection tools, and sometimes certifications such as FRA track safety standards is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient railroad operations and help prevent accidents or costly delays.

What are contract railroad workers?

Contract railroad workers are professionals who are employed by third-party companies, rather than directly by a railroad company, to perform specialized tasks on railroads. Their work may include track construction, maintenance, repairs, inspections, or other services required to keep railroad operations running smoothly. This arrangement allows railroads to access skilled labor for specific projects or during peak periods without expanding their permanent workforce. Contract railroad workers often travel to various job sites and must follow strict safety and industry regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Railroad jobs in Renton, WA are:
Rail Electrical Worker

Rail Electrical Worker

King County

Seattle, WA • On-site

$67.70 - $71.76/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 646 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service Rail Electrical Worker position vacancies. These positions perform skilled, journey-level, high-voltage electrical work (600 volts and above). Responsibilities include troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, and upgrading rail electrical systems, as well as performing comprehensive preventive maintenance on rail electrical systems and equipment in Light Rail shops, tunnels, and other facilities.

This recruitment is looking for Rail Electrical Workers for 2nd & 3rd shifts; however, applicants must be willing and able to work any shift, including morning/day. This position has a bid process for shift and base per the IBEW contract. Shifts may change or base may change based on seniority, according to current contract.

Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay: 3rd Shift: 10pm-6am - $71.76/hr 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm - $71.76/hr 1st Shift: 6am-2pm - $67.70/hr These positions are 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. 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. Who May Apply This position is open to all qualified applicants both internal & external.

Military veterans are encouraged to apply. Relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) areas may include: Airforce: 3E0X1, Army: 21R, Coast Guard: ELC, Marine Corps: 1141, Navy: CE, 6180. This recruitment's selection process may be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future career service vacancies in this classification and within this division over the next year (12 months) and will be utilized 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. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. Job Duties include: Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and associated components such as messenger wire, contact wire, section insulators, pole and enclosure mounted switches, air gaps, insulated and uninsulated overlaps, poles, underground feeders, switches, electrical wiring and systems including a variety of single phase, three phase and DC systems.

Work safely to maintain Traction Power Substations (TPSS), troubleshoot and repair all feeder cables and associated components, underground feeders, enclosed crawl space associated components, switches, electrical wiring, relays, and monitoring systems, including a variety of single phase and three phase AC and DC systems. Perform inspections, maintenance and upgrades of Traction Power Substations and their components such as switches, transformers, rectifiers, fuses, relays, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), batteries, chargers and associated equipment. Perform high voltage work and maintain and repair low voltage systems such as fire and security alarms; maintain and repair, transfer switches and uninterruptible power supplies.

Perform high voltage tests on power cables and equipment; splice, maintain and terminate all types of low and high voltage cable; pull, rack and secure high and low voltage cables in manholes, conduits, tunnels, and vaults. Maintain and repair equipment in Light Rail shops, offices, park and ride lots, and tunnels. Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones; set-up work-zone traffic control areas.

Maintain and provide daily work records and complete work requests. Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment. Maintain appropriate parts stock on assigned vehicles, in substations and shops.

Operate company assigned vehicles, including hi-rail and aerial lift equipment and perform rolling inspections from raised aerial equipment. Read and interpret distribution maps, feeder maps, blueprints, schematics, and other drawings. Plan, schedule and coordinate activities and work with other trades and divisions.

Trim trees and other vegetation which may interfere with train movement or electrical installations. Pump water from vaults and manholes. Perform snow and ice removal.

Respond to emergency calls as necessary. Inspect relevant work completed by contractors. Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Minimum Required Qualifications: Three (3) years of high voltage (600 volts and above) electrical maintenance work experience is required, including any hands-on experience acquired in an educational program, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job duties. Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate (EL01), Journey Level Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent is required Knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance. Knowledge of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public Transportation Association) standards.

Knowledge and understanding of electrical theory, high voltage work and modern industrial controls. Knowledge of industry safety standards. Experience in locating underground cables; installing conduit and pull underground cable.

Experience in the use of tools and equipment required to perform cable splicing and repair. Experience in safely and efficiently using electrical test equipment. Experience in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and drawings.

Experience in effectively communicating orally and in writing. Problem solving and analytical skills. Mechanical skills.

Necessary Special Requirements A valid Driver's License with 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. Applicants must also possess a Washington State Class "A" or Class "B" commercial driver's license (CDL) valid for both manual and automatic transmissions, with air brake endorsement and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Applicants without a valid Class "A" or "B" CDL must possess a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), class "A" or "B", with air brake endorsement, by the time a conditional offer of employment is extended, and must be able to obtain their full Class "A" or "B" CDL valid for both manual and automatic transmissions, with air brake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire. Please note: For more information on how to obtain a CLP in Washington State, please visit DOL CLP Testing How to start preparing: We recommend you start preparing for the WA State Commercial Learner's Permit exam as soon as you apply. Visit the DOL's Website and refer to the CDL guide to start studying today.

Applicants must be able to meet on-going educational and training requirements and maintain required certifications such as Hi-Rail, Forklift, Flaggers, Aerial Lift, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, and other certifications. In addition to the minimum qualifications, the most competitive candidates will possess the following desired qualifications: Experience in maintaining Light Rail Overhead Contact System (OCS) and components. Experience in maintaining Traction Power Substations (TPSS) components.

Knowledge of rail industries standards To Apply: you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following: An online King County application. Please include relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly. Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety.

Attach a Washington State Journey Electrician certificate (EL0l), Journey Level Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent. Need Assistance. 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 Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor, at malansi@kingcounty.gov Supplemental Information Selection Process Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above

Applications that are not complete may be rejected and not advanced in the process. The most competitive applicants may have their application materials blind reviewed and be invited to participate in an interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment checks, such as CLP/CDL verifications, reference checks or internal record reviews, a drug and alcohol test, physical examination, and a driving abstract review.

Work Schedule This position is part of a work group that provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year support. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay at double time rate. This recruitment is looking for Rail Electrical Workers for 2nd & 3rd shifts; however, applicants must be willing and able to work any shift, including morning/day.

This position has a bid process for shift and base per the IBEW contract. Shifts may change or base may change based on seniority, according to current contract. Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay: 3rd Shift: 10pm-6am - $71.76/hr 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm - $71.76/hr 1st Shift: 6am-2pm - $67.70/hr Work Location Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA Maintenance of Way North (MOWN) at North 137th St

Seattle, WA Maintenance of Way East (MOWE) at 1907 120th Ave NE, Bellevue WA And any future Sound Transit Link facilities Working Environment Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, day and night and in inclement weather. Must be able to work in crowded/tight spaces, tunnels, and aerial structures at heights. Union Membership: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77 represents this position.

Class Code: 8212100 Great 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 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.

Additional Benefits Clothing and Equipment Allowance Pay Boot Allowance Transit pass which is good on Metro, Pierce, Community and Sound Transit 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 Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. 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.


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About King County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1852

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