Metro Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $121,576.00 - $146,972.80 Annually
Location : Operations & Maintenance Facility - 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA
Job Type: Term-Ltd
Job Number: 2026JL27505
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C3 : PROTEC17-Transit Chiefs
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Summary
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
* This position is open to current Career Service Rail King County employees that have successfully completed their probationary period. *
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for one (1) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Link Control Center Chief position.
The Link Control Center Chief will be responsible for overseeing and supervising an assigned area within Rail Operations, including specific assignments in Operations, LINK Control Center, and Streetcar to achieve timely and cost-efficient service delivery consistent with established performance improvement goals and service level requirements.
The ideal candidate for this position will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery and encourage a safety culture while inspiring high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust.
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.
Work Schedule
This position is anticipated to be full time, assigned 40 hours per week. Employees must be able to work any of the three shifts (day, swing, or graveyard)Work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is part of a workgroup that provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year support. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.
Safety Sensitive
This position is considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the 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 substances testing program protocols.
Who May Apply
This position is open to internal King County Metro Rail Career Service candidates who have successfully passed their probationary period in their current Career Service position who meet the requirements for the position. This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Transit Chief -Rail Operations (LCC) position.
This SDA position is anticipated to last up to twelve (12) months with the possibility of extension. This recruitment may also be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future SDA opportunities that may occur over the next twelve (12) months from the establishment of the list, at the discretion of the hiring authority.
To Apply:
Those interested must submit:

• Complete all the required supplemental questions
• Attach a Letter of Interest that describes:
  1. Why you are interested in the Link Control Center Chief position.
  2. How you meet the required qualifications and how your experience has prepared you to take on the job duties. This may include any experience or qualities that show how you have exhibited leadership and management successfully in a rapidly changing environment: and
  3. How you have demonstrated your commitment to Metro's True North and Values
• Only the first two pages of your letter of interest will be reviewed.

Job Duties
Applying 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.
As the Link Control Center Chief, you will:

• Supervise, develop, and direct the work of personnel and equipment at the base, field and LCC as well as management support of the training unit.
• Exhibit positive leadership and role modeling to encourage and support staff while managing employee performance. Chiefs assist in the selection of staff, assign work, counsel, and discipline subordinates in accordance with labor agreement provisions and Light Rail rules and procedures.
• Represent management at disciplinary hearings and grievances, interpret labor contract provisions in support of supervisory role, including grievance resolution, establishing, and developing collaborative relationships with Union leadership, and assist in labor negotiations and contract changes as needed.
• Work closely with Human Resources and Labor Relations staff to track and resolve personnel issues and other related labor issues.
• Ensure timely reporting to State Safety Oversight and Federal agencies with jurisdiction.
• Act as first responder to all incidents and accidents involving rail; review accident/incident reports; serve as Incident Commander as needed.
• May assist with development and monitoring of the operating budget.
• Create, monitor, and enforce policies, procedures, and rules pertaining to the Operations Control Center, the operation of light rail vehicles and the internal System Safety Program Plan.
• Represent management in coordinating emergency services during natural disasters.
• May participate as an active member of the Rail Rules and Procedures Development and other rail committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience in a transit operations environment OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the duties of this position.
• Ability to accurately use Rail SCADA Systems including Emergency Ventilation System, Building Management System, Train Control System and Emergency Management Panels; as well as the ability to operate the SCADA based Traction Power Substation and train signal controls.
• Demonstrated ability in complying with applicable safety standards and requirements as it applies to a public transit system.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of budget monitoring.
• Ability to resolve conflict, solve problems, and listen effectively.
• Ability to learn principles and techniques of curriculum planning, training needs assessments, testing and training program development; ability to assess employees' technical proficiency and productivity issues that may be addressed through coaching and training.
• Intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in the application of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and labor union contracts.
• Skill in supervising, leading, selecting, and coaching a highly talented employee group, recognize the importance of building relationships and trust with employees, and be excited and motivated to manage our diverse employee team.
• Familiarity with human resource and leadership concepts and principles, with dedication to employees and the management of their performance and development of their skills.
• Knowledge of light rail vehicle operation, train and traffic signal systems, train wayside equipment, train switch operation and all associated regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of rail operator and rail supervisor performance standards, rail operator and rail supervisor discipline matrices, HASTUS and payroll processes; and ability to create and manage work time schedules for supervisors and other rail operations personnel.
• Operational knowledge of public transit systems or transit tunnel operations.
• Working knowledge of SCADA & CCTV systems, and radio communication technology and terminology.
  Radio communication technology and terminology.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history or the ability to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to successfully complete National Incident Management System (incident command system) training.
• Ability to obtain LCC qualification and annual re-certification.

Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
Application materials (cover letters and supplemental question responses) will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews.
Union Membership: This position is represented by PROTEC17.
Work Location: The primary location of this position is Central Base OMF 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134. However, other work locations may be occasionally necessary on a business need basis.
CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 8730300/ 69
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor, at
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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 m