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Rail Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 ...

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 ...

Railserve provides opportunities for long-term growth and advancement within rail operations. Who We Are Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and ...

Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Rail Manager or Operations Manager Minimum 2 years ... rail operations experience, including experience operating a locomotive Functional understanding of ...

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Rail Yard Operations: * Direct and coordinate the movement of trains and railcars within the yard, including the assembly, disassembly, and switching of train cars. * Assign and direct train crews to ...

BNSF is seeking an AI Developer to design and implement AI models focused on optimizing railroad operations. This full-time remote position involves working with real-time data and developing ...

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How much do rail operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Rail Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Rail Operations, you need strong knowledge of railway systems, safety regulations, logistics, and often a relevant qualification or certification in transportation or rail operations. Familiarity with train control systems, scheduling software, and safety management platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing schedules and ensuring safety. These competencies are essential to maintain efficient rail service, uphold safety standards, and respond swiftly to operational challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Rail Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Rail Operations professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating train schedules to minimize delays, ensuring safety compliance, and managing unexpected disruptions like equipment failures or weather-related issues. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Many organizations provide comprehensive training and utilize advanced technology to support decision-making, helping staff maintain smooth and safe operations.

What are rail operations?

Rail operations refer to the management and coordination of train movements and services within a railway network. This includes scheduling trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight, monitoring track usage, and responding to emergencies or disruptions. Professionals in rail operations work to maintain punctuality, safety, and smooth functioning of all railway activities. The field can involve roles such as train dispatchers, controllers, and operations managers.

What is the difference between Rail Operations vs Rail Conductors?

AspectRail OperationsRail Conductors
Primary RoleOversees train movements, scheduling, and safety protocolsManages passenger boarding, ticketing, and safety onboard trains
Required CertificationsRailroad operating certificates, safety trainingConductor certification, safety and first aid training
Work EnvironmentTrain yards, control centers, on the trainOnboard trains, stations, and depots
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, freight companiesPassenger rail services, commuter trains

Rail Operations professionals focus on managing train movements and safety systems, often working behind the scenes or in control centers. Rail Conductors primarily handle passenger interactions, safety onboard, and ticketing. While both roles require safety certifications and work within the rail industry, Rail Operations is more centered on train logistics, whereas Rail Conductors focus on passenger service and onboard safety.

More about Rail Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Operations jobs? Cities with the most Rail Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Operations jobs? The most popular types of Rail Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rail Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Light Rail Operator

Light Rail Operator

King County

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 642 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Rail Operator Opportunity

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!

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.

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.

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).

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.

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. 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.

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.

Click on the "Apply" link in the upper right of the job announcement on our website's job page (www.kingcounty.gov/jobs), and complete the employment application and supplemental questions thoroughly. 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


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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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