Rail Technical Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $88,836.80 - $126,900.80 Annually
Location : Multiple locations in King County, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026EW27818
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J2 : ATU L587-Transit
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Summary
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
* This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Rail Technical Trainer I.
As a member of our Rail Technical Trainer team, you will be training the future light rail workforce in King County. Your work will involve frequent learning opportunities: new equipment, new rail extensions, changes in industry standards, and helping to bring in new technology.
Our Technical Trainer team is responsible for the development, implementation, and presentation of training courses for a variety of trades. Trainers in this position will focus on Operations training.
Trainers instruct in both the classroom and in hands-on situations and evaluate student progress throughout the training program. They are also involved in coordinating with Rail management in the oversight of rail operations, to ensure that safety and quality of services are delivered according to our standards, best practices, and rules.
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.
Are you an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State? Explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region here.
This recruitment may immediately fill up to one (1) Career Service positions and may also be used to establish an eligibility list for future Career Service, as well as any fully-benefitted Term-Limited Temporary (TLT)/Special Duty Assignment (SDA), vacancies, valid up to 12 months or until the list is exhausted, and at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Interviews are anticipated to occur during the week of October 5through October 9, 2026,but are subject to change.
Who May Apply
This position is open to King County employees and the general public.
To Apply:
Those interested must submit:

• An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties.
• Completed supplemental questions.
• A cover letter/letter of interest that clearly explain how you meet the requirements of the position.

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
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Job Duties
As the Rail Technical Trainer I, you will:

• Participate in all aspects of rail training for Light Rail Operators.
• Develop, implement, and conduct training (including curriculum, lesson plans, hands-on training and demonstration, training materials and assessment) for rail employees and others as assigned.
• Update instructional procedures and program content.
• Prepare and maintain current training aids, charts, view graphs, visual aids, equipment simulators, and mock-ups.
• Ensure availability of classroom space and equipment for specific training programs.
• Conduct initial, refresher, and retraining for rail employees as necessary.
• Perform in-service performance reviews for rail operators and for post incident/extended absence.
• Conduct technical and compliance training (Industrial Hygiene, Safety and Regulatory Compliance, etc.) as required. Assist in other training programs where overlap or intersection occurs.
• Monitor progress of trainees and provides progress evaluations and periodic counseling.
• Ensure that trainees, while in training, remain compliant with Metro rail governing documents and policies including but not limited to rules, procedures, and time accountability.
• Evaluate and recommend to management the termination of trainees during training and employees during probationary period who do not meet rail standards.
• Act as a designated examiner in the testing and certification of rail vehicle operators.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation on all facets of rail training and testing for each student as required and as mandated by Metro policy and State and Federal law.
• Maintain a variety of electronic reports; perform electronic data input and retrieval; review for accuracy all forms and documents received and forward them as appropriate.
• Provide customized training as needed.
• May assist in training other areas on a project basis.
• Maintain current knowledge of training processes, safety principles, Metro rules/policies/procedures, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Evaluate new equipment and changes in existing equipment and incorporates it in to training curriculum.
• Participate in the testing, certification, and opening of new rail extensions.
• Participate in the testing and certification of new rail cars.
• Participate in rail audits, emergency drills and simulations.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports in support of the Rail Section.
• Operate rail vehicles and perform other related duties as needed.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

• One (1) year of experience preforming work in a Light Rail environment AND experience as a trainer and/or educator of adults
• OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Link Light Rail Mainline Card
• Working knowledge of employee performance evaluation and counseling.
• Skill in oral and written communication; reading, writing, and following detailed instructions.
• Skill in developing training course curricula, classroom materials, presentations, and testing instruments.
• Skill in evaluating and revising standard and custom training materials.
• Skill in developing policies and procedures, rules, and reports.
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population in varying occupations and situations and apply equitable practices to training.
• Skill in problem solving, analyzing, and evaluating efficiency and quality, and making recommendations for improvements.
• Working knowledge of or the ability to learn state and federal rules and regulations related to rail operations, maintenance, and industrial and transit-related safety.
• Working knowledge of or the ability to learn transportation operation and maintenance rules, policies and procedures, forms, records, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to learn and become proficient with database systems used for rail rules, policies, procedures, training materials and training records.
• Skill in the use of MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Rail operators main line certification.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Sit for extended periods.
• Lift or pull up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Work independently with a minimum of breaks.
• Perform repetitive body movements to operate controls.
• Ability to climb stairs and board rail on elevated guideway.

Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews.
Work Schedule
This position is full time, assigned 40 hours per week.Work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.
SAFETY SENSITIVE
These positions are 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.
Union Membership: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.
Work Location:
Employees may report to any of the following locations: Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134, OMF East 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, or any additional locations that may open in the future.
CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 9600100/ 251
Safety Responsibilities for an Employee

• Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety.
• Report all safety concerns.
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at
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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.
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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 recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#RailJobs #TradesJobs
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 employ