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Sound Transit Light Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Light Rail Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$31.39 - $44.84/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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Sound Transit Light Rail information

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$9

$35

$75

How much do sound transit light rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound transit light rail in the United States is $35.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $56.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by employees in Sound Transit Light Rail roles?

Employees in Sound Transit Light Rail roles often encounter the challenge of working varied schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure reliable transit service. They may also need to respond quickly to unexpected situations such as mechanical breakdowns, passenger incidents, or service delays. Working outdoors in different weather conditions and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols are also common aspects of the job. However, the role offers strong camaraderie among team members and the satisfaction of supporting essential public transportation in the community.

What is a Sound Transit Light Rail job?

A Sound Transit Light Rail job involves working for Sound Transit, the public agency that operates light rail services in the Puget Sound region. Positions vary from train operators and maintenance technicians to planners and administrative roles. Employees help ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for commuters. Jobs often require specialized training, customer service skills, and knowledge of transit operations. Sound Transit offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth in public transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sound Transit Light Rail position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Sound Transit Light Rail position (such as Operator or Technician), you generally need attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and relevant work experience or technical training. Familiarity with rail operation systems, signaling technology, and valid certifications such as a CDL or transit rail operator's license are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are important soft skills for effectively responding to service disruptions and interfacing with colleagues and the public. These skills and credentials help ensure passenger safety, efficient rail operations, and a positive rider experience.

More about Sound Transit Light Rail jobs
What cities are hiring for Sound Transit Light Rail jobs? Cities with the most Sound Transit Light Rail job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Transit Light Rail jobs? The most popular types of Sound Transit Light Rail jobs are:
What states have the most Sound Transit Light Rail jobs? States with the most job openings for Sound Transit Light Rail jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sound Transit Light Rail jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Transit Light Rail jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sound Transit Light Rail job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,843 per year, or $36 per hour.
Sound Transit Program Manager (Strategic Advisor 2)

Sound Transit Program Manager (Strategic Advisor 2)

City of Seattle

Seattle, WA • On-site

$118K - $177K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


City Of Seattle rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 644 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Are you a collaborative program manager who thrives in complex public sector environments. Do you excel at bringing agencies together, managing high impact infrastructure work, and protecting essential utility interests. If so, Seattle Public Utilities invites you to apply for our Sound Transit (ST) Program Manager role.

This position serves as SPU's primary representative for Sound Transit's (ST) ongoing major expansion of light rail, ST3, which includes the West Seattle and Ballard Link segments and infill stations at S. Graham St, Boeing Access Road and Pinehurst. In this role, you will guide SPU's approach, coordinate with numerous City and external partners, and manage the agreements, reviews, and collaborative efforts needed to protect SPU's assets while supporting the successful delivery of these significant regional transportation investments.

About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out these links: SPU Website Strategic Business Plan SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with.

SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: Family-friendly and multicultural work environment Generous benefits package Free Orca Pass City pension plan with employer/employee contributions. Growth potential and advancement opportunities Job Responsibilities Program Leadership and Representation Serve as SPU's primary point of contact for Sound Transit's light rail programs within SPU's service area - primarily Seattle city limits. Represent SPU in complex, multi-agency coordination for Sound Transit and related transportation projects.

Represent SPU on the City's West Seattle and Ballard Link (WSBL) teams and lead SPU's participation across Citywide engineering, environmental, planning, permitting, and funding workgroups. Contract and Budget Management Manage SPU's portions of existing and future City/Sound Transit agreements, including design review, real property services, and construction administration. Ensure consistency across multiple active contracts; negotiate amendments, track scope and budgets, and prepare monthly invoices.

Develop and negotiate SPU scopes and budgets for future WSBL agreements. Multi-Agency and Interjurisdictional Coordination Coordinate closely with partner City departments including SDOT, Seattle City Light, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. Work with external permitting jurisdictions such as the City of Shoreline to support permit review, approval, and implementation for work affecting SPU assets.

Technical and Subject Matter Expert Team Coordination Lead and coordinate SPU's subject matter experts, including engineering, construction, lines of business, and real property staff supporting Sound Transit projects. Ensure SPU reviews and other participation supports the overall program schedule Regulatory and Policy Guidance Coordinate with the Department of Ecology and SPU's Drainage & Wastewater staff regarding Stormwater Code requirements affecting light rail guideway surfaces. Inform SPU leadership of regulatory implications and communicate required design considerations to Sound Transit.

Identify policy issues, evaluate options, and provide recommendations to SPU executives, including participating in Citywide permitting and code-improvement efforts. Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job Qualifications Experience: Five (5) years of experience managing scope, schedule and budget for complex, highly visible public capital projects, including extensive inter-agency collaboration. AND Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Urban or Transportation Planning, Construction Management, Architecture or related field.

OR Experience Equivalency: Equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties. Desired Qualifications: Strong communicator with experience working across agencies, departments, and organizational levels. Proven ability to manage complex projects or programs, ideally involving public infrastructure or multi-agency coordination.

Excellent graphic, analytical, interpersonal, and writing and oral communication skills. Ability to grasp complex issues, identify alternative approaches to problems and issues, develop policy recommendations, and exercise sound judgment. Demonstrated ability to balance support for large multi-agency public priorities (such as ST Light Rail) while advocating for and protecting the interests of utility ratepayers.

Comprehension of and demonstrated experience with capital delivery life cycle: planning, design, construction, and closeout. Experience working with multiple and varied stakeholders including capital project team members, vendors, consultants, permitting agencies, community members, and customers. Experience writing, negotiating, and managing contracts, agreements, scopes, and budgets.

Success leading and influencing the work of staff who do not directly report to you. Work Environment/Physical Demands: Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. License, Certification, and Other Requirements: Washington State Drivers License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Additional Information Workplace Environment (Telework Expectation): This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees may have the option to work remotely two days per week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The full salary range for this position is: $56.57 - $84.88 per hour ($118,118.16 - $177,229.44 annually). How to Apply: A COMPLETE NeoGov/City of Seattle online application Resume AND Cover letter attached addressing your knowledge and experience related to this position

Complete answer(s) to the supplemental question. Candidates submitting an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE will NOT be considered. What Applicants Can Expect: Applications will be reviewed after the position closes.

Candidates can expect an update on their application status approximately two (2) - three (3) weeks after the closing date. I will only be communicating with the contact provided on the application submitted. Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler (vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov) Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at www.seattle.gov/util/and check us out on social media.


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