1

Track Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Track Inspection Guidelines certification is an asset * Ability to read and understand specific documents including schedules, standard railway plans and specifications. * Ability to work in a safety ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $166K/yr

The Inspector is responsible for the day-to-day field observation of the Contractor's work to ... Coordinates with transit operations, maintenance, signals, track, and systems disciplines to ensure ...

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and ... Our Quality Inspectors inspect products and/or documents at various stages of production, to ...

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and ... Our Quality Inspectors inspect products and/or documents at various stages of production, to ...

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and ... Our Quality Inspectors inspect products and/or documents at various stages of production, to ...

Quality Inspector

Auburn, WA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and ... Our Quality Inspectors inspect products and/or documents at various stages of production, to ...

Fire Inspector - Warden

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

The Fire and Life Safety Inspector will be responsible for inspecting buildings, facilities, and ... Track identified deficiencies through to resolution, ensuring timely completion of corrective ...

Fire Inspector - Warden

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

The Fire and Life Safety Inspector will be responsible for inspecting buildings, facilities, and ... Track identified deficiencies through to resolution, ensuring timely completion of corrective ...

Fire Inspector - Warden

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

The Fire and Life Safety Inspector will be responsible for inspecting buildings, facilities, and ... Track identified deficiencies through to resolution, ensuring timely completion of corrective ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Track Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$31

$58

How much do track inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for track inspector in Seattle, WA is $31.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a track inspector?

A track inspector examines railroad tracks to make sure the tracks are safe for trains to use. The responsibilities of a track inspector are to maintain detailed records about the condition of railroad tracks and submit maintenance requests when necessary so that train engineers, railroad workers, and passengers can safely travel on the tracks. Other job duties are to drive high-rail trucks along the railroad right of ways, monitor the operation of signal and crossing equipment, and prepare reports. The qualifications you need to become a track inspector may include certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a track inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Track Inspector, you need a solid understanding of railroad track standards, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with track inspection tools, rail flaw detection systems, and digital reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify hazards and work effectively with rail crews. These competencies are essential to ensure track integrity, prevent accidents, and maintain safe and efficient rail operations.

What are some common challenges faced by track inspectors in the field?

Track Inspectors often work in varying weather conditions and must be prepared for physically demanding tasks such as walking long distances along railway lines and lifting heavy equipment. A key challenge is ensuring safety while working near active train tracks, which requires constant vigilance and adherence to strict safety protocols. Additionally, Track Inspectors must accurately identify and report defects or hazards, often under tight deadlines, as their findings directly impact rail service reliability and safety. Collaboration with maintenance crews and engineers is also essential for effective repairs and ongoing track integrity.

What is the difference between Track Inspector vs Track Supervisor?

AspectTrack InspectorTrack Supervisor
CertificationsRailroad certifications, safety trainingSame as Track Inspector, plus supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, track maintenance areasOversees multiple crews, field and office settings
Job ResponsibilitiesInspecting track conditions, identifying defectsManaging inspection teams, planning maintenance

While both roles focus on track safety, the Track Inspector primarily conducts inspections and identifies issues, whereas the Track Supervisor manages inspection teams and oversees maintenance operations. The roles are interconnected, with the supervisor overseeing multiple inspectors to ensure track safety and compliance.

How do you become a track inspector?

To become a track inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad maintenance or construction. Training on track standards, safety procedures, and inspection tools is provided on the job, and some positions may require certification from industry organizations. Physical fitness and attention to detail are important for performing inspections effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Track Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,505 per year, or $32 per hour.

Streetcar Rail Track and ROW Maintainer

King County

Seattle, WA • On-site

$38.82 - $59.62/hr

Full-time

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

196th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary Learn how Metro connects you with what matters Metro Transit's Streetcar Section has an exciting Career Service (CS) opportunity for one (1) Streetcar Rail Track and Right of Way (ROW) Maintainer. Streetcar is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Track and ROW Maintainer to perform journey-level trades work to troubleshoot, diagnose, maintain, repair, weld, upgrade and conduct comprehensive preventive maintenance on track, special track work, track switches, and associated equipment and components. Metro Transit's Streetcar Section is responsible for operating and maintaining Seattle Streetcar service on both the 1.3 mile South Lake Union Line and the 2.5 mile First Hill Line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant residential communities and business districts around Seattle's downtown core

Follow the link to learn more. Welcome to Seattle Streetcar - YouTube Who May Apply We are hiring for one (1) Career Service vacancy. This recruitment is open to the general public and King County employees and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future Career Service and/or temporary vacancies which may occur over the next twelve (12) months, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

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. Work Schedule This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.

Employees must be willing to work any one of three shifts (day, swing or graveyard). Current available shift is graveyard/3rd Shift on a 4/10 schedule. The work schedule may include non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system. Per the union contract shift differentials are paid to those working swing shift and graveyard. Swing shift differential is + 5%, Graveyard differential is + 7.5% on top of the hourly pay

Current hourly rates: Dayshift: $38.82 - $55.46 | Swing shift: $40.76 - $58.23 | Graveyard shift: $41.73 - $59.62 Work Location Employees may report to any of the following locations: First Hill (848 7th Ave. S, Seattle), or South Lake Union (318 Fairview Ave. N, Seattle), or any additional locations based on business needs

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor at jacky.lu@kingcounty.gov 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. You will: Inspect, diagnose, repair, maintain, and/or replace running rails, restraining rails, fasteners, switch components, crossings, and all other components associated with embedded track maintenance and construction

Operate service vehicles, small cranes and other vehicles used in track maintenance and inspection. Use rail saws, rail drills, portable ballast tampers, and other specialized tools and equipment to perform inspection, maintenance and repair tasks. Set up work-zone traffic control areas; flag track way to provide safe rail work zones.

Manually operate switch machines under revenue and non-revenue conditions. Prioritize emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision. Record and document maintenance and diagnostic data.

Assist other trades as necessary; respond to emergency calls as necessary. Perform snow and ice removal. Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience maintaining or constructing railroad tracks and associated structures OR Twelve months experience working in King County's Rail Division's Track & ROW Workgroup OR Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the needed skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work. Additional qualifications include: Demonstrated experience operating rail and crane equipment. Knowledge of and skill in track and structures maintenance work for rail systems.

Knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards, APTA Standards, FTA Standards and AREMA standards for Rail Transit Track Inspection and Maintenance. Knowledge of associated hardware, manuals, procedures, parts catalogs and other pertinent documentation. Knowledge of industrial safety standards and procedures including working with small cranes and lifting equipment such as track jacks, tie tongs, and rail tongs.

Skill in oral and written communication including reading, writing and following instructions. Skill in basic computer skills Skill in problem solving and analyzing data to solve common and complex problems. Skill in mechanical tools associated with maintaining fixed track and associated structures.

Demonstrated mechanical skills including ability to properly use hand and power tools. Knowledge of and skill in the application of codes and compliance requirements for track and associated structures. Knowledge of and skill in concrete work including finishing.

Knowledge of traffic safety techniques and procedures for establishing safe work zones both on Track and within a public motor vehicle roadway. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and to work efficiently and effectively in a team environment, including skill and demonstrated values of respect and fairness in working effectively with a diverse population in varying occupations or situations. Ability to deal proactively and sensitively with customers.

Ability to work safely and efficiently in all types of weather and environmental conditions, including on elevated structures as well as underground structures. Desirable Qualifications (not required) Railroad welding experience with stick (SMAW), wire feed (GMAW) welding process, exothermic welding including experience with Manganese steel and the ability to obtain and maintain certification, if not currently certified. Knowledge of Maintenance Management Information Systems (MMIS), Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) or equivalent maintenance work order tracking system.

Ability to operate radio and telephone communication systems in compliance with FTA regulations and procedures. Necessary Special Requirements A valid Driver's License and 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.

Ability to obtain Forklift, Aerial Lift, First-Aid/CPR and other certifications within three months of hire date (training will be provided by Rail) Applicants must be able to meet on-going educational and training requirements and maintain required certifications. Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to be mobile, perform heavy manual labor, exert physical effort while standing, walking for long distances, or lifting materials, tools and objects weighting up to 100 pounds. Supplemental Information Application & Selection Process An online employment application and answers to the supplemental questions detailing your relevant qualifications to the position are required.

Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and qualifications. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in an interview. Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed reference checks and a complete driving record review will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment.

Union Membership This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587 Classification/Pay Grade 816104 (Rail Track & ROW Mnt -3rdShf), Grade 187 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: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor, jacky.lu@kingcounty.gov. 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. #RailJobs #TradesJobs


What King County (Washington) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


King County logo

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

Social media