Transit Mechanic

If you’re a journey-level mechanic looking for meaningful work, competitive pay and benefits, and a place to grow—now is the time to apply! 

King County Metro Transit is hiring skilled mechanics to help maintain one of the nation’s most advanced and diverse transit fleets- including nearly 1,400 diesel, hybrid, trolley, and a rapidly expanding fleet of all-electric coaches.  Step into a career that keeps our region moving! 

As a Metro mechanic, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology while independently repairing and maintaining a variety of mechanical systems on Transit coaches that connect our communities across King County. Working for Metro means you’ll be supporting a mission-driven public agency, and be part of a team that sets industry standards for innovation and safety. Learn how Metro connects you with what matters!

Hear what our Mechanics have to say about working for King County Metro: https://youtu.be/Ry-hLcLwm7M

Ready to learn more? MARK YOUR CALENDARS! :

•  Open House and Tour in Tukwila, WA (optional):  *Tentatively* Wednesday October 28th, 7:15 PM 
  • Come learn about the job and our team! Join us for a tour of our Training and Maintenance facilities in Tukwila, WA and stay for an information session where you’ll receive valuable tips to help your application materials stand out in this competitive recruitment. Email Emily Clark ([email protected]) for more information, and to secure your seat at the open house.
• One-Stop Hiring Event in Tukwila, WA (by invitation only):  Thursday, November 19, 2026, between 11:00 AM and 6:00PM
  • Complete the required testing and interview process in-person at our hiring event in Tukwila. High-scoring candidates may receive conditional job offers at the event, and those who accept an offer will complete the required drug and alcohol testing on site. 
    **Important!:** Review the hiring event details that are listed further down in the “Supplemental Information” section of this posting. 

Pay Details: With some of the best pay in the region, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth, Metro offers long-term stability and work that truly matters. The salary range listed on the job posting reflects the full pay range for a 1st (day shift) Mechanic. An additional shift differential is paid to those working second (+5%) and third  (+7.5%) shifts. Below are the starting wages offered for this position:

• $44.37 - $49.91 / first shift
• $46.59 - $52.41 / second shift
• $47.70 - $53.65 / third shift

 The bolded wages are offered to candidates who earn recruitment test scores reflective of Journey-level skills, abilities, and knowledge. 

Who may apply: We are accepting applications from all qualified candidates, including the general public and King County Employees.  Military veterans and spouses encouraged to apply. 

Vacancy/ Recruitment info: This recruitment will be used to immediately fill at least FOUR (4) career service Transit Mechanic positions within the Vehicle Maintenance Division. An eligibility list of qualified candidates may be generated to fill future career service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies in this classification and workgroup. If an eligibility list is created, it would remain active until exhausted and would be utilized at the hiring authority’s discretion. Candidates who are hired from the eligibility list into TLT or SDA Mechanic positions may be eligible to have their position converted to career service (permanent), when possible.

Safety Sensitive Position 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 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.

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably, is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As the Transit Mechanic, you will:

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical defects in gasoline, electric, hybrid and diesel-powered buses, trolleys, trucks, cars, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
• Operate and maintain electronic diagnostic and related equipment.
• Diagnose, dismantle, repair, and overhaul all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Install, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical units and accessories of electrically powered trolley coaches using electrical diagrams and schematics.
• Perform wheel alignments, adjust/replace brakes and repair pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators, and air conditioning systems.
• Install, maintain, and repair a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment, and electronics, including fare collection, communication, surveillance, and related components.
• Operate overhead cranes, hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, drill presses, and brake turning lathes, as appropriately certified.
• Perform field repair work and emergency road repairs, drive wrecker truck to tow in disabled coaches.
• Maintain records of completed repairs, time worked, and materials used.
• Enter and extract data in automated vehicle maintenance system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position requires Journey Level knowledge and skills in the principles, practices, techniques, tools, and equipment of the automotive and diesel repair trade.

At a minimum, to qualify for this position, you must meet one the following experience/education requirements:

• Four years of experience as a Journey-Level mechanic in heavy-duty diesel, automotive equipment, aviation, or marine repair and maintenance. -OR-
• Two years of Journey-Level experience in heavy-duty diesel or automotive equipment repair and maintenance, AND completion of a two-year vocational or community college diesel/automotive mechanics program, or a recognized apprenticeship program. -OR-
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the Journey-Level knowledge and skills to independently perform the duties of this position.

Additional minimum qualifications include:

• Knowledge of mechanical principles of gasoline, diesel, and all-electric powered engines; fluid, pneumatic and hydraulic systems; power train, suspension, and chassis components and assemblies; and electrical, ignition, breaking, heating, and air-conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of installation, maintenance, and repair of auxiliary systems, equipment, and electronics, including fare collection, communication, surveillance, and related components.
• Knowledge of current diagnostic techniques and equipment used in fleet repair operations.
• Knowledge of industrial and shop safety rules, as well as the applicable regulations and procedures that apply to a vehicle repair facility.
• Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated vehicle maintenance systems and related software applications.
• Skill in the operation of electronic diagnostic equipment, as well as power and hand tools used in mechanical maintenance and equipment repair.
• Skill in the operation of overhead cranes, hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, drill presses, lathes, and related equipment.
• Skill in the operation of wreckers and associated auxiliary equipment and winches.
• Skill in basic mathematics.
• Customer service skills; skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Communication and interpersonal skills; skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations.

Highly competitive candidates may also have these desirable* qualifications: 

*Applicants without these desired qualifications should still apply, and can look forward to learning more and expanding their skill these areas if hired at Metro!

License Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable five-year driving record. Must maintain an acceptable driving record throughout employment.
• Must obtain a Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) prior to hire and successfully obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and air brake restriction removed, within 90 days of hire.

• King County Metro will provide you with paid on-the-job training at a later date so that you can obtain a Class A CDL, which is required for this position.

 

Special Requirements: 

• Must be willing to work any shift (assignment to swing shift, graveyard and/or weekends are likely).
• Must pass drug and alcohol testing provision for safety-sensitive positions as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. This will be completed on the day of the hiring event if you are given a job offer.
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination. Must have the ability to perform the essential functions as described above including the ability to maneuver objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must possess a complete set of heavy equipment tools and a roll-a-way toolbox necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Contact the recruiter if you would like to review the tool list before applying.

Who May Apply:  We are accepting applications from all qualified candidates, including the general public and King County Employees. Relevant MOS may include- Airforce: 2T3XI / Army: 915A, 91C / Coast Guard: MK, ENG / Marine Corps: 3524, 1341/ Navy: ASE, CM.

To Apply: Applications submitted without the required application materials listed below may be deemed incomplete and be removed from consideration. Please ensure all relevant work, volunteer, or other applicable experience is included in your online King County application.   The following application materials are required:

1. Submit an online King County application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs . Include accurate job titles and employment dates, and your full work history with all relevant work experience going back 10 years (or more, to list ALL relevant experience). Be as detailed as possible when listing your job duties, responsibilities, skills developed, and types of work performed at each job.

2. Thoroughly respond to all required supplemental questions within the application.

Please do not include extra documents or attachments (such as resumes and cover letters) with your application, as they will not be reviewed.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.  For technical support related to your application, contact the GovernmentJobs.com applicant support team for assistance: +1 855-524-5627. For guidance on how to complete these required materials, be sure to visit the King County Workforce Development site for resources on how to complete application materials for King County recruitments.

Selection Process:

Work Schedule
Employees work onsite at a King County Vehicle Maintenance facility, 40 hours per week with two consecutive days off (but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday). New employees will most likely be assigned to 2^nd or 3^rd shift (swing/ graveyard shifts). Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority pick system, and schedules are bid on twice yearly, so employees must be able and willing to work any shift, including any combination of days off, at any location.

Union Representation: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.

Classification Code: 8442100

Safety Responsibilities: Employees 

• Responsible for understanding the Metro Transit Safety 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.

About the Vehicle Maintenance Division at Metro
King County Metro is a national transportation leader providing public transit in buses, light rail, paratransit, water taxi, vanpools, and more! The Vehicle Maintenance Division is responsible for maintenance and cleaning the fleets to keep our county moving and thriving. This team promotes safe work practices, collaborative work styles, diverse work environments, and career pathways. Using advanced technology and continual training programs, the division operates effectively and efficiently creating a learning culture where knowledge sharing is essential for long term personal and professional growth. In Vehicle Maintenance, there are opportunities for cross training, future advancement, and career development. It is the duty of all team members to promote an atmosphere of excellence to serve our communities by providing mobility services to all King County residents. A position in Vehicle Maintenance at Metro is a steppingstone that propels you upwards toward careers that challenge and showcase your leadership skills and abilities throughout Metro Transit and King County.

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.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Emily Clark (she/her) at [email protected] .

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

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.