Rail Utility Service Worker

King County Metro is seeking multiple Rail Utility Service Workers who will be responsible for cleaning and light maintenance of the interior and exterior of Link Light Rail vehicles, shop and yard maintenance, and shop equipment.  

About Metro Transit’s Link Light Rail Expansion

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.

Position Information

Employees must be able and willing to work any shift, any day and at any location and work one of three shifts (day, swing and graveyard.).  They may have mid-week regular days off (Monday-Tuesday, Tuesday-Wednesday, etc.). Swing and graveyard shift employees receive a shift pay differential. Employees work a 40 hour per week schedule and are eligible for overtime pay, if scheduled.

Wage Information
All new Rail Utility Service workers will start at step 1 of the pay scale:  $23.54 per hour. 

Who May Apply
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants, both current King County employees as well as the general public. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple immediate Career Service vacancies and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future CS/SDA/TLT openings in this classification over the next year (12 months) and will be utilized at the discretion of the hiring authority.

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. As a Rail Utility Service Worker you will also:

• Clean interior and exterior of Light Rail Vehicles ("LRV") or streetcars by hand washing and steam cleaning, using a variety of solvents, soaps, and cleaning chemicals.
• Report any defects to supervisor, such as defective lights, body damage, interior damage, and operating defects.
• Post, add and subtract the amounts of commodities used in designated logs.
• Remove trash and debris from the LRVs or streetcars.
• Check and replenish consumables such as sand and wiper fluid.
• Maintain shop facilities and/or vehicles following written procedures or as instructed.
• Clean and service shop equipment and/or vehicles.
• Make deliveries or pick up materials.
• Operate computer for related data input and retrieval; may enter transactions and related data into a computer information system.
• Perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of professional cleaning experience is required.
• Experience with and knowledge of basic janitorial techniques.
• Knowledge in the use and care of cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, steam cleaners, and scrubbers.
• Knowledge of basic safety rules, practices and principles and applicable OSHA laws. Knowledge in the proper use and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
• Basic knowledge of and skill using current computer software applications for data maintenance such as Maintenance Management Information Systems or equivalent tracking systems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to understand, interpret, and follow directions 
• Skill in using common hand tools, maintenance and/or cleaning equipment. Skill in performing physical labor.
• Accurately performing simple numeric calculations and record keeping tasks. Skill in working under established deadlines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of people.

Ideal candidates will also have (desired, but not required):

• Experience with biohazards and human waste.
• Experience performing light maintenance on equipment or similar type work.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling and stooping.
• Work in confined spaces and at heights and in cramped and awkward positions.

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record. (Out of state candidates must obtain their Washington State driver's license prior to hire.)
• Ability to qualify for Right of Way Protection Worker Certification.
• Ability to qualify for forklift certification.

Work Schedule
This position is paid on an hourly (non-exempt) basis and is therefore eligible for overtime pay, if scheduled. The work week and scheduled hours may vary. Rail Utility Service Workers perform work in a 24/7 operations environment, employees must be able and willing to work any shift, any day, at any location and work one of three shifts (day, swing and graveyard). Work shift is subject to change based on seniority bid system and needs of the business. In addition, this position has on-call responsibilities and must respond to emergency situations, as needed.

Work Location
Utility Service Workers may work in various bases throughout King County including Operations and Maintenance Facility- Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA, Operations and Maintenance Facility- East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, as well as various track end point terminals.

Safety Responsibilities for Employee

Application and Selection Process
To apply for this position, you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following:

• An online King County application updated with employment history going back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more, to include all relevant experience). All relevant experience must be included in the work history section of your application.
• Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety.

Current King County Employees: Be sure to include your current position and separately list each previous position you held at King County, including SDA's, Lead positions, and acting roles. 

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?  We highly recommend visiting the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective:  Career Support Services - King County, Washington.

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Applications that are not complete may be rejected and not advanced in the process. Candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted above may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed physical examinations, reference checks, and a drivers abstract review.

Union Representation:  Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587
Class Code:  9420600 - Rail Utility Service Worker

Need Assistance?

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 Neha Bansal, HR Analyst at: [email protected]

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