Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice

What is an Apprenticeship Program? 

An apprenticeship program prepares individuals to master a trade or profession through a blend of classroom education and practical experience, offered by community colleges, technical training schools, and employers alike. Participants benefit from paid on-the-job training, structured classroom instruction, mentorship from experienced professionals, and may acquire valuable credentials upon successful program completion.

 

Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice 

As a Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice, you’ll support tasks such as troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, upgrading, and performing comprehensive preventive maintenance on Continuous Welded Rail (CWR). This apprenticeship program includes on-the-job training as well as additional related supplemental instruction (RSI) hours spent in school. Successful completion of the program will result in being offered a career service position as a Rail Track and ROW Maintainer at the time of program completion.

About the Apprenticeship Program 

• Approximately two-year (3,000 hours) on-the-job training and education program using a planned, closely supervised combination of classroom and real-world educational curriculum.

• Work approximately 40 hours per week and attend on-site classes provided by Rail Pros and Railroad Tough.

• Work both indoors and outdoors, in enclosed spaces and at heights

• Progressive pay steps as the apprentice learns more demanding skills

• Successful completion will result in a career service Rail Track and ROW Maintainer position.

Information Sessions

Join us for an upcoming information session (60 minutes) to learn more about the apprenticeship program, the application process, and the work of Rail Track and ROW Maintainers. We have attached links to the virtual event, below for two separate information sessions. Both information sessions are identical - please attend the time that works best for your schedule. Attendance is optional.

Date: Tuesday, September 22nd 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (PST) - Virtual via Teams

Teams Meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215180180060899?p=QmDt3NUONE3PbnLz2w 

Meeting ID: 215 180 180 060 899

Passcode: gz7J3qb9

OR

Date: Wednesday, September 23rd 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (PST) - Virtual via Teams

Teams Meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/246857687697208?p=Faq6fLkCWY2xrcN7cs 

Meeting ID: 246 857 687 697 208

Passcode: cR7CR7LW

This recruitment will be used to fill current (2) full-time, Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice vacancies and may also be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for any future openings in the same classification. Placement onto an eligibility list is not a guarantee of placement into a future position. The list may be used for up to twelve (12) months at the discretion of the hiring authority.

About Link Light Rail

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.

Who May Apply 

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants.

To Apply:  

Those interested must submit:

• An online King County application, updated with all detailed relevant work history
• Complete all the required supplemental questions 
• A letter of interest (1-2 pages) that describes:  
  • Why are you interested this apprenticeship?         
  • What experience and/or skills do you possess that would help you be successful in this position?

These positions are considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment and 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.

Current Hourly Rates: 

1st Shift: $38.82 - $55.46  |   2nd Shift: $40.76 - $58.23  |   3rd Shift: $41.73 - $59.62

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor at [email protected]

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?

We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County.   

We also recommend visiting the Trade Apprenticeship page to learn more about apprenticeships, preparing a competitive application, study resources and sample mechanical aptitude tests: Trade apprenticeships - King County, Washington

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.  

Apprentices will be trained in:  

• Installation, adjustment, maintenance and inspection of Continuous Welded Rail (CWR).  
• Welding: Thermite and Frog techniques including inspection and quality control.  
• Use of trolley grinders and profile grinders to perform preventative maintenance grinding  
• Maintenance practices including rail replacements, ROW, preventative maintenance, drainage, and vegetation management.  
• Use of common and specialized tools and equipment for track maintenance  
• Federal Railroad Administration regulations and standards pertaining to track inspection, maintenance and construction. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A Highschool Diploma, G.E.D or equivalent 
• Basic knowledge of and/or ability to learn skills in the principles, practices, techniques, tools, and equipment of the Rail Track and ROW Maintainer trade 
• Basic understanding of safe working practices, occupational hazards, and safety requirements
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships in a diverse environment 
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing
• Skill in effectively handling multiple competing priorities and problem-solving 
• Ability to work at heights from ladders and aerial lifts 
• Ability to attend required apprenticeship classes on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays 
• Ability to work different shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays 
• Demonstrated ability with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite and automated maintenance management information systems 

The most competitive applicants will have: 

• Experience using hand and power tools 
• Experience in basic maintenance or construction 
• Experience working with or around heavy equipment (forklift, backhoe, excavator) 
• Strong interest in learning 
• Mechanical aptitude 
• Good communication skills (reading, writing, verbal) 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Experience working on a team 
• Safety mindset 

Necessary Special Requirements 

• Ability to obtain required certifications (training provided) 
• A Washington State Class “B” or “A” commercial driver’s license (CDL) with
  • An air brake endorsement
  • Removal of the no manual transmission restriction
  • Maintaining an acceptable driving record

Note: Applicants without a valid Class “B” or “A” CDL must possess a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), class “B” or “A”, with air brake endorsement, by the time a conditional offer of employment is extended, and must be able to obtain their full Class “B” or “A” CDL with air brake endorsement within six (6) months of hire. 

Physical Requirements 
This position requires individuals to frequently lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds by yourself and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance. Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, stooping, and safe operation of power tools are also required. Ability to perform close tolerance work is necessary. Work is often performed in cramped and awkward positions as well as from heights via Aerial lifts. Ability to wear protective gear including full respirators is required.

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 Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor at jacky.lu@kingcounty,gov.

Selection Process: There are four (4) parts to the process. 

Part I: 

Applicants are invited to join us for an optional virtual Information Session to learn more about the apprenticeship program (see above for more information). After the job posting closes, applications will be screened by the Talent Advisor to ensure that they meet minimum qualifications.

Part II: 

The most competitive applicants will be invited to test. The exams are designed to evaluate the candidate's mechanical aptitude. These will be closed-book exams. The most competitive scorers on the aptitude test may be reviewed further by our Subject Matter Experts (SME).

Part III: 

The most competitive candidates from Part II may be invited to participate in a panel interview. 

Part IV: 

Hiring for apprentices will be based on the cumulative skills assessment test scores and interview scores. Transit management will make the final selection of candidate(s) to be hired. Once an offer of employment has been made, beginning work will be contingent on passing necessary requirements, which may include some or all of the following: acceptable driving record, physical evaluation, drug and alcohol test, and references or review of each candidates work record for the past 24 months (internal candidates only). 

 

Work Schedule  
These positions are non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible. Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule with two consecutive days off. The work schedules 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 second and third shifts. Shift pay is 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay.

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 1907120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, OMF South at 2505 S 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98003 or OMF North at 9572 1st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115. Additional locations in King County may become available in the future.

Working Environment  
Work indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Work in high places from mechanical lifts and structures and in high voltage environment to perform inspections. Position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and supplies and may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work.

Safety Responsibility: Employees

• 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

Union Membership: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587.

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 8111300/ 248

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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.

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