Rail Facilities Mechanic Lead

King County (WA)
Seattle, Washington
Full Time

Email Address

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Summary

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for multiple Rail Facilities Mechanic Leads.

The Rail Facilities Mechanic Lead will be responsible for assigning and coordinating the work of Rail Facilities Mechanics. This position will focus on providing technical assistance and lead direction to crew members engaged in maintenance, repair and upgrades of the Light Rail operating facilities, supporting systems and equipment.

This position works directly with the facilities chief, and responsibilities will also include the coordination and oversight of work performed by outside contractors working in an assortment of crafts, engaged in a variety of building and systems maintenance, repair and enhancement.

The ideal candidate for this role will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, and encourage a safety culture while inspiring high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust.

About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.

Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core. These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services. Puget Sound transit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.

This recruitment may immediately fill up to three (3) Career Service positions and may also be used to establish an eligibility pool for future Career Service vacancies in this classification, valid up to 12 months or until exhausted and at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Interviews are anticipated to occur during the week of August 11 through August 15, 2025, but are subject to change.

Who May Apply

This position is open to King County employees and the general public.

To Apply:

Those interested must submit:

An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties.
Completed supplemental questions.

Current Hourly Rates:

2nd Shift (Swing): $64.06 | 3rd Shift (Graveyard): $65.59

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.

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.

As the Rail Facilities Mechanic Lead, you will:

Coordinate and provide technical assistance to facilities mechanics responsible for maintaining all public and operating facilities, equipment and associated components. This includes maintaining and repairing a variety of plumbing, tunnel and associated systems and equipment.
Assign work in accordance with work operating requirements and workload demands; control and monitor work flow.
Respond to questions and provide technical advice on project requirements, specifications and material requirements.
Assist in the training of other Rail Facilities Mechanics on required maintenance operations, standard operating procedures and safety procedures.
Provide feedback to the chief/superintendent on employee and teamwork performance as well as any attendance issues.
Monitor work assignments to ensure work has been completed in a quality manner and within established timeframes; ensure adherence to all maintenance schedules; ensure equipment is maintained and in proper working order.
Advise crew members when their work is deficient or is in violation of established regulations and procedures.
Maintain varied records including work performed, time spent, materials used, operating logs and related information; enter and extract data using automated systems; maintain manual records as required.
Participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for functions and service checks on facilities, buildings and equipment; develop specifications for and purchase new equipment and materials.
Plan, schedule and coordinate activities and work with other trades, divisions and outside agencies and contractors; inspect work completed by contractor.
Perform a variety of plumbing, carpentry and related building trades work; read, interpret and apply blueprints and other drawings.
Design, layout and fabricate various metal components, parts or fixtures used in the repair, maintenance and modification of facilities, buildings and equipment; perform shop and field welding, layout, cutting and fitting; operate a variety of welding and burning equipment.
Install, maintain, repair and modify equipment and system assemblies; install, attach or brace appurtenances to buildings, walls, ceilings and floors.
Respond to emergency situations. Prioritize and determine work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years of journey-level work experience in the plumbing, welding, mechanical, or Fire and Life Safety field OR

any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

Ability to plan, assign, coordinate, and oversee the work of others.
Journey-level knowledge of and skill in the principles, practices, techniques, tools and equipment of the plumbing, pipe and steam fitting trades.
Skill in training and providing technical assistance.
Skill in installing and maintaining mechanical equipment.
Ability to use automated maintenance management information systems in order to process work orders and assignments.
Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated systems and related software applications.
Skill in problem solving and analyzing data to solve common and complex problems.
Skill in verbal and written communication including reading, writing and following instructions.

Note: Preference will be given to internal Rail Employees with minimum 2 years' experience in a Rail Facilities Mechanic Position.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge and understanding of advanced mechanical theory and current practices.
Skill in working with a diverse group of individuals in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
Knowledge of related national, state and local codes and means of compliance.
Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester.
At least one year of professional lead experience.
Knowledge of standard construction practices and principles of building systems and industrial controls.
Completion of an apprenticeship, training or vocational school program OR equivalent in the welding, plumbing, Fire and Life Safety or facility maintenance field.
Knowledge of and compliance with applicable safety standards and requirements.
Advanced skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics and drawings.
Journey level status in a building maintenance trade.
Facilities Maintenance Certifications.
Journey-level Pipefitter, Sprinkler Fitter, or Steam Fitter.
Certified Welder.
Refrigeration/ Air Conditioning Certification.
Boiler Certification.

Necessary Special Requirements

Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history or the ability to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.

Certifications that must be acquired, held and maintained within 12-months of hire, (we provide training materials):

Confined Space Entry Certification.
Fork Lift and High Lift Certification.
AS-ITT or the current equivalent Fire Systems Certification requirements.
FEX-1 Fire Extinguisher Inspection Certification.

Physical requirements: This position is required to frequently lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance. This job also requires frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling and stooping; and safe operation of power tools. Physical ability to is required to perform heavy manual labor, exert physical effort while standing, walking, or lifting materials, tools and objects weighting up to 100 pounds, such as paving breakers, joint bars, ties, and tamping tools.

Supplemental Information

Application & Selection Process

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a 30-minute computers skills test and a panel interview upon passing the skills test. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews.

Work Schedule

This position is anticipated to be full time, assigned 40 hours per week. Employees must be able to work any of the three shifts (day, swing, or graveyard). Work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is non- exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

These positions are considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the 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.

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

Work Location: The primary location of this position is Central Base OMF 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134.

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 8432200/ 205

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at ....

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.

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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

#RailJobs #TradesJobs

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Are you currently a King County employee within the Rail Facilities Mechanic classification with a minimum 2 years of experience?

Have you completed an apprenticeship, training or vocational school program in the welding, plumbing or facility maintenance field?

If you answered yes to the above question, please list program you completed, year and location. If you answered no, please state N/A.

How many years of journey-level experience do you have in the plumbing, welding, and/or mechanical field?

Do you have at least one year of professional lead experience?

If yes, please list when and where you acquired your lead experience (remember to include this on your application under work experience). If none, list N/A.

Please check all the desirable qualifications/certifications that you possess.

Journey-level Pipefitter, Sprinkler Fitter, or Steam Fitter
Certified Welder
Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
Boiler Certification
Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Certification
None of the above

This position requires the ability to: work shifts that include day, swing, and overnight; work shifts that may include weekends and holidays. Are you able to meet these requirements?

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A". If current Metro Operator, please answer "N/A

How have you applied equity and social justice principles in your current and/or previous role(s)? Experience may include roles in either a professional or volunteer setting. If you do not have this experience, how would you approach incorporating equity and social justice principles into this role with Metro Transit Rail Division?

Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License? Please indicate if you ALSO hold a Class A or Class B CDL license, and any endorsements. Check all that apply.

Valid Driver's License
Class A CDL/Permit
Class B CDL/Permit
Air Brake Endorsement
Passenger Endorsement
I do not have a Driver's License, but I am able to obtain one within 30 days of hire into this position
I do not have a Driver's License, and I am NOT able to obtain one within 30 days of hire into this position

In the last five (5) years, has your driver's license been revoked or suspended?

Yes
No
N/A - I do not have a driver's license

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.

One time
More than once
My license has not been suspended
N/A - I do not have a driver's license

How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last five (5) years?

No code violations
1 code violation
2 code violation
3 code violation
4 code violations
5 or more code violations
N/A - I do not have a driver's license

Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply.

Reckless or negligent driving
DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Hit and run incident
Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
Open container violation
More than one at-fault accident
None of the above
N/A - I do not have a driver's license

Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children, or relatives of a domestic partner.

If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department?

If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select one.

Bus Operations Division
Capital Division
Employee Services Division
General Manager's Office
Facilities Division
Finance & Administration Division
Marine Division
Mobility Division
Rail Division (including Streetcar)
Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
Vehicle Maintenance
N/A

If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship or enter "N/A".

Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

King County Metro Employment Site
King County Metro Employee
Indeed
LinkedIn
King County Careers/Government Jobs.com
Job Fair
Trades/Transit Job Board

If you selected "job fair" or "Trades/Transit Job Board" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
No.

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you check the "YES" box, the human resources staff person coordinating this recruitment will send you a request asking for additional information. (This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only).

I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone ...

Website

Job ID: 485699923

Originally Posted on: 7/17/2025

Email Address

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