Summary
King County Metro Transit's Rail division is looking for qualified candidates to join our team as a
Rail Grounds Specialist. Apply today!
Rail Grounds Specialists are responsible for a variety of landscape activities including overall care and maintenance of lawns, gardens and ornamental planting. They install, modify and perform routine maintenance and repair of irrigation systems and related gardening equipment. Join a team where you can learn by doing, meet new challenges, work on an amazing team and enjoy the work and contributions you make to Metro!
Position Information
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service positions. This recruitment may also be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service and/or fully benefited temporary vacancies that may occur over the next twelve months from establishment of the list.
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 incompliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates internal and external.
Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible? We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County, Washington.
About King County Metro Transit
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. Metro was named Outstanding Public Transportation System of 2018 by APTA, the American Public Transportation Association.
#RailJobs
About Metro Transit's Link Light Rail Expansion
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.
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:
- Perform landscape maintenance of turf, ornamental plants, trees, soil and retention/detention ponds; install new turf and/or repair damaged areas.
- Perform skilled pruning and trimming of a variety of plants, ground covers, bushes and trees.
- Maintain, modify or repair irrigation systems; establish watering schedules and program controllers; analyze and/or modify system blueprints used in system installation.
- Prepare insecticides and/or pesticides; control pests using pesticides and plant growth using herbicides; maintain necessary records.
- Operate all equipment to include gardening tractors and power man lift equipment; maintain a variety of basic gardening equipment such as edger, mowers, pruning tools and tank spraying equipment.
- Perform minor repairs on small gas engines, including tune-ups.
- May instruct and coordinate the work of assigned landscaping crews; may inspect and assist in approval of contractor work.
- Perform other duties as assigned or needed, such as ice and snow removal; required to respond in case of adverse weather conditions and emergency situations
- Trash removal within landscaping.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Two years of professional work experience in the grounds keeping or gardening field. One year of college training in horticulture or botany may be exchanged for one year of work experience.
- Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems and effective watering schedules.
- Knowledge of turf management and law, garden, tree, and shrub plant species.
- Knowledge of grounds maintenance needs, materials, equipment and practices, including but not limited to gardening and plant care principles, proper pruning and trimming techniques.
- Skill in the operation and maintenance of various grounds maintenance tools and equipment including: hand tools, power tools and gas fired equipment such as lawn mowers, blowers, edgers, hedgers, chain saws and line trimmers.
- Knowledge of and ability to read/follow written instructions for the proper application and effective use of fertilizer, pesticides, and insecticides.
- Excellent customer service, oral and written communication skills.
- Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated systems and related software applications.
Desirable Qualifications
- Current or prior King County Metro Transit work experience
Licensing, Certication And Special Requirements
- Valid Washington State Driver's License and an acceptable driving record.
- Valid WA State Public Pesticide Operator's License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
- Willingness and availability to work different shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays.
Physical Requirements
This work requires frequently working in a stooping or kneeling position. May be required to do a lot of twisting or bending. Physical effort is required to perform such tasks as weeding, lifting, shoveling and using heavy gardening equipment and tools.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Grounds Specialists work outside for the majority of the day and are exposed to all types of weather conditions. Will work in or around Light Rail Vehicles.
Other Working Environment Requirements
Independence: Since the work is in isolated or secluded areas, Grounds Specialists may be working alone or with a small team. This means you must be able to work independently and make decisions without direct supervision.
Limited Resources: Working in secluded areas may mean limited access to tools, equipment, or supplies. Grounds Specialists may need to be resourceful and well-prepared.
Safety Protocols: Grounds Specialists may be working in remote locations, adhering to safety protocols is crucial. Communication with supervisors and colleagues may be done via radios or phones, and safety gear (PPE) is often necessary.
Transportation/Travel: Grounds Specialists will be working in secluded areas, reliable transportation to and from work sites is important. In some cases, there may be a need to drive specialized vehicles or travel long distances with trailers.
Supplemental Information
Work Schedule
This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay. The workweek is normally 40 hours, on day shift. You may work a 4/10s or 5/8s schedule depending on a seniority-based pick system. Shifts may include day, swing, night and weekends. The workweek and scheduled hours may vary. You must be willing and available to work any shift.
Location
The primary location for onsite work is Operations & Maintenance Facility Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle. Some work out of other locations throughout King County may be required.
How To Apply
Click on the ''Apply" link in the upper right of the job announcement on our website's job page (www.kingcounty.gov/jobs) and complete the employment application and supplemental questions thoroughly, with employment history going back at least ten years (or more to include all relevant experience).
Required Forms And Materials
- Submit an online employment application, completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs, and complete all answers to the supplemental questions.
- Attach a resume.
Applications without the above required materials may not be considered.
It is important to fill out your application accurately. Applicants should complete the online application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs as described above. Do NOT merely refer to your resume for indicating your employment history.
NOTE: Please answer all relevant questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (if you have ten years) (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc.
Earlier jobs should be included here or in resume if they are relevant in some way to this job and if they relate to our minimum qualifications, and MUST be included in the employment application if cited in answer to a Supplemental Question.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at: Application FAQ’s- King County.
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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened for completeness, clarity and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in an interview process. Employment offers will be finalized after a physical examination, drug screen, drug and alcohol background check, references and reviews of driving records.
Union Representation: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local587
Class Code: 9210100- Transit Grounds Specialist
For more information regarding this recruitment please contact: Brenna Burbank, Talent Advisor
[email protected]Forbes 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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Benefits
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.
01
How many years of professional work experience do you possess in the grounds keeping or gardening field?
- No experience
- Less than two years
- Two to three years
- Three to five years
- More than five years
02
List the employer(s) and dates of employment where you have obtained the experience indicated above AND briefly describe your professional experience in grounds keeping or gardening. Please note: stating landscape, grounds keeping and/or gardening does not sufficiently describe your experience. If none, please list N/A.
03
Do you possess at least one year of college or technical training in landscape, agriculture, horticulture or botany? If yes, please state the school/institution and year you obtained this training. If no, please list N/A.
04
Briefly describe your experience in the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems and effective watering schedules. If none, state N/A. Please list the employer(s) where you acquired your experience described above.
05
Briefly describe your experience with gardening and plant care principles, techniques and materials needed for various jobs. Include three examples of plant care principles, techniques and materials needed for various jobs. If none, list N/A. Please include the employer where you acquired this experience (required).
06
MTD - Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND 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? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service 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.
07
MTD - 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
08
MTD - If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
09
MTD - 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?
10
MTD - If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A". If current Metro Operator, please answer "N/A".
11
MTD - Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
- a. King County Metro Employment Site
- b. King County Metro Employee
- c. Indeed
- d. LinkedIn
- e. King County Careers/Government Jobs.com
- f. Job Fair
- g. Trades/Transit Job Board
12
MTD - If you selected "f" or "g" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.
13
MTD - 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.
14
MTD - If you answered yes to the previous question, does your relative work for King County's METRO Transit Department?
15
MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.
- a. Bus Operations Division
- b. Capital Division
- c. Employee Services Division
- d. Facilities Division
- e. Finance & Administration Division
- f. General Manager's Office
- g. Marine Division
- h. Mobility Division
- i. Rail Division (including Streetcar)
- j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
- k. Vehicle Maintenance
- l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit
- m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro
16
MTD - If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship.
17
MTD - Are you using related military experience to qualify for this position?
18
MTD - If you're using related military experience to qualify for this postiion, please provide your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If you held multiple MOS, feel free to indicate more than one.
19
Your application materials require a resume to be considered complete. Please verify that you have included a resume with your application.
20
Do you possess a valid WA State Public Pesticide Operator's License or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire?
21
This position requires travel to locations throughout King County. Do you have a valid driver’s license?