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King County, WA

Rail Electro-Mechanic Trainee

92K-97KWAFull-time

3d

Summary

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

The King County Metro (KCM) Rail, Vehicle Maintenance Electro-Mechanic Trainee (EM Trainee) Program, provides Vehicle Maintenance the opportunity to hire Mechanics without practical hands-on shop experience. The Electro-Mechanic (EM) Trainee Program is a twenty-nine (29) month/2.5-year program.

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.

About Link Light Rail

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 Summary

The Electro-Mechanic (EM) Trainees perform and assists in the maintenance of all King County Metro (KCM) Rail Light Rail Vehicles and associated equipment. They perform increasingly more responsible rail and component repair duties under the close supervision of experienced Mechanics. These positions also install rail accessories and auxiliary parts, make routine adjustments on rail equipment, and participate in training classes related to this trade.

Who May Apply

This opportunity is for two (2) career service positions and is open to internal candidates and the general public. This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies that may occur over the next twelve (12) months, at the hiring manager's discretion.

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, 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.

Work Schedules

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. Electro-Mechanic trainees will work M-F until classroom training is complete (typically after 16-17 weeks). After classroom training, trainees will be required to change shifts every 60-90 days, which may include any hours/shifts (day, swing, or graveyard), weekends, and holidays.

Work Locations

Employees will initially (first 1-2 weeks) report to the Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility - Central (OMF-C) at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA, 98134. Afterwards, these positions will report to various locations depending on training availability.

Current Hourly Rates

Day shift $44.37 I Second (swing) shift $46.59 I Third (graveyard) shift $47.70

Shift differential will be 5.00% per hour for swing shift and 7.5% per hour for graveyard shift. Shift differentials shall be paid as a percentage above an Employee’s hourly base wage rate. Any shift with a quitting time from 8:01 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. will be considered a swing shift. Any shift with a quitting time from 2:01 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be considered a graveyard shift.

Trainees will qualify as a Journey Level Electro-Mechanic upon successful completion of the EM Trainee Program. An EM Trainee that has moved to a career service Electro-Mechanic position will be subject to the 120-day probationary period as outlined in the CBA. The EM Trainee/Electro-Mechanics will be on probation for the duration of the training program and through the end of their 120-day probationary period. An EM Trainee who fails to complete the probationary period will return to their previously held position or be separated from employment as outlined in the probation policy.

Program Overview

  • Training Program is twenty nine (29) months or 2.5-years long
  • The first part of the program includes about 16 weeks of classroom training
    • No vacation or time off will be allowed during classroom training; any pre-arranged time-off will need to be postponed
  • Trainees are required to study via online modules. Trainees must pass each module's exam to successfully move through training (maximum 2 attempts per module)
  • The rest of the Training Program will include Hands-on training with a qualified Electro-Mechanic or Electro-Mechanic Lead
Union Membership

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

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. Job duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Diagnose, test, maintain, repair, and overhaul rail/streetcar vehicles' electrical, electronic and mechanical systems and equipment in accordance with schematics, drawings, wiring diagrams, operations manuals and manufacturer instructions.
  • Conduct safety and preventive maintenance inspections on vehicles, systems and equipment, document defects, maintenance and repairs.
  • Troubleshoot, repair, replace, or modify mechanical, electronic and electrical components, analog and solid state electronic systems, and defective parts for a variety of equipment and systems controls.
  • Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools.
  • Prepare time and material cost estimates and maintain records; prepare various activity and status reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs.
  • Re-rail trains/streetcars and recover vehicles from accidents.
  • Install special electronic testing systems and communication devices on cars; service and maintain microprocessor control systems; calibrate and repair test equipment.
  • Inspect, test, maintain, repair, service, rebuild and overhaul electrical, mechanical and electronic subsystems on rail/streetcar vehicles.
  • Maintain parts inventory and computer inventory records.
  • Operate computers for testing and diagnosing fault log management and related data input and retrieval.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
  • Able to pass the required physical examination prior to employment.
  • Washington State driver’s license and will need a driving abstract review
  • Able to obtain a class B CDL before completion of the program, or as soon as is practical.
  • Able to pass the KCM Rail's Maintenance Rail Operator (MRO) operation training program and meet all current and future licensing requirements for continued employment.

Desired Qualifications

One (1) or more years of experience as a journey-level mechanic with heavy rebuild OR fleet / auto / equipment / industrial mechanic experience with a strong electrical/electronic background.

KNOWLEDGE

Candidates must be able to read, write, and understand English and Math. They must possess a strong desire and aptitude to learn both the mechanical and electrical working requirements in addition to operating a variety of power and hand tools.

PHYSICAL

The job requires considerable physical skill and sustained periods of physical effort. The position requires heavy lifting, with assistance, of up to 50 pounds.

INTERPERSONAL

These positions require ordinary conversational skills and courtesy, and the ability to exchange or provide routine information. Contacts are primarily with other KCM Rail personnel.

ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a shop environment with exposure to high noise levels, oil, grease, rail fumes and other hazards. Work is often performed in cramped or awkward positions.

RESPONSIBILITY

EM Trainees are responsible for progressively developing skills for the safe and proper care and maintenance of assigned KCM Rail equipment and for the timely completion of supplemental courses and classes assigned during training.

Supplemental Information

Screening Criteria

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications. Applicants must complete the following minimum criteria:

  • Basic Electrical and Mechanical Knowledge Test, a minimum score must be achieved to move forward in the selection process.

Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed screening criteria, the interview, physical examinations, reference checks and a driving abstract review.

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.

Application Process

Applicants should complete the online application at www.kingcounty.gov, which includes the Supplemental Questions. Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, salary, etc.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. If you need an accommodation in the selection process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the Human Resources contact for this job announcement, as noted above.

If you have questions about this recruitment please contact: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor, at [email protected].

Class Code: 8311000

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#RailJobs

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

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.

02

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

03

When applying for this job, you must be at least 21 years old, do you meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

04

If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing and available to work at any hours/shift, including days, swing, graveyard, weekends and holidays?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment medical examination?

  • Yes
  • No

06

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

  • Yes
  • No

07

This position requires a current WA State Driver's License (or within 30 days of hire if you possess an out-of-state driver's license) and the ability to obtain a class B CDL before completion of the program, or as soon as is practical. Are you able to meet both of these requirements?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Have you had a license in another state besides Washington in the last 5 years?

  • Yes
  • No

09

If you indicated above that you have had a license in a state other than Washington in the last 5 years, list the state(s) and the years you had the license(s).

10

In the last 5 years, has your license been revoked or suspended?

  • Yes
  • No

11

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

  • Once
  • More than once
  • My license has not been suspended

12

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

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5 or more
  • No Code Violations

13

How many at fault accidents have you had in the last 5 years?

  • No accidents
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5 or more

14

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).

  • Yes
  • No

15

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.

  • Yes
  • No

16

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

  • Yes
  • No

17

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

18

MTD - If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship.

19

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

20

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.

21

I have read the job announcement and understand the duties and requirements for this position. I also understand that the provisions of the job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. I further understand that any employment offer may be subject to successful completion and results for drug and alcohol background check, pre-employment physical, drug testing, reference checks, driver's record evaluation, and criminal history checks. Having applied for employment with King County, I give my consent that any person, firm or organization listed hereon is authorized to furnish King County with reference material concerning my character, past employment or any other information requested. I hereby authorize the full release of my employment and work record to King County for the purpose of evaluation and consideration for employment including, but not limited to, specific reasons and details regarding my resignation and/or termination, attendance and punctuality, infractions or any disciplinary actions I may have received, and disclosure of all performance evaluations for the previous ten (10) years. I agree to hold current or former employers harmless from any claim or action based upon the release of information or documentation relating to my employment record. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information. By checking this box and completing by name in the field below, I provide my consent for King County to obtain the above referenced information.

  • Yes
  • No
  • Required Question