Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice

King County•Multiple locations in King County, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is an 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. 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. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.
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?

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, upgrading, and performing comprehensive preventive maintenance on Continuous Welded Rail (CWR).
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.
Understanding Federal Railroad Administration regulations and standards pertaining to track inspection, maintenance and construction.
Applying equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.