Transit Facilities Equipment Operator

Salary: $31.54 - $45.05 Hourly
Location : South Facilities Shop - 11911 East Marginal Way South, Building C, Tukwila, WA 98168, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026DR27090
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Facilities
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J2 : ATU L587-Transit
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week


Summary
*This recruitment is open to current King County Metro Transit Employees only*

King County Metro Transit's Facilities Division has an exciting opportunity for a Transit Equipment Operator . This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of specialized heavy-duty equipment and vehicles used in transit property and facility maintenance, construction, and repair projects.

About Metro's Transit Facilities Division:
King County Metro Transit's Facilities Division maintains all Metro Transit properties, such as bus bases, park & rides, bus shelters, and offices and maintenance shops. Services include bus shelter repairs and replacements, bus shelter cleaning, trolley wire repairs, radio maintenance for buses, environmental spill clean-up, bus sign replacement, graffiti removal, and other facilities maintenance duties. Internally, team provides division-wide support functions for finance, budget, environmental compliance, safety, training, administrative services and new employee orientation. Planning, inventory/materials management, work center, workforce management, functional asset management, general/maintenance agreements, systems support, capital infrastructure, sustainable resources/energy.

Recruitment Information:
This recruitment will immediately fill one (1) Career Service position and may also be used to create an eligibility list for future Career Service, as well as any fully benefitted Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies valid up to Twelve (12) months or until exhausted and at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Who May Apply:

This recruitment is open to current King County Metro Transit Employees only. Please note: Vacancies in the Equipment Operator classification will first be filled from all lower King County Metro Transit Facilities classifications within the Transit Facilities Division which are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587, by qualifications.

Questions? If you have any questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact Daniel Russell, Talent Advisor at

Job Duties


Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. All employees are expected to model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors, and practices. As the Transit Equipment Operator , you will also :

• Operate and maintain a variety of specialized heavy-duty equipment and vehicles including backhoes, compactors, bucket trucks, sweepers, and similar equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment; visually inspect and report safety problems; check and correct fluid levels and tire pressure; refuel and maintain equipment cleanliness and serviceability.
• Operate mobile trash compactor trucks to collect trash, recyclables, compost, and other waste materials from dumpsters and street side containers; perform trash collection on assigned routes.
• Operate snowplows, sanding, and de-icing trucks during adverse weather conditions.
• Operate eductor/vactor trucks; perform inspections and clean catch basins, vaults, oil/water separators, and similar structures.
• Perform or assist in clean-up and containment of fuel or other types of incidental spills.
• Maintain equipment records and maintenance logs.
• Maintain varied records including work performed, time spent, materials used, and related information; enter and extract data using automated systems; maintain manual records as required.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of and/or skill in the use and safe operation of a wide variety of specialized heavy-duty equipment.
• Knowledge of routine preventive maintenance requirements and minor repair of equipment.
• Knowledge of routine traffic laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of safe moving and lifting practices, occupational hazards, and safety requirements.
• Skill and mechanical aptitude in use and care of tools and equipment.
• Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated systems and related software applications.
• Effective communication skills, including both written and verbal, and the ability to follow instructions.
• Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team; maintain a standardized work pace.
• Ability to accept direct supervision, receive feedback, and utilize good judgment.
• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.

The most competitive applicants will possess these DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) or more years of current or recent work experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, or related apprenticeship and/or vocational training program, or some combination thereof demonstrating the ability to perform the essential duties of the position.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL), with Class B endorsement and no airbrake restriction, with the ability to obtain a Class A endorsement within six (6) months from date of hire, with an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information
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 Daniel Russell, Talent Advisor at
Required Application Materials:

• An online employment application with employment history going back at least ten years if you have ten years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience). Be sure to list all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.
• Attach a cover letter/letter of interest
• Completed supplemental questions

Please Note: Applications that do not follow the instructions listed above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the recruitment process.
Selection Process:

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as drug and alcohol testing, background checks, DOT physicals, and internal record reviews or reference checks.

Safety Sensitive:

This position is 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.

Work Environment:
This position performs work both indoors and outdoors, which may include in inclement weather. Indoor environments may involve dust and noise. Some environments may require the use of a respirator and/or hearing protection.
Work Location:

Employees report to one of two work locations, including our North Facilities Maintenance location (12525 Stone Ave N; Seattle, WA 98133) and our South Facilities Maintenance location (11911 E Marginal Way S; Seattle, WA 98168). Work occurs throughout the King County Metro Transit service area.

Work Schedule:

These positions are anticipated to be full-time, assigned 40 hours per week. Schedules can include day, swing, and overnight shifts, and work on weekends, holidays, and other non-standard workdays, and employees must be available for emergency response call-outs when needed. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are eligible for overtime pay with supervisor approval. This position is not eligible for telework/remote work.
Union Status: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587.

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 9331100 / 33
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 "" 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.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Daniel Russell, Talent Advisor at
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


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


This position is open to current King County Metro Employees only. Are you a current King County Metro Employee?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered 'yes' to the question above, please provide your current classification job title. If you answered 'no', please mark 'N/A'.
03


This position requires knowledge of and/or skill in the use and safe operation of a wide variety of specialized heavy-duty equipment, knowledge of routine preventive maintenance requirements and minor repair of equipment, and skill and mechanical aptitude in use and care of tools and equipment. Do you possess these requirements?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of current or recent work experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, or related apprenticeship and/or vocational training program, or some combination thereof demonstrating the ability to perform the essential duties of the position? This experience and/or training is preferred, but not required, to be eligible for this position.

• I have 5 or more years of this experience and/or training
• I have at least 2 years, but less than 5 years of this experience and/or training
• I have at least 1 year, but less than 2 years of this experience and/or training
• I have less than 1 year of this experience and/or training
• I do not have this experience and/or training

05


Please briefly describe the experience you have, as indicated above. If you indicated that you do not have this experience, please mark 'N/A'.
06


Do you currently have a valid Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL), with a Class B endorsement or above, without airbrake restriction?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you willing to obtain a CDL Class A endorsement within six (6) months of employment, if you do not have this endorsement already?

• Yes, I am willing to obtain this endorsement
• N/A - I already have a Class A endorsement
• No, and I am *not* willing to obtain one

08


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

09


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

10


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

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

11


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

12


This position requires the ability to work shifts including day, swing, or overnight, which may include working on weekends and holidays, as well as respond to emergency overtime and call-outs during non-working hours as needed. Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

13


This position requires the ability to frequently lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance, frequently walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and stooping, and use of appropriate provided personal protective equipment (PPE). Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

14


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

15


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 notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
16


If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment 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

17


If you have a relative who works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. Note: 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 do not have a relative employed by King County Metro, please indicate "N/A".
18


If you have a relative who works for Metro, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.

• Bus Operations Division
• Capital Division
• Employee Services Division
• Facilities Division
• Finance & Administration Division
• General Manager's Office
• Marine Division
• Mobility Division
• Rail Division (including Streetcar)
• Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
• Vehicle Maintenance
• I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit
• I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro

19


A cover letter/letter of interest must be attached to this application in order to advance in the selection process. Applications omitting this attachment will be considered 'incomplete' and will be removed from consideration. Have you attached the required cover letter? If you have not, you are still able to go back and attach these.

• Yes
• No

20


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.

• Yes
• No

Required Question