Rail Supervisor - Trainee

Join Metro Link Light Rail Operations Team – A Career That Takes You Places King County Metro is seeking motivated individuals to join our Link Light Rail team through the Rail Supervisor‑in‑Training (RSIT) program. This recruitment will fill multiple Rail Supervisor vacancies and create a list of eligible candidates that will remain in effect until exhausted. This paid, one‑year (12 month) training program combines classroom learning with on‑the‑job instruction throughout Rail Operations. RSITs will develop the skills necessary to supervise and ensure safe, reliable, and equitable transit operations for thousands of riders each day. Position Overview RSITs will be subject to a one‑year probationary period. All RSITs must obtain or maintain a valid Rail Operator Card. Successful applicants who do not currently possess a valid Rail Operator Card will complete Light Rail Operator (LRO) training at the beginning of their probationary year. During their probationary year, RSITs will be trained and must qualify in four key areas: Field Supervision: Overseeing rail operations in the field, interfacing with Rail Operators, responding to incidents, and ensuring safe and on‑time delivery of service. Communications Specialist: Managing communications and flow of information through the Link Control Center (LCC), monitoring emergency telephones and station cameras, and ensuring accurate train positioning and passenger information. Base Planning & Dispatching: Managing Rail Operator assignments, work schedules, and service coverage. Yard Supervision: Overseeing and authorizing all work and movements with the yard. RSITs who fail to qualify in any of these four areas or obtain a Rail Operator Card will be terminated from the RSIT program. RSITs who successfully complete their probationary year will be promoted to Rail Supervisors. Work Schedule Rail Supervisors work in a seniority‑based pick system that provides opportunities to change shifts in the spring and fall of each year. Once qualified, RSITs may participate in these picks. Rail Supervisors are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all weekends and holidays. They work 4/40 and 5/40 schedules with consecutive days off and must be able to work non‑standard work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. These positions are non‑exempt from the FLSA regulations and are therefore eligible for overtime pay. Competitive Compensation RSITs earn $49.96 per hour for the first six months, then $52.90 per hour for the second six months. Upon successful completion of the one‑year probationary period, RSITs are promoted to Rail Supervisors, starting at $52.90 and moving in four steps to a top wage of $58.78 over two additional years. Great Benefits Free transportation pass (valid on most regional transit systems). Competitive medical, dental, vision, and state‑registered domestic partner coverage. Competitive sick leave and vacation plan; participation in the State’s Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS); optional 457 deferred compensation plan. Opportunities for Growth Rail Supervisors can instruct new RSITs, fill acting roles in various managerial functions, enroll in Link Control Center training, qualify as Operations Controllers, and support major event service and new rail expansions. Job Duties Rail Supervisors‑in‑Training perform a variety of duties that involve classroom instruction and on‑the‑job training. During the 12‑month probationary period, each RSIT must qualify as a Light Rail Operator (if not already qualified), a Field Supervisor, a Communications Specialist, and a Base Dispatcher/Planner. Upon advancement, they may move between three assignment areas: Field Supervisors Monitor service and facilities, perform LRV troubleshooting on the mainline. Coordinate with other agencies and implement solutions to service‑related problems. Respond to emergencies on rail vehicles and platforms, coordinate required activities with emergency response personnel, investigate rail accidents, derailments, industrial injuries. Provide accurate and timely documentation of incidents on right‑of‑way, platforms, and rail yard. Deliver on‑scene customer service and public relations for rail; refer complaints to Operations Chief. Base Dispatchers/Planners Fill assignments with qualified operators following labor agreement guidelines. Inform operators of assignments and cover absences due to illness, withdrawal, or other events. Respond to operator inquiries regarding schedules, overtime, run specifics, and contract provisions. Compute operator pay time, record attendance, and maintain base records. Maintain electronic reports, input and retrieve data, review all forms for accuracy, and forward to management. Coordinate with vehicle maintenance staff on vehicle availability and maintain related documentation. Interact with Metro employees by telephone and in person. Communications Specialists Work with the Link Control Center to manage communications and flow of information. Monitor emergency telephones and station cameras. Ensure accurate train positioning and passenger information. Yard Supervisors Authorize all train movements in the yard, including coupling/uncoupling and movement of hi‑rail vehicles. Manage yard communications over the radio and ensure safe on‑air communications. Coordinate yard pull‑outs/in and communicate delays to the LCC. Maintain the Yard Communications Log. Establish and remove track protection in the yard. Authorize and record all PMs, permits, and power‑downs, ensuring worker protection. Minimum Qualifications Transit/Rail Operator Experience: At least 2½ years of full‑time transit or rail operator experience within the last five years. Operations Knowledge: Ability to interpret and follow transit/rail operator schedules, SOPs, and rulebooks. Rules and Safety: Experience applying operating rules and safety regulations and performing basic vehicle mechanical checks. Radio Communication: Minimum one year of experience using a two‑way radio system in an operational or dispatch environment. Communication Skills: Ability to produce clear written correspondence and convey information verbally in operational settings. Technology Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and capable of learning specialized operational software. Problem‑Solving and Organization: Evidenced ability to identify operational problems, develop solutions, and prioritize tasks under time constraints. Performance Feedback: Experience providing actionable performance feedback to peers or subordinates. Equity and Diversity: Understanding and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and ability to work professionally with people of varied backgrounds. Desirable Qualifications Experience in a supervisory or lead capacity and/or coursework in supervision. Skill in developing, assessing, and evaluating training materials. Experience diagnosing and rectifying rail vehicle mechanical/electrical failures. Experience working in an operations control or incident management center. Experience navigating HASTUS or similar workforce management software. Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Necessary Special Requirements Valid driver’s license with no suspensions or revocations within the past 36 months and no more than one moving violation in the past 12 months. Ability to pass a DOT physical exam and pre‑employment drug testing. Ability to obtain and maintain a Link Rail Operator Card. Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods (up to 6 hours). Ability to navigate loose or uneven terrain and climb a 3‑foot elevation without assistance. Ability to climb four flights of stairs without stopping. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds across short distances. Application Closing Date 07/26/2026 Disclaimer All applicants are assessed based on the prerequisite qualifications outlined above and eligibility for benefits and promotions will be confirmed by the hiring team. This listing is open to the general public and all King County employees. Employment is granted upon successful completion of the selection process and in accordance with applicable probationary and union procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr King-County,-W