Rail Technical Trainer I

King County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Metro Rail Division seeks a Rail Technical Trainer I to train the future light rail workforce in King County. The role includes classroom and hands-on instruction, curriculum development, and ensuring safety and quality in rail operations.

You will update procedures, prepare training materials, evaluate trainees, and coordinate with Rail management to oversee operations. A minimum of one year in a rail environment with trainer experience is required.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a Light Rail environment and experience as a trainer and/or educator of adults.
• Or any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of rail training for Light Rail Operators.
• Develop, implement, and conduct training (curriculum, lesson plans, hands-on training and assessment) for rail employees and others as assigned.
• Update instructional procedures and program content.
• Prepare and maintain training aids, charts, view graphs, visual aids, equipment simulators, and mock-ups.
• Ensure availability of classroom space and equipment for training programs.
• Conduct initial, refresher, and retraining for rail employees as necessary.
• Monitor progress of trainees and provide progress evaluations and counseling.
• Maintain documentation on rail training and testing as required by policy and law.

Skills

Rail training

Adult education

Oral and written communication

Job description

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters

* This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *

King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Rail Technical Trainer I.

As a member of our Rail Technical Trainer team, you will be training the future light rail workforce in King County. Your work will involve frequent learning opportunities: new equipment, new rail extensions, changes in industry standards, and helping to bring in new technology.

Our Technical Trainer team is responsible for the development, implementation, and presentation of training courses for a variety of trades. Trainers in this position will focus on Operations training.

Trainers instruct in both the classroom and in hands-on situations and evaluate student progress throughout the training program. They are also involved in coordinating with Rail management in the oversight of rail operations, to ensure that safety and quality of services are delivered according to our standards, best practices, and rules.

About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division

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.

Are you an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State? Explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region here.

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

Interviews are anticipated to occur during the week of October 5 through October 9, 2026, but are subject to change.

Who May Apply

This position is open to King County employees and the general public.

To Apply

Those interested must submit:

• An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties.
• Completed supplemental questions.
• A cover letter/letter of interest that clearly explain how you meet the requirements of the position.

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

As the Rail Technical Trainer I, you will:

• Participate in all aspects of rail training for Light Rail Operators.
• Develop, implement, and conduct training (including curriculum, lesson plans, hands-on training and demonstration, training materials and assessment) for rail employees and others as assigned.
• Update instructional procedures and program content.
• Prepare and maintain current trainingaids, charts, view graphs, visual aids, equipment simulators, and mock-ups.
• Ensure availability of classroom space and equipment for specifictraining programs.
• Conduct initial, refresher, and retraining for rail employees as necessary.
• Perform in-service performance reviews for rail operators and for post incident/extended absence.
• Conduct technical and compliance training (Industrial Hygiene, Safety and Regulatory Compliance, etc.) as required. Assist in other training programs where overlap or intersection occurs.
• Monitor progress of trainees and provides progress evaluations and periodic counseling.
• Ensure that trainees, while in training, remain compliant with Metro rail governing documents and policies including but not limited to rules, procedures, and time accountability.
• Evaluate and recommend to management the termination of trainees during training and employees during probationary period who do not meet rail standards.
• Act as a designated examiner in the testing and certification of rail vehicle operators.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation on all facets of rail training and testing for each student as required and as mandated by Metro policy and State and Federal law.
• Maintain a variety of electronic reports; perform electronic data input and retrieval; review for accuracy all forms and documents received and forward them as appropriate.
• Provide customized training asneeded.
• May assist in training other areas on a project basis.
• Maintain current knowledge of training processes, safety principles, Metro rules/policies/procedures, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Evaluate new equipment and changes in existing equipment and incorporates it in to training curriculum.
• Participate in the testing, certification, and opening of new rail extensions.
• Participate in the testing and certification of new rail cars.
• Participate in rail audits, emergency drills and simulations.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports in support of the Rail Section.
• Operate rail vehicles and perform other related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience preforming work in a Light Rail environment AND experience as a trainer and/or educator of adults
• OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Link Light Rail Mainline Card
• Working knowledge of employee performance evaluation and counseling.
• Skill in oral and written communication; reading, writing, and following detailed instructions.
• Skill in developing training course curricula, classroom materials, presentations, and testing instruments.
• Skill in evaluating and revising standard and custom training materials.
• Skill in developing policies and procedures, rules, and reports.