Tacoma Link Rail Service Specialist

Tacoma Link Rail Service Specialist

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: TACOM003240

Posted: June 6, 2025

Full-Time

Location: Tacoma, WA 98421, USA

Description

Hourly range is $21.63/hour to $44.23/hour with a midpoint of $27.40/hour. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, maintains the cleanliness of the interior and exterior of the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), Non-Revenue Vehicles (NRV), various rail stations platforms, Right of Way (ROW) and related service areas. Operates LRVs for servicing and maintenance purposes. Practices safe work processes and contributes to the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment for self and others. Performs related work as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Clean the interior & exterior of LRVs by hand washing, mopping, sweeping, and steam cleaning, using cleaning chemicals and solutions.
• Report any defects to systems maintenance supervisor or lead, such as defective lights, body damage, interior damage, and operating defects.
• Check and fill LRV sand boxes to appropriate levels when necessary.
• Operates, moves LRV's within yard limits and maintenance facility.
• Performs LRV yard staging under the direction of the systems maintenance supervisor or lead at the OMF for daily revenue service operation.
• Assist maintenance department as necessary in the completion of preventive maintenance and servicing.
• Cleans maintenance facility shop floors, parking areas, LRV storage yard, station platforms, and general ROW areas.
• Secure office and shop areas as directed.
• Safely operate and maintain a variety of equipment such as steamers, ground/floor scrubbers, pressure washers, and upholstery equipment.
• Prioritize emergency tasks in the absence of supervisor; respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Graffiti removal.
• Lifts, moves, and dumps trash containers.
• Pickup or deliver parts or materials from other locations.
• Operate company assigned vehicles and light rail vehicles.
• Assist in training other fellow employees.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: High School Diploma/GED and successful completion of training and post-training qualification period or closely related field; Two years of experience in the maintenance and cleaning of facilities is highly desirable; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Demands/Requirements:

This position is considered safety sensitive. It requires a DOT physical that meets standard to qualify for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, and recertification as needed, and a negative drug test. Following is a description of the circumstances for testing as required by Federal regulations 49 CFR Part 655: random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal Transit Authority DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state driver's License and a satisfactory driving record (with no more than 1 violation in the past 12 months, exclusive of DUI and reckless driving).
• Must be able to pass Sound Transit LRV operation certification course.
• Obtain forklift certification. (Provided by Sound Transit)
• Must be able to get medically qualified to wear a half-mask respirator.
• Must obtain a DOT certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Pertinent traffic laws, ordinances, and safety rules in the operation of light rail vehicles.
• Knowledge of basic janitorial techniques.
• Knowledge in the use and care of cleaning equipment.
• Knowledge of basic safety rules and applicable OSHA laws.
• Standard safety precautions.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge in the proper use and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
• Knowledge in the use and care of tools and equipment.
• English language usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Communicate in a clear, understandable and concise manner in English both orally and in writing.
• Use supplies and equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Learn and apply Sound Transit policies and procedures.
• Work independently for long periods of time and as a positive team member.
• Operate LRVs and other vehicles according to rules and procedures in a safe manner.
• Learn and follow established safety practices.
• Understand and follow guidelines including the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for handling of toxic and/or caustic chemicals and other hazardous materials including blood borne pathogens.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work duties.
• Comply with Sound Transits drug and alcohol policy for safety sensitive employees.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• The essential functions of this job are performed in both a shop environment and outside in various weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat and cold. Work is performed around equipment and machinery with moving parts and under wet and slippery conditions.
• Workers are exposed daily to electrical hazards, toxic and/or caustic chemicals, grease, oil, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases and are intermittently exposed to loud noise and vibrations.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• May be subject to bending, climbing, crawling, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, kneeling, pushing, pulling,