Streetcar Operator

Full Job Description

Metro Transit’s Streetcar Section is responsible for operating and maintaining Seattle Streetcar service on both the 1.3 mile South Lake Union Line and the 2.5 mile First Hill Line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant residential communities and business districts around Seattle’s downtown core.

Streetcar Operators safely operate modern European-designed streetcars within enclosed operator cabs.

Follow the link to learn more! Welcome to Seattle Streetcar - YouTube

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 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.

Location

Streetcar Operators may be assigned to either of our two Streetcar base locations as a part of the seniority pick system: First Hill (848 7th Ave. S, Seattle) and South Lake Union (318 Fairview Ave.

N, Seattle). Extra Board Operators will be assigned to one location but can be deployed at either one.

Work Schedule

All positions are non-exempt and work a 40-hour workweek. Must be available for day and night work, weekend and holiday work, and split shifts.

Working Conditions

Must be able to:

• Walk four blocks up a slight incline within ten (10) minutes
• Climb stairs and board a streetcar
• Sit for extended periods
• Lift or pull up to thirty (30) pounds
• Perform repetitive body movements to operate controls
• Work independently with a minimum of breaks

Who May Apply

This is an internal recruitment. King County Metro’s Streetcar Section is currently accepting applications ONLY from current King County Metro Transit Bus Operators in full-time and part- time career service positions.

Streetcar Operator positions will be offered by seniority to full-time operators first. The eligibility list that is generated from this recruitment will remain in effect for twelve months.

To Apply

No work history is needed, only completion of the supplemental questions is required.

Need Assistance?

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 Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor, at malansi@kingcounty.gov

Requirements

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As a Streetcar Operator you will also:

• Provide safe, professional, and courteous on-time streetcar service for customers in King County
• Provide passenger assistance including passengers with special needs and in special circumstances, offering assistance in boarding or de-boarding; providing information to passengers regarding service area, schedules, etc.
• Follow all streetcar rules, policies, and procedures
• Effectively operate transit vehicles and equipment
• Successfully communicate with and follow direction from O&M Supervisors or LINK Control Center via radio
• Communicate effectively with all customers regarding service delays, disruptions, and during emergency situations
• Prepare and submit accident and incident reports; maintain records and other documentation as determined by management
• Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must be a current full-time or part-time Career Service Transit (Bus) Operator with King County Metro Transit
• A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete the Streetcar Operator Training Program, obtain Streetcar Operator Certification, and maintain Streetcar Operator Certification

Additional Information

Recruitment Process
Candidates who successfully pass application review will be placed on an eligibility list in seniority order as determined by ATU Local 587. Full Time Operators will have priority over Part Time Operators on the seniority list.

Mandatory Informational Video
Candidates will be required to watch a mandatory informational video where they will learn more about Seattle Streetcar, the Operator position, and the training program offered if selected. If a candidate does not watch the mandatory video or chooses not to move forward with training when offered, they may be removed from the eligibility list.

To get a head start, you can watch the video here: Streetcar Operator Information Session

Record Review
Prior to placement into the training class, candidates must pass an internal records review.

Driving Record
An excellent driving record is a requirement to become a Streetcar Operator. Applicants' driving records will be reviewed prior to selection. Transit Human Resources Office will purchase a current Five-Year Driving Abstract from the Washington State Department of Licensing. Driving records will be assessed on an individual basis and will be reviewed for the following: Frequency and seriousness of moving violations, suspension of license, failures to appear (FTA'S), unpaid tickets, and at fault accidents.

Streetcar Operator Training
Throughout the year, Streetcar will offer training classes on an as-needed basis to candidates on the eligibility list, in seniority order. Those who are selected to attend a training class will be part of an intensive four-week course that consists of classroom and hands-on operating instruction. During the training period, no vacation is allowed and any already arranged time-off will need to be postponed to a later date.

After Training & Certification
Applicants who gain certification through Streetcar training will be placed on a Reserve Operator list in seniority order. When there is no immediate need to fill temporary or permanent vacancies in Streetcar, Operators on the Reserve list will return to their Bus Operator positions. Reserve Streetcar Operators remain classified as Bus Employees after their certification at Streetcar.

The Reserve Operator list is our most reliable solution for quickly filling temporary vacancies. Temporary assignments may be offered to available Reserve Operators, in seniority order. If a temporary assignment is offered to an available Reserve Operator, they must accept the assignment. When a Career Service Streetcar Operator position becomes available, it will be offered to Operators on the Reserve Operator list in seniority order. If a Reserve Streetcar Operator turns down an offer of appointment to a Career Service Streetcar Operator position, they will be removed from the Streetcar Operator Reserve list.