Rail Track and ROW Maintainer Apprentice

About the Apprenticeship Program

This is a two‑year (approximately 3,000 hours) apprenticeship that combines on‑the‑job training with supplemental classroom instruction (RSI) provided by Rail Pros and Railroad Tough. Apprentices work about 40 hours per week and attend on‑site classes. The program includes paid on‑the‑job training, progressive pay steps as skills increase, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the opportunity to earn credentials. Successful completion leads to a career‑service position as a Rail Track and ROW Maintainer.

Role Overview

As a Rail Track and ROW (Right‑of‑Way) Maintainer Apprentice you will support the maintenance and upgrade of Continuous Weld Rail (CWR) and related right‑of‑way infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot rail track and ROW issues.
• Maintain, repair, and upgrade Continuous Weld Rail (CWR).
• Perform comprehensive preventive maintenance on rail infrastructure.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, including enclosed spaces and at heights.
• Attend on‑site classroom instruction as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.

Qualifications

• Open to all qualified applicants.
• Must be able to work full‑time (approximately 40 hours per week) and attend required classes.
• Positions are safety‑sensitive; applicants must pass pre‑employment drug testing and comply with ongoing Federal DOT testing requirements.
• Applicants must submit a King County online application, complete supplemental questions, and provide a 1‑2 page letter of interest describing interest in the apprenticeship and relevant experience or skills.

Benefits

• Paid on‑the‑job training.
• Progressive pay steps as skills develop.
• Mentorship from experienced rail professionals.
• Opportunity to earn credentials upon program completion.
• Potential for a permanent Rail Track and ROW Maintainer position after apprenticeship.

Pay

• 1st Shift: $38.82 – $55.46 per hour
• 2nd Shift: $40.76 – $58.23 per hour
• 3rd Shift: $41.73 – $59.62 per hour

Schedule

Approximately 40 hours per week, combining on‑the‑job duties with on‑site classroom instruction. The apprenticeship runs for about two years.

Application Process

Submit an online King County application, complete all required supplemental questions, and attach a 1‑2 page letter of interest. For questions, contact Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor (jacky.lu@kingcounty.gov). Applications are accepted through the King County job portal.

Information Sessions

• Tuesday, September 22 2026 – 9:00 a.m. (PST)
  Virtual via Teams – Join meeting
  Meeting ID: 215 180 180 060 899
  Passcode: gz7J3qb9
• Wednesday, September 23 2026 – 2:00 p.m. (PST)
  Virtual via Teams – Join meeting
  Meeting ID: 246 857 687 697 208
  Passcode: cR7CR7LW