Garage Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually
Location : Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00281
Division: Metro Transit
Department: Bus Maintenance Administration
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
WHO WE ARE
This posting is open continuously. However, it may close any time after August 31, 2026.
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.
Metro Transit's Bus Maintenance Division is responsible for providing safe, clean and dependable buses to meet peak system requirements of approximately 900 buses plus the maintenance of all support vehicles (Pool cars, Supervisors cars/vans, tow trucks, Facilities Dept. trucks, Rail support vehicles, etc.) and equipment (powered sweepers, scrubbers, forklifts, small engines, etc.). Bus Maintenance is a 24/7/365 operation.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
Metro Transit is seeking a Service Garage Supervisor for our Bus Maintenance department. In the position you will supervise preventive and corrective maintenance during a designated shift; Provide training in electrical, mechanical, air conditioning, transmissions, engines, welding, fleet appearance, brake systems, manufacturing or parts and rebuilding, and safety; Coordinate work between shifts and between various departments within and outside Metro Transit.
NOTE: This position will require flexibility with location and schedule. Typical hours are second or third shift with either Saturday or Sunday off. Garage location is assigned based on department needs. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
This posting will establish an 8-month eligibility list for current and future Service Garage Supervisor openings.
What you would do in this job

• Coordinates mechanical work for an assigned shift, including cleaning and routine maintenance, to ensure the availability of vehicles for scheduled service.
• Plans preventive and corrective maintenance for the following day(s). Tracks and monitors vehicle history.
• Assigns and inspects work of mechanical personnel.
• Identifies priority situations and makes timely decisions that may affect the safety of employees and passengers or the operation of Metro Transit vehicles.
• Provides work direction to mechanic technicians, skilled helpers, helpers and cleaners.
• Creates work orders and performs data entry and other computer-related work.
• Enforces EEO and harassment-free workplace policies.
• Communicates strategies, concerns and goals with the manager.
• Administers discipline as well as corrective action to employees.
• Coordinates the scheduling of employee vacations and other time off and ensures employees fill out forms for vacations, FMLA, sick leave, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience in engine or heavy truck maintenance including tune-ups, transmission checks, and general repair including at least one (1) year of supervisory and/or proven leadership experience:

• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience, including one (1) year of supervisory and/or proven leadership experience.
• Two (2) year vocational program in diesel mechanics with six (6) years of experience, including one (1) year of supervisory and/or proven leadership experience.

License Requirement: Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Metropolitan Council Employees Only: Successful completion of any one of the following Metropolitan Council Leadership/Supervisory training programs will substitute for lead/supervisory experience. You must attach your certificate(s) as proof of completion of the program to your application. Only completion of one of the four programs listed below will substitute credit (6 months or 1 year) for lead/supervisory experience.
Metro Transit Leadership Academy= 1 yearProject Management Development Program (12-month session) = 1 yearFour Learning Institute Certificates - You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit for 6 months supervisory experience:

• Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
• Leading Self-Communication Certificate
• Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
• Leading Others-Preparing for Supervisor Certificate

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Supervisory experience in assigning and overseeing work of employees in related field within the last ten (10) years.
• Experience training employees in mechanical systems.
• Experience performing technical work on heavy-duty vehicle; coordinating work for a large fleet of heavy-duty equipment.
• Experience diagnosing electrical and/or mechanical systems and/or completing electrical/mechanical system certificates (such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)).
• Experience interpreting and applying bargaining unit contracts, including contract administration.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or another windows-based environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (listening, verbal and written).
• Commitment to building diversity.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of diesel engines, automatic transmissions control systems, HVAC, hydraulics and DC electricity.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems; principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry and associated mechanical, HVAC, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, testing and inspections methods/tools; and welding.
• Ability to analyze malfunctions in electrical/electronic, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment; determine repair; and perform electronic fabrication and assembly tasks.
• Ability to understand and interpret the Metro Transit union contract.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules; operating and maintenance instructions; and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups of subordinates or co-workers.
• Ability to demonstrate a good work record.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; compute rate, ratio and percent; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to maintain tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
• Skilled in written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Skilled at analyzing and resolving problems.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel and other windows-based environments.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information
Union/Grade: Transit Managers and Supervisors (TMSA)/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random DOT drug tests.
Work Environment: Work is frequently performed in a normal office environment but may require occasional outdoor work with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work requires occasional local in-state travel by car to visit different facilities. May occasionally travel by air for out-of-state for training and conferences. Work is frequently performed near moving parts or equipment; in wet, humid conditions; and occasionally in high, precarious places. Position is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, frequently to extreme heat, and occasionally to toxic or caustic chemicals. There is occasional exposure to vibrations and risk of electrical shock. Position is regularly exposed to loud noise.
Physical requirements: Position is regularly required to speak, hear, read and write; frequently to smell; and has vision requirements (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus). Must have strength and manual dexterity to handle mechanical tools and equipment occasionally. Must be able to regularly lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Position is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and turn, twist or bend at waist.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test, and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the position and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation. A driving record and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position), and a background check which verifies education and employment if not previously verified. A driving record and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
If the position you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management position, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards, you must pass a pass a criminal background check. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the position and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from position consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

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Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

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How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• W