Light Rail Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $89,232.00 - $144,830.40 Annually
Location : Rail Operations & Maintenance Facility, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00231
Division: Metro Transit
Department: Revenue Vehicle Maint Mpls
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
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 provides ridership 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.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Supervisor, Rail Maintenance will provide leadership, direction and coordination in the Maintenance department. This position will also provide support for the Transportation department by maintaining the LRV fleet to Metro Transit Standards.
NOTE: This position may work 1st (6:00am - 2:00pm), 2nd (2:00pm - 10:00pm), or 3rd (10:00pm - 6:00am) shift. At this time, we are hiring for 3rd shift. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
What you would do in this job

• Coordinate mechanical workforce for shift assignments to ensure availability of equipment for service.
• Maintain records of attendance.
• Act as the first level of response for performance and discipline issues.
• Provide leadership and direction to the department through planning, implementation, and evaluation of work priorities.
• Evaluate work performed by staff.
• Inspect work of Foreperson to ensure problems that were mechanical, electrical/electronic, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic were accurately resolved to prevent damage to vehicle and/or passengers.
• Maintain close working relationships with other rail departments.
• Participate in the development and administration of the annual budget.
• Assist in writing and enforcing standard operating procedures.
• Identify problem areas, make timely corrections where possible, or recommendations to upper management for solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Met Council policies.
• Prepare electronic reports for management.
• Perform other duties directly related to this position as assigned.
• Responsible for the work of others; Foreperson Electro-Mechanic Technicians, Electro-Mechanic Technicians and LRT Helpers.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance or other heavy-duty transportation maintenance and completed education mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance, transportation, engineering, administration, management or a related field:

• A high school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience, including one (1) year of supervisory, project management, or lead experience.
• An associate degree with six (6) years of experience, including one (1) year of supervisory, project management, or lead experience.
• A bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience, including one (1) year of supervisory, project management, or lead experience.

Licensure Requirement:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Class B CDL Driver's License during the probationary period.
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations.
• Ability to successfully complete Rail Operator Training Program for Maintenance Personnel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Train Operator Certification for Maintenance Personnel.

*Metropolitan Council Employees Only: Successful completion of any one of the following four 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 year
Project Management Development Program (12-month session) = 1 year
Four 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):

• Light rail maintenance experience, including knowledge of original equipment manufacturer warranties, contracts, technical specifications and administrative procedures.
• Supervisory/lead work experience in a union environment.
• Experience working with Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS), such as TXBase.
• Proficient in payroll processes, including timecard corrections and verification of completed work.
• Skilled in parts research, including collaborating with manufacturing facilities to reverse engineer components.
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

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

• Skilled in problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Skilled in oral and written communication.
• Skilled in using personal computers and working with databases.
• Ability to structure and deliver training in-shop and classroom settings.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to understand and interpret union contracts at Metro Transit.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage various projects including scope of work, budget, procurement, and execution.

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.

More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union/Grade: Transit Managers and Supervisors Association (TMSA) /Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random non-DOT drug tests
What your work environment would be:
Work is regularly 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 out of state for training and conferences. Work is occasionally performed near moving parts or equipment, in high, precarious places and wet, humid conditions. Position is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and occasionally toxic or caustic chemicals. There is occasional exposure to vibrations and the risk of electrical shock. Position is regularly exposed to moderate noise.
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 (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. 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 job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
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 criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, 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. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job 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 HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
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

01
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

02
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
• Twitter
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

• High School Diploma or GED and eight (8) years of work experience in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance or other heavy-duty transportation maintenance.
• Associate's degree in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance, transportation, engineering, administration, management or related field and six (6) years of work experience in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance or other heavy-duty transportation maintenance.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance, transportation, engineering, administration, management or a related field and four (4) years of work experience in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance or other heavy-duty transportation maintenance.
• None of the above.

05
How many years of supervisory, project management, or lead experience do you have?

• One (1) year or more.
• Less than one (1) year.
• I have completed one of the Metro Transit Leadership/Development programs and have attached my certificate(s).
• None of the above.

06
Please describe your supervisory, project management, or lead experience. If this doesn't apply to you, please type N/A.
07
Please describe your experience in mechanical operation, mechanical maintenance, or other heavy-duty transportation maintenance. If this doesn't apply to you, please type N