Light Rail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE

Hiring bonus and pay rate increases until you reach the top of the pay range.

$4000 Hiring Bonus

• $2000 after 30 days of employment
• $2000 after probation completion (6 months)

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division 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 a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities. More information about the Metropolitan Council is on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is currently seeking Bus and Rail Mechanic Technicians who are dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong mechanical skills and who want to serve the public. Mechanic Technicians perform, diagnosis, repair, and provide preventive maintenance on Metro Transit's buses, train, cars, trucks, and equipment. They also remanufacture and rebuild components to the manufactures' specifications; fabricates/machines/designs parts as needed and provides welding and painting services. This position is eligible for benefits after 30 days.

Go Greener! Leading the transit industry in the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions by utilizing alternative propulsion and fuel technologies. Metro Transit operates clean diesel, diesel/electric hybrid, and battery electric propulsion systems.
Advanced Vehicle Technology: Today's modern buses are the most technologically advanced buses ever, equipped with multiplexing, J1939 CAN communications, and electric powered accessories. These advanced technologies require troubleshooting using computer based diagnostic software.
Excellent Facilities: Bus and Rail maintenance facilities offer heated climate control and good lighting. Other facility amenities include vehicle ventilation, vehicle lifts and hoists, and fall protection.
Comprehensive Training Program: Employees are trained on all facets of bus or rail maintenance processes, procedures, and technologies. What you would do in this job

• Repair door system and pneumatics system.
• Repair HVAC and communication systems.
• Repair interior and exteriors of vehicles.
• Operate Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), hi-rail, and re-rail equipment.
• Operate wheel truing machine, wheel axle press and brake lathe.
• Perform schematic and blueprint reading; electrical/electronic chart recording interpretation.
• Perform computer data entry to communicate the project status through various mediums.
• Attend safety and training meetings; participate in emergency preparedness systems.
• Perform electrification/distribution lock out procedure consistent with established safety protocol.
• Perform troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and repairs of battery-electric, electric, and internal combustion propulsion systems.
• Diagnose, inspect, repair, replace and rebuild electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems/components.
• Perform service calls.
• Weld, fabricate, cut metal, wood and other materials.
• Clean work areas, buses and equipment using power sweepers and scrubbers, pressure washers, chemicals, soap, and floor dry.
• Complete miscellaneous shop work (fuels/cleans/sweeps directs traffic, empties trash, fills windshield wash buckets.
• Operate a forklift as required.
• Perform other related duties apparent or assigned to this position.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Education Experience:

Any of the following combinations of experience (in diesel, electro, or other mechanic related field such as transportation equipment or transit vehicles, maintenance and repair of light rail vehicles, buses, semi-trucks, or aircraft within the last ten (10) years) and completed education (degree field of study in diesel, electro, or other mechanic related field such as mechanical transportation equipment or transit related vehicles, maintenance and repair of light rail vehicles, buses, semi-trucks, or aircraft):

• High school diploma/GED and two (2) years of work experience.
• Associate degree or two (2) year college or vocational school program.

Non-citizen applicants (Except for lawful permanent residents), please note: As of December 2, 2025, the MN DVS has temporarily paused the issuing of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Click on this link for more detailed information Commercial driver's license (CDL) | Minnesota Department of Public Safety

NOTE: Candidates that hold a Commercial Driver's License your permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

License Requirements for Bus Mechanic Technician:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's Permit and License (with combination vehicle, general knowledge, and air brake) within the six-month probation or evaluation period. Employees are required to successfully obtain their written permit within thirty (30) working days of hire at their own cost and time. Metro Transit will then provide the training, testing, and licensing upon successfully passing the road test. You will have two attempts to obtain your CDL through Metro Transit. *For Minnesota residents only. Please note, if you are unable to pass your CDL through Metro Transit, you can attempt to obtain your CDL at your own cost, and on your own time. If you do not possess your Class B CDL by the end of your probation or evaluation period (six months), your employment will be terminated. For current ATU members, you would return to your former position.
• Forklift certification obtained during training following hire.

License Requirement for Light Rail Mechanic Technician:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's Permit and License (with combination vehicle, general knowledge, and air brake) within the six-month probation or evaluation period. Employees are required to successfully obtain their written permit within thirty (30) working days of hire at their own cost and time. Metro Transit will then provide the training, testing, and licensing upon successfully passing the road test. You will have two attempts to obtain your CDL through Metro Transit. Please note, if you are unable to pass your CDL through Metro Transit, you can attempt to obtain your CDL at your own cost, and on your own time. *For Minnesota residents only. If you do not possess your Class B CDL by the end of your probation or evaluation period (six months), your employment will be terminated. For current ATU members, you would return to your former position.
• Ability to obtain an EPA 608 HVAC license within six (6) months of hire.

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

• 1 year of full-time professional vehicle troubleshooting and repair experience within the last 10 years.
• Experience driving buses, heavy-duty trucks, and other heavy-duty equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fleet vehicle maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.
• Knowledge of AC/DC motors, circuits, drives and controls as well as Programmable Logic Controllers, digital and analog controls and relay logic preferred.
• Basic 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 basic welding skills.
• Ability to diagnose electrical, drive ability, and chassis systems issues.
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and meet ongoing DOT physical requirements.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds and one hundred (100) pounds with assistance.
• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies.
• Ability to analyze malfunctions in the electrical/electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic equipment and determine repair and perform electronic fabrication and assembly tasks.
• Ability to use electronic tools/computers to diagnose or troubleshoot electrical problems.
• Ability to effectively follow troubleshooting guides in all forms (hard copy, computer software, website).
• Basic welding and oxygen/acetylene cutting torch skills.

Computer Skills:

• Ability to use diagnostic computer software and website programs related to diagnosing or troubleshooting electrical problems.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to complete work orders and written correspondence.

Human Relation Skills:

• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.
• Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others.
• Ability to follow direction and follow Metropolitan Council policies.

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 opportunities.
• We offer opportunities for career advancement.
• We provide a competitive salary, and excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Grade73
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

Pay and Shifts:
All new hires start at $40.70 per hour and all shifts and job information will be governed by ATU seniority and the union agreement. Overnight shifts are eligible for differential pay. This position will require the flexibility to work days, nights, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Hire: $40.70

After year one: $42.96 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
After year two: $45.22 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
*A $1,500 initial tool allowance is given upon completion of probation, with $650 annually for ongoing equipment/tool needs.
*Shift differential of five percent (5%) for all hours worked in a shift scheduled to end between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM, and seven percent (7%) for all hours worked in a shift scheduled to end between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM and/or scheduled to start between the hours of 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

What your work environment would be. Work is performed in a maintenance garage setting. This position may require working in wet or hot, humid non-weather conditions and in high precarious places up to two thirds of the time. This position may also require, up to one third of the time, working in outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and work with explosives.

What steps the recruitment process involves.
You must qualify at each of the numbered steps below to be considered a final candidate for the job.

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• Must pass a work record evaluation (internal ATU employees only).
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a physical, drug test and background check which verifies education, employment, driving record, 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 job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a driving record check, transfer physical, and 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.

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 an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us