Metro Rail Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $51,230.40 - $73,195.20 Annually
Location : Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00078
Division: Metro Transit
Department: Revenue Vehicle Maint Mpls
Opening Date: 02/20/2025
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.
Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is seeking Light Rail Transit Helpers!Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is the largest provider of public transit service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county metropolitan area and one of the country's largest public transit systems. Metro Transit operates bus, light rail and commuter rail service essential to the region's mobility, and provides resources for carpooling, vanpooling and bike commuting. Metro Transit helps people get where they're going, helps reduce the region's motor vehicle congestion problem and promotes a cleaner environment.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Helper meets the train operators, performs safety inspections, and performs cleaning and removal of graffiti and biohazard substances/materials. This position also removes vehicle protection film and replaces seats for light rail vehicles. Work shifts for new hires are typically third (3rd) shift.
Hourly Pay Range: For candidates newly hired into the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract, starting wage is set by the ATU contract. Internal hires will follow Metropolitan Council's union wage guidelines.Hire: $24.63 hourlyAfter year one: $28.15 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)After year two: $31.67 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)After year three: $35.19 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
*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 We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
*This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies.
What you would do in this job

• Cleans and pressure-washes light rail vehicle parts (e.g., bogies, couplers, EHUs) using equipment like automatic washers and hot tanks.
• Operates tools and machinery (e.g., pallet jack, forklift, electric carts, hoists, power scrubbers/sweepers).
• Performs interior and exterior cleaning of vehicles, including graffiti and biohazard removal.
• Operates light rail vehicles within designated areas and manages vehicle washing, sand reservoir filling, and washer fluid refilling.
• Inputs vehicle mileage into the computer system.
• Completes required safety training (e.g., CPR, AED, Lockout/Tagout, Blue Flag Protection) and performs related procedures.
• Helps support cab bonnet cleaning, light fixture cleaning, and trash disposal in shop areas.
• Sweeps, mops, and scrubs shop and storage areas; transfers used oil to waste drums; and maintains bulk hardware bins.
• Helps with parts ordering, gathering, and delivery.
• Conducts light rail vehicle services (e.g., seat replacement, decal/vandal guard work).
• Helps support other maintenance duties except vehicle inspections, repairs, or diagnostics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Education/Experience:

• High School diploma/GED or higher AND one (1) year of full-time cleaning work experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience cleaning the interior and exterior of large passenger vehicles or trains is desired with the past 10 years.
• Previous experience working with biohazard substance/materials such as bodily-fluid, urine, blood, vomit, etc.
• Previous experience cleaning working with industrial cleaning supplies.
• Experience with basic maintenance/mechanical or repair.
• Experience and ability to effectively work independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high-performance level of dependability, reliability, and safety.

License Requirements:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book, and physical agility examinations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Train Operator Certification for Maintenance Personnel.
• Ability to work with a diverse customer group in a positive, professional manner.

Additional information
Union/Grade: ATU/ Grade 22
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a rail yard and garage setting. Exposure to diesel fumes. Must work in extreme warm and cold weather conditions. May work around moderate noise. Hand tools will be required to inspect and clean vehicles.
Physical Requirements:
May be working in wet, humid conditions (non-weather), work near moving parts or equipment, work in high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. Regularly required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle or feel, for long periods, sit climb or balance, stoop kneel crouch or crawl occasionally, speak/hear normal conversation and telephone ring tones, operate a computer and other office equipment. May carry up to fifty (50) pounds, lift/carry push/pull up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, must have close distance, color, peripheral vision and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The examples of duties listed in the class specifications are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of any one position in this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.
Please note: ATU Internal applicants who pass their WRE, structured panel interview, and physical agility test will be selected by seniority. Passing ATU internal applicants will be awarded this position over non-ATU/external applicants. Successful applicants hired into the Light Rail Transit Helper role will require a one-year working commitment to the LRV Maintenance area before you will be eligible to bid/transfer to a different department within Metro Transit.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request and review Work Record Evaluations (WRE) on ATU internals only.
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview and physical agility test.

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 checks 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 .
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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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. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. 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
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• High school diploma or GED
• Associates degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• None of the above

05
Please describe your cleaning work experience as it relates to general cleaning, washing windows, graffiti removal, litter pickup, and working with biohazard substances. If you do not have this experience type "N/A" in the box below.
06
Please describe your experience with basic maintenance/mechanical repair. If you do not have this experience type "N/A" in the box below.
07
Do you have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and lift/carry/push/pull up to 100 pounds with assistance?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you able to read and write English and do you have legible handwriting?

• Yes
• No

09
This position requires a one-year commitment per the ATU labor agreement. You are not eligible to bid/transfer to a different department within Metro Transit. Do you understand the time commitment?

• Yes
• No

10
For candidates newly hired into the ATU contract, the starting wage is set by the contract and is not negotiable. For the first twelve (12) months you will receive $24.63 an hour. Is this acceptable to you?

• Yes
• No

11
Are you able to complete training during the day (Monday - Friday from 6:00am to 2:00pm) for up to four (4) weeks before moving to your shift?

• Yes
• No

12
Do you understand that LRT Helpers are subject to random Drug & Alcohol testing?

• Yes
• No

13
Do you have one (1) year or more of full-time cleaning experience?

• Yes
• No

14
Please describe your experience working and communicating with a diverse customer base or public.
15
The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify to the following:

• I affirm that all in