Metro Rail Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE

This position is open until filled - initial review to begin June 22nd, 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. More information about us on our website.
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 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.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
We are recruiting for a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Communication Technician to perform preventative maintenance on Light Rail/ SCADA Communication systems and subsystems including but not limited to, variable message signs, emergency telephones, public address systems and closed-circuit digital television cameras.
The SCADA/Communications department of Metro Transit is responsible for maintaining all voice, audio and digital interfaces and recording devices. Also maintained are the variable message signs, programmable logic controllers, emergency telephones, public address systems, closed circuit televisions camera both fixed and pan tilt.
The successful candidate for this position must be able to work independently and be a self-starter. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the work is performed in a field service type setting in all types of weather (i.e., on station platforms or in a Signal/Communications houses). We are seeking candidates with strong background in communications technology.
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: $42.01 hourly
After year one: $44.35 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
After year two: $46.68 (subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
Work shifts are first and second shifts and could include weekend and holidays. All shifts and days off are picked by seniority order. Future work shifts may include additional shifts to meet future business needs.
*This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies.

What you would do in this job

• Install, inspect, test, diagnose, repair and modify electrical, camera and speaker components. Replace or repair defective parts for Light Rail wayside communications equipment in the field and in the shop.
• Use various types of test and troubleshooting equipment and software to diagnose problems.
• Respond to service emergencies to provide field troubleshooting and repair of communications and electrical equipment such as variable message signs, programmable logic controllers, emergency telephones, public address systems, closed circuit television cameras both fixed, and pan tilt zoom, and 360 degree. Loss of communications with Rail Control Center and communication between field equipment and remote terminal units.
• Prepare daily turnover log, create and update work order records in TX base, and complete monthly/quarterly inspection forms.
• Attend and successfully complete all training including but not limited to annual rules on track safety, CPR, first aid and forklift certification.
• Operates various vehicles associated with communications systems maintenance such as Hi-Rail trucks, bucket trucks and cranes.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

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

Any of the following combinations of experience (in electrical/electronic technology or computer networking) and completed education (degree field of study in electrical/electronic technology, computer networking, or a closely related field):

• High school diploma/GED AND three (3) years of experience
• Associate degree AND one (1) year of experience

Licensure Requirement:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations and successfully complete Rail Operator Training Program for Maintenance Personnel
• Ability to obtain and maintain Train Operator Certification for Maintenance Personnel

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

• Knowledge of electrical and electronic schematics
• Knowledge of TX Base
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge and ability to use hand tools and small power tools (i.e. drills, saws)
• Ability to properly use test equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and communications equipment
• Knowledge of Internet protocol
• Ability to troubleshoot communications problems
• Ability to read and follow test plans and complete necessary forms
• Ability to use test equipment such as an oscilloscope, volt/ohm meter, optical time domain reflectometer, signal generators and logic analyzers
• Ability to speak, read, write and comprehend English
• Ability to become trained and forklift certified
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination, Rail Operations Rule Book, and physical agility examinations
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

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 including pension plan through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!
Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Grade 77
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to Random DOT Drug Tests
What your work environment will be: Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting and will be required to travel between primary work sites to other sites. This position will be working in hot or cold outdoor weather conditions. This position works near equipment where there is risk of electrical shock and works in high precarious places with ladder and/or man lift. Work could be performed in a confined space.
Physical Requirements: This position requires lifting up to fifty pounds and up to one hundred pounds with assistance. Standing, walking, sitting, talking, or hearing; using hand to finger, handle or feel; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and may be required to enter confined spaces, reaching with hands and arms are required for this position.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We review Work Record Evaluations for ATU internals.
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a physical agility test.

SCADA Communication Electronic Technicians (transfer) must:

• Commit to Rail Maintenance for at least two years of service following successful completion of training.

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.