Rail Track Maintainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE

This posting is open continuously. However, it may close any time after February 23rd, 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, a division of the Metropolitan Council is the largest provider of transit service in the seven-county metropolitan area and one of the country's largest transit systems. The agency also operates bus and rail service essential to the region's mobility, and also provides resources for carpooling, van pooling and bike commuting. Metro Transit helps people get to where they're going, reduces regional traffic congestion and promotes a cleaner environment.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
Metro Transit is seeking Track Maintainers to provide track maintenance and inspection activities that comply with the safety requirements prescribed in the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Metro Transit rules and practices. Duties include inspection, repair and replacement of tracks.
This position will work third shift between the hours of 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.; scheduled days will be consecutive (usually including one weekend day) and based off seniority during shift picks. Schedule details will be discussed during the interview process.
Hiring bonus of $4,000: you'll receive $2,000 after 30 days of employment and another $2,000 after the successful completion of probation.
Hire: $39.69 hourly
After year one: $41.90 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)
After year two: $44.10 (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
*This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies. What you would do in this job

• Maintains and repairs tracks, turnouts, at-grade crossings, rail lubrication machines and other mechanical systems on track structure.
• Conducts and records track, turnout, and joint inspections.
• Replaces areas of concrete or timber ties, turnouts, and track fastenings.
• Operates small tools and equipment (rail saw, rail drill and spiking equipment).
• Assists with track surfacing, alignment, and gauging operations.
• Assists in emergency situations.
• Attends safety and training meetings.
• Operates hi-rail vehicles, and other vehicles used with track maintenance, inspection and recording, wheel/skid steer loaders, vacuum trucks, rail grinders, track tamper and ballast regulators.
• Assists with inventory of spare parts to ensure parts are available to carry out track maintenance.
• Updates maintenance reporting system and maintains maintenance records as required by Metro Transit.
• Performs snow removal; operates snow removal equipment (self-propelled and hand-held removal equipment); assists other agencies with removal as required.
• Performs vegetation control, graffiti /debris removal.
• Assures that vehicles, tools, equipment, and storage areas are kept in good repair, clean, organized, and secure.
• Performs other related duties

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

High school diploma/GED or higher AND 2-years or more of experience as railroad maintenance-of-way worker including experience operating hi-rail equipment.
Licensure Requirement:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Must Obtain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Permits prior to being hired, to include General Knowledge, Air Brake, Combination Vehicle, and Tanker Endorsement.
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL Driver's License within 90-days of employment and ability to meet ongoing DOT physical requirements.
• 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 rail industry standards and practices for track maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Ability to operate the district's radio and telephone communication system in compliance with regulations and procedures.
• Demonstrated mechanical skills including ability to properly use hand and power tools.
• Must meet ongoing educational and training requirements and may be required to maintain OTE Certification and complete basic and advanced principal classes of track maintenance certification.
• Knowledge of US Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Rail Authority (FRA)
• Knowledge of Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subparts A-F.
• Basic computer skills. May prepare reports and documentation.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions.
• Ability to write basic correspondence.
• Ability to effectively work with diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Requires the skill to provide basic client services to the public and other agencies within the organization.
• Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide two-digit numbers. Ability to perform these operations with money, weight measurement, volume and distance.
• Ability to add and subtract fractions.
• Ability to determine diameter and radius of circles.
• Ability to accurately use a tape measure.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultures 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 and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us! Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)/Grade70
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
What your work environment would be:
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.
Physical Requirements: Incumbent must perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with the assistance of applicable equipment or other employees. Ability to meet color and peripheral vision requirements. Must be able to work from heights with the assistance of proper safety equipment and ability to work in all outdoor weather conditions Regularly required to stand and 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.
Note: There is a 2-year commitment to the Rail Maintenance department per ATU contract.
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.
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.

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org