Light Rail Transit Helper

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 33,062 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit division seeks Light Rail Transit Helpers to support operations, perform cleaning, safety inspections, graffiti removal, and light vehicle servicing on light rail vehicles, typically on the 3rd shift under ATU contract.

You will clean interiors and exteriors, operate shop equipment, input mileage, and complete required safety training, with a strong emphasis on reliability and safety.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift up to fifty pounds.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to pass physical agility tests and other screenings.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and pressure-washes light rail vehicle parts and interiors.
• Operates basic shop equipment and vehicles as required.
• Performs graffiti and biohazard removal and general maintenance tasks.
• Inputs vehicle mileage into the computer system.
• Completes required safety training and follows procedures.

Skills

English literacy

Lift up to 50 lbs

Physical stamina

Education

High School diploma/GED

Job description

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.

More information about us on our website.

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 hourly
After 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.

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, Affir­ mative 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 [e-mail].