Rail Cleaner

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Council is seeking a dedicated maintenance cleaner to perform interior cleaning of light rail vehicles during revenue service. You will help keep trains clean at terminal points, improving rider experience across the Twin Cities.

Starting wage is set by ATU contract; yearly raises follow ATU rates. Shift differentials apply for evening and late-night hours, with a unionized, safety-conscious work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience cleaning interior/exterior of large vehicles or trains preferred.

Responsibilities

• Clean interior of light rail vehicles during revenue service to maintain cleanliness.
• Sustain neat, clean LRT vehicles to enhance rider experience.
• Must be able to work in shifts, including evenings.

Skills

Cleaning procedures

Reading/writing numbers

English communication

Maintaining cleanliness

Operating cleaning equipment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power washer

Vacuum cleaners

Push/pull carts

Job description

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 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 train, 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:

Cleaner, Rail: This position performs interior cleaning of light rail vehicles during revenue service to maintain cleanliness by utilizing staff to sweep and mop trains when arriving at terminal end points. This position strives to provide neat, clean LRT vehicles to maximize our customer’s positive commuting experience while riding the Light Rail Transit system.

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: $23.39 hourly

After year one: $26.74 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

After year two: $30.38 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

After year three: $33.42 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

*Shift differential: 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 may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience cleaning the interior and exterior of large passenger vehicles or trains is desired.

License Requirements:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of cleaning and light maintenance supplies.
• Knowledge of general cleaning procedures.
• Ability to operate various cleaning and maintenance equipment e.g. power washer, vacuum cleaners, push/pull carts etc.
• Ability to read and understand instructions and warning labels.
• Ability to record numbers legibly. Must be able to read and write.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees. Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others.

Union/Grade: ATU/Grade 13

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random non-DOT drug tests.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a maintenance facility setting with and without cover. May require working in wet, hot, cold, and humid conditions. Must be able to climb in and out of train cars and up and down locomotive steps consistently throughout shift. Works near moving parts and equipment and in the presence of fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibrations.

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, including on uneven surfaces, 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.

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.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications and verify WRE's for internal ATU applicants.

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, Affirmaive 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 [e-mail].