Rail Cleaner

Metropolitan Council; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Council is seeking a maintained cleanliness-focused worker to perform interior cleaning of light rail vehicles and related duties. You will sweep, mop, wipe surfaces, and remove graffiti, coordinating with operators on safety issues.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Wages start at $23.39/hour with scheduled increases per ATU terms and a shift differential for evening and early-morning hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience cleaning interior/exterior of large passenger vehicles or trains is desired.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to read and write; English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Interior cleaning of light rail vehicles including sweeping, mopping, wiping surfaces and minor graffiti removal.
• Communicate with train operator/rail control about biohazards, graffiti, safety issues and maintenance needs.
• Operate truck to transport cleaning supplies and dispose of trash.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power washer

Vacuum cleaners

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.

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.

What you would do in this job

Performs interior cleaning of light rail vehicles including sweeping, mopping, wiping surfaces down, and graffiti removal.

• Sweeps, brushes, vacuums and removes debris.
• Mopping up spills.
• Wipe down surfaces with visible dirt, stains, etc.
• Remove minor graffiti.

Communicates with train operator and rail control center about biohazards, graffiti, visible defects, and safety issues.

• Notify control center or operator about maintenance or safety issues.
• Tapes off area of biohazard situation.
• Carries a radio to communicate with Rail Operations staff.

Operates truck to transport cleaning supplies and trash disposal.

• Transport all cleaning equipment/supplies to terminal locations.
• Gather trash bags and load into vehicle.
• Dispose of trash bags in trash compactor at maintenance facility

Performs related work as apparent or assigned.

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

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.

Additional information

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, Affine...

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email [e-mail].