Track Maintainer

Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities; Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory (MN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus $4,000

Shift differential

Job summary

Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is seeking Track Maintainers for nighttime track maintenance and inspection duties. Work is on third shift (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) with schedule based on seniority, including a weekend day.

A $4,000 hiring bonus is offered, with year-one and year-two pay progression and shift differentials. Start wages are listed at $39.69 per hour with raises to $41.90 then $44.10.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and 2+ years of railroad maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record; ability to obtain CDL permits and licenses within required timeframes.
• Ability to pass DOT physicals, safety examinations, and Rail Operator Training Program for Maintenance Personnel.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs tracks, turnouts, crossings, and related equipment.
• Conducts track inspections and records findings.
• Replaces damaged ties, turnouts, and fastenings.
• Operates rail-related tools and equipment (saw, drill, spiking equipment).
• Aids in track surfacing, alignment, and gauging operations.
• Responds to emergencies and participates in safety meetings.
• Operates hi-rail vehicles and other maintenance vehicles.
• Assists with inventory and maintenance reporting.

Skills

Track maintenance

Inspection

Emergency response

Safety compliance

Hi-rail operation

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Hi-rail equipment

Rail grinders

Job description

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

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 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.

See complete job posting and apply:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metrocouncil