Track Maintainer

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 54,676 - 60,752; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to make a difference

Tuition reimbursement

Good work/life balance

Job summary

A regional transit agency in Minneapolis is seeking Track Maintainers for third shift operations. Responsibilities include maintaining and inspecting tracks, conducting repairs, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of relevant experience. The role offers an hourly wage starting at $39.69, with a $4,000 hiring bonus and excellent benefits. Prospective employees should be able to lift heavy objects and work effectively in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus at least 2 years experience as a railroad maintenance-of-way worker.
• Experience operating hi-rail equipment required.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs tracks and turnouts.
• Conducts and records inspections of track and turnouts.
• Operates small tools and equipment for maintenance.
• Updates maintenance reporting system.

Skills

Knowledge of rail industry standards

Mechanical skills

Basic computer skills

Ability to work with diverse clients

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rail saw

Rail drill

Snow removal equipment

Job description

United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis

Mar 02, 2026

Posting Status

This posting is open continuously. However, it may close any time after February 23rd, 2026.

About Metropolitan Council

The Metropolitan Council is the regional government for the seven‑county Twin Cities metropolitan area. It plans 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provides regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is the largest provider of transit service in the region and one of the country’s largest transit systems. The agency operates bus and rail service essential to the region’s mobility, as well as 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.

Position Overview

Track Maintainers will 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. The position works the third shift between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; scheduled days are consecutive (usually including one weekend day) and are based on seniority during shift picks. Hiring bonus: $4,000 ($2,000 after 30 days, $2,000 after successful completion of probation). Hourly pay: $39.69 in year one, $41.90 in year two, $44.10 in year three, with shift differentials of 5% and 7% as applicable.

Responsibilities

• 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 handheld removal equipment).
• Performs vegetation control, graffiti, and debris removal.
• Ensures that vehicles, tools, equipment, and storage areas are kept in good repair, clean, organized, and secure.
• Performs other related duties.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED plus at least 2 years of experience as a railroad maintenance‑of‑way worker, including experience operating hi‑rail equipment.

Licensure

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with General Knowledge, Air Brake, Combination Vehicle, and Tanker endorsements prior to being hired.
• Publish these within 90 days of employment and meet ongoing DOT physical requirements.
• Pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations and complete Rail Operator Training Program for Maintenance Personnel.
• Obtain and maintain Train Operator Certification for Maintenance Personnel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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 proper use of hand and power tools.
• Keep up with ongoing educational and training requirements; maintain OTE Certification and complete basic and advanced track maintenance classes.
• Knowledge of US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
• Knowledge of Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subparts A‑F.
• Basic computer skills, ability to prepare reports and documentation.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and write basic correspondence.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse customers and clients.
• Ability to provide basic client services to the public and other agencies.
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic and measurements (money, weight, volume, distance).
• Accurate use of a tape measure.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity.

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• On‑site training and tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work may involve wet, humid conditions, moving parts or equipment, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. Incumbent must perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance. Must meet color and peripheral vision requirements, work from heights with proper safety equipment, and work in all outdoor weather conditions. Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, sit, climb, kneel, crouch or crawl for long periods.

Note: A 2‑year commitment to the Rail Maintenance department per ATU contract.

Recruitment Process

1. Review of minimum qualifications.
2. Rating of education and experience.
3. Structured panel interview.
4. Drug test and background check for new applicants (safety sensitive positions); driving record check and/or physical may be conducted as applicable.
5. Drug test and background check for existing Council employees moving into safety sensitive positions; driving record check and/or physical may be conducted as applicable.

EEO Statement

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 [e-mail].

Union & Employment Details

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Grade 70
FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
Safety‑Sensitive: Yes (subject to random DOT drug tests)

Contact & Application

Employer: Metropolitan Council
Address: 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Website: https://metrocouncil.org

Please apply directly for this job at the employer’s website.