Traction Power Maintainer - (Journeyman Electrical License)

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Shift differential

Job summary

Metropolitan Council seeks a Traction Power Maintainer to support Metro Transit Rail Systems. You will maintain overhead catenary systems, substations and power distribution for MOW facilities, ensuring safety and reliability for riders.

Expect competitive pay with seniority-based raises and a 6-month eligibility list. Union ATU Grade 111, non-exempt, safety-sensitive role with drug testing.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electrical distribution and sub-transmission.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics for electrical systems.
• Experience with high voltage distribution and related safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain and diagnose traction power components.
• Respond to service calls for emergencies in traction power systems.
• Operate trucks and heavy equipment for maintenance tasks.
• Work on overhead and underground systems and coordinate with Rail Control Center.
• Complete incident reports, maintenance records and daily logs.

Skills

Electrical distribution

Sub-transmission

AC/DC systems

Blueprints reading

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Journeyman license

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.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Traction Power Maintainer position, located in the Metro Transit Rail Systems Maintenance department, maintains overhead catenary systems and their individual components to the highest applicable standards; maintains traction power systems including substations and provide a safe and reliable service to the riding public; and maintains power distribution equipment for Maintenance of Way (MOW) building, tunnel and passenger stations.

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:$53.26 hourly. After year one:$56.22 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025). After year two:$59.18 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025).

Work Schedule: All hires are subject to seniority roster for shift pick. New hires may work on any shift depending upon the pick.

*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.

• Installs, inspects, maintains, repairs and provides diagnostic analysis for all components of the electric traction power systems and all LRT facilities, power distribution systems, and track switch heaters, including but not limited to substations, negative power cable(s) return to substations, catenary systems and related equipment.
• Responds to service calls to diagnose and correct emergencies involving the electric traction systems. Installs, inspects, maintains and provides diagnostic analysis for electrical support systems at all LRT facilities, energizes and de-energizes traction power systems, and applies grounding systems for a safe work area.
• Operates truck equipment as required to accommodate maintenance activities.
• Works on both overhead and underground equipment operating both on the road and on rail vehicles and equipment associated with the maintenance and repair of the electrical traction power system.
• Communicates via two-way radio and/or telephone to Rail Control Center to coordinate maintenance requirements.
• Completes various paperwork to include incident reports, maintenance and inspection records, and daily logs.
• Operates heavy-duty trucks and tow trailers to move heavy equipment such as spools of wire and use truck-mounted cranes to lift heavy equipment, materials and complete repairs to the systems.
• Performs chemical type welding functions to include cable to rail bonding.
• Trains and directs work of apprentice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of experience (as a fully qualified journeyman or master electrician, or a journeyman lineman with proof of licensure, performing maintenance of high voltage systems) and completed education (in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Repair and Installations):

• High school diploma/GED with three (3) years of experience.
• Associate degree and one (1) year of related work experience.

Licensure Requirements

• Minnesota Class A Journeyman Electrical License, Class A Master's License, or Class A Journeyman Lineman's License.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's Permit preferably by the first day of hire or within thirty (30) working days of hire.
• A Class A Commercial Driver's License (with combination vehicle, general knowledge, and air brake. OR, the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (with combination vehicle, general knowledge, and air brake) within the six-month probation or evaluation period. (You can attempt to obtain your CDL at your own cost and on your own time, or Metro Transit will provide the training. Metro Transit will set up your road test with the DMV. You will have two attempts to obtain your CDL through Metro Transit. If you do not possess your Class A CDL by the end of your probation or evaluation period (six months), your employment will be terminated. For current ATU members, you would return to your former position.)
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles of electrical distribution and sub-transmission.
• Knowledge of the operation, construction, repair and maintenance of distribution and sub-transmission lines, cables, transformers, rectifiers, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principals of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuit and associated mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic system testing and inspection.
• Knowledge of the tools, practices, and terminology of the linemen trades; safety precautions; and of electrical theory as applied to 13.8 kV AC and 34.5 kV AC distribution systems and 750 VDC overhead catenary systems.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting; power distribution systems; facilities power distribution systems, equipment, electronics and relay control logic.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics for electrical and electronic control.
• Ability to perform the duties of the job safely, efficiently and in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations without direct supervision, including the ability to operate required vehicles or equipment.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)/Grade 111

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

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

What your work environment would be:

This position may require working in wet or hot, humid non-weather conditions, and in high precarious places. This position may also require working in outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and work with explosives.

Physical Requirements

This position may require standing, walking, talking or hearing using hands to finger, handle or feeling and reaching with hands and arms, lifting up to fifty (50) pounds. May be required to work near moving parts or equipment, in the presence of fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibrations. Must have color vision. May also be required to lift more than 100 pounds with assistance.

The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.

Employees (new hires or transfers) who transfer to a Rail Maintenance position will commit to Rail Maintenance for at least two (2) years of service following successful completion of training Article 43 Section 7.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request a Work Record Evaluation for internal ATU employees.
3. We rate your education, training and experience (includes license requirements).
4. 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, Aff… 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].