Light Rail Transit Helper

Light Rail Transit Helper

Metropolitan Council is seeking Light Rail Transit Helpers. Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is the largest provider of public transit service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county metropolitan area and one of the country's largest public transit systems. Metro Transit operates bus, light rail and commuter rail service essential to the region's mobility, and provides resources for carpooling, vanpooling and bike commuting.

Metro Transit helps people get where they're going, helps reduce the region's motor vehicle congestion problem and promotes a cleaner environment. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Helper meets the train operators, performs safety inspections, and performs cleaning and removal of graffiti and biohazard substances/materials. This position also removes vehicle protection film and replaces seats for light rail vehicles. Work shifts for new hires are typically third (3rd) shift.

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: $24.63 hourly After year one: $28.15 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025) After year two: $31.67 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025) After year three: $35.19 (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.

• Cleans and pressure-washes light rail vehicle parts (e.g., bogies, couplers, EHUs) using equipment like automatic washers and hot tanks.
• Operates tools and machinery (e.g., pallet jack, forklift, electric carts, hoists, power scrubbers/sweepers).
• Performs interior and exterior cleaning of vehicles, including graffiti and biohazard removal.
• Operates light rail vehicles within designated areas and manages vehicle washing, sand reservoir filling, and washer fluid refilling.
• Inputs vehicle mileage into the computer system.
• Completes required safety training (e.g., CPR, AED, Lockout/Tagout, Blue Flag Protection) and performs related procedures.
• Helps support cab bonnet cleaning, light fixture cleaning, and trash disposal in shop areas.
• Sweeps, mops, and scrubs shop and storage areas; transfers used oil to waste drums; and maintains bulk hardware bins.
• Helps with parts ordering, gathering, and delivery.
• Conducts light rail vehicle services (e.g., seat replacement, decal/vandal guard work).
• Helps support other maintenance duties except vehicle inspections, repairs, or diagnostics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: High School diploma/GED or higher AND one (1) year of full-time cleaning work experience

Union/Grade: ATU/ Grade 22 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests. Work Environment: Work is performed in a rail yard and garage setting. Exposure to diesel fumes. Must work in extreme warm and cold weather conditions. May work around moderate noise. Hand tools will be required to inspect and clean vehicles. 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 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, operate a computer and other office equipment. May carry up to fifty (50) pounds, lift/carry push/pull up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, must have close distance, color, peripheral vision and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

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. Please note: ATU Internal applicants who pass their WRE, structured panel interview, and physical agility test will be selected by seniority.

Passing ATU internal applicants will be awarded this position over non-ATU/external applicants. Successful applicants hired into the Light Rail Transit Helper role will require a one-year working commitment to the LRV Maintenance area before you will be eligible to bid/transfer to a different department within Metro Transit.