Transportation Helper, Driver

About Metropolitan Council

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. Metro Transit is one of the country’s largest transit systems, employing more than 3,000 people and, prior to COVID, providing more than 80 million rides a year through a network of buses, light rail and commuter trains.

• Fuel buses, check vehicle fluids, perform modified pre‑trip inspections, check safety equipment, and drive buses through wash rack.
• Pressure‑wash parts for mechanics; clean parts with an automatic parts washer or in chemical hot tanks.
• Operate equipment such as pallet jack, forklift, overhead hoist, power scrubbers, and power sweepers.
• Inspect and clean graffiti on seats, windows and general interior of buses.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance on cleaning equipment (test/recharge chemicals, change hoses/guns/tips on pressure washers).
• Perform minor repairs and cleaning of buses at remote locations or in‑route layover locations.
• Replace seat cushions, mirrors and graffiti‑resistant protective window film on buses.
• Conduct bus changes/service calls (on and off Metro Transit property).
• Direct traffic in garage area and use parking sheets to route buses.
• Clean and empty trash in work areas and facilities.
• Clean body fluids on buses using designated safety protocol.
• Sweep and move buses as needed.
• Drive forklifts, floor‑sweeping and scrubbing machinery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

A high school diploma or GED with experience driving buses, diesel trucks or other heavy‑duty equipment.

• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with General Knowledge, Air Brake and Passenger endorsements.
• Acceptable driving record.

OR

• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with General Knowledge, Air Brake and Passenger endorsements (you will be trained, tested and must pass a road test administered by Metro Transit).
• Acceptable driving record.

• Experience operating a 40‑foot bus, a 60‑foot articulated bus or a coach bus.
• Experience with vehicle cleaning machines and tools, including design, use, repair and maintenance.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce.

• Knowledge of vehicle cleaning machines and tools, including design, use, repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge of routine vehicle maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety precautions and practices.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Basic reading, writing and speaking in English.
• Effective communication and interaction with co‑workers and supervisors.
• Team‑work skills.
• Legible record keeping.
• Map layout comprehension of the garage.
• Ability to learn on‑the‑job skills.
• Flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks upon request.

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

Hourly pay range: $24.63 (starting), $28.15 after year one, $31.67 after year two, $35.19 after year three. Candidates newly hired under the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract receive wages set by the ATU contract; internal hires follow Metropolitan Council’s union wage guidelines.

Work is performed in a maintenance garage setting, often wet or hot and humid. The position may require working in high precarious places up to two‑thirds of the time and outdoors up to one‑third of the time. It may involve extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and handling explosives. The role may also require helper duties at remote locations or in‑route layover locations.

Physical requirements:

regularly lift, carry, push or pull objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds; in rare instances up to 100 pounds. Dexterity, strength and coordination are required to operate vehicle cleaning/maintenance tools and equipment.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affinitiative 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 an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR‑OCCHealthte.mn.us.