LRT Helper

Overview

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, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is the largest provider of public transit service in the Minneapolis–St. Paul seven-county metropolitan area and operates bus, light rail and commuter rail service.

Metro Transit helps people get where they’re going, reduces motor vehicle congestion, and promotes a cleaner environment.

Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is seeking a Light Rail Transit Helper. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Helper meets the train operators, performs safety inspections, and handles 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.

Light Rail Transit Helper

• 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 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; maintains bulk hardware bins.
• Helps with parts ordering, gathering, and delivery.
• Conducts light rail vehicle services (e.g., seat replacement, decal/vandal guard work).
• Supports other maintenance duties except vehicle inspections, repairs, or diagnostics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Previous experience cleaning the interior and exterior of large passenger vehicles or trains is desired within the past 10 years.
• Previous experience cleaning with biohazard substances such as bodily fluids, urine, blood, vomit, etc.
• Experience cleaning with industrial cleaning supplies.
• Experience with basic maintenance or mechanical repairs.
• Ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and safety.

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book, and physical agility examinations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Train Operator Certification for Maintenance Personnel.
• Ability to work with a diverse customer group in a positive, professional manner.

• Union: ATU, Grade 22
• FLSA Status:
  Non-Exempt
• Safety Sensitive:
  Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

• Work is performed in a rail yard and garage setting with exposure to diesel fumes; may work in extreme warm and cold weather; moderate noise; hand tools required for inspection and cleaning.
• May work in wet, humid conditions; near moving parts or equipment; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and outdoor weather conditions.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle or feel; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak/hear; operate a computer; may carry up to 50 pounds; lift/carry/push/pull up to 100 pounds with assistance; must have color, distance, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The examples of duties listed are representative but not exhaustive. Reasonable…