Rail Cleaner

Rail Cleaner

Salary

$48,651.20 - $69,513.60 Annually

Location

Rail Operations and Maintenance Facilities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00355

Division

Metro Transit

Department

LRV Overhaul

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

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.

Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter train, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

Cleaner, Rail: This position performs interior cleaning of light rail vehicles during revenue service to maintain cleanliness by utilizing staff to sweep and mop trains when arriving at terminal end points. This position strives to provide neat, clean LRT vehicles to maximize our customer's positive commuting experience while riding the Light Rail Transit system.

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 Councils union wage guidelines.

Hire: $23.39 hourly

After year one: $26.74 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

After year two: $30.38 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

After year three: $33.42 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025)

• Shift differential: 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 may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates.

What you would do in this job

Performs interior cleaning of light rail vehicles including sweeping, mopping, wiping surfaces down, and graffiti removal.

• Sweeps, brushes, vacuums and removes debris.
• Mopping up spills.
• Wipe down surfaces with visible dirt, stains, etc.
• Remove minor graffiti.

Communicates with train operator and rail control center about biohazards, graffiti, visible defects, and safety issues.

• Notify control center or operator about maintenance or safety issues.
• Tapes off area of biohazard situation.
• Carries a radio to communicate with Rail Operations staff.

Operates truck to transport cleaning supplies and trash disposal.

• Transport all cleaning equipment/supplies to terminal locations.
• Gather trash bags and load into vehicle.
• Dispose of trash bags in trash compactor at maintenance facility

Performs related work as apparent or assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience cleaning the interior and exterior of large passenger vehicles or trains is desired.

License Requirements:

• Valid drivers license with acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of cleaning and light maintenance supplies.
• Knowledge of general cleaning procedures.
• Ability to operate various cleaning and maintenance equipment e.g. power washer, vacuum cleaners, push/pull carts etc.
• Ability to read and understand instructions and warning labels.
• Ability to record numbers legibly. Must be able to read and write.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees. Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others.

Additional information

Union/Grade: ATU/Grade 13

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

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

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a maintenance facility setting with and without cover. May require working in wet, hot, cold, and humid conditions. Must be able to climb in and out of train cars and up and down locomotive steps consistently throughout shift. Works near moving parts and equipment and in the presence of fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibrations.

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, including on uneven surfaces, 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.

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.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications and verify WREs for internal ATU applicants.

2. We rate your education and experience.

3. 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 youre 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, 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 an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

.

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

Do you have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• NO

06

Please describe your cleaning work experience as it relates to general cleaning, washing windows, graffiti removal, litter pickup, and working with biohazard substances. If you do not have this experience type "N/A" in the box below.

07

Can you work in hot and cold weather conditions?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have the ability to lift up to 50-pounds?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience cleaning the interior and exterior of transit vehicles?

• Yes
• No

10

For candidates newly hired into the ATU contract, the starting wage is set by the contract and is not negotiable. For the first twelve (12) months you will receive $23.39 an hour. Is this acceptable to you?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you able to read and write English and do you have legible handwriting?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you understand that Cleaners are subject to random Drug & Alcohol testing?

• Yes
• No

13

Tell me about your experience working with minority and/or cross-cultural communities.

14

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org