Train Operator

Hiring bonus and pay rate increases until you reach the top of the pay range.

Starting hourly wage rate is $28.84/hour.

$5000 Hiring Bonus for current CDL holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction

• $2500 after probation completion (6 months)
• $2500 after the 1-year anniversary

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

• $1500 after probation completion (6 months)
• $1500 after the 1-year anniversary

Metro Transit is currently seeking Train Operators who are dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with and serving the public. Our commitment to the safety for operators is a priority. We offer and provide you with the necessary training, safety and protective equipment. This position is eligible for benefits after 30 days of starting.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems that employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID-19, provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities. Metro Transit is a division under the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. More information about the Metropolitan Council is on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

This job announcement is to fill 20 vacancies. Any current ATU employees who apply for this position will have priority in hiring.

The Train Operator is responsible for operating Metro Transit Light Rail vehicles in a safe, dependable, efficient and on-time manner; follows rules, procedures, policies and regulatory requirements to ensure safe efficient and courteous service to customers.

Essential Functions

• Operates Metro Transit light rail vehicles during revenue and non-revenue service including, main line operations, travel through yard and shop, car wash as well as assigned maintenance and testing periods.
• Operates vehicles safely in accordance with all operating rules, procedures and scheduled running times.
• Maintains continuous safety awareness and focus on railway and rail conditions during operation of light rail vehicles; maintains constant contact and communication with Rail Control Center (RCC) in operating light rail vehicles.
• Electronically and manually operates switches and other systems when necessary.
• Announces station stops, bus connections and other communications pertaining to light rail operations and guides and assists customers in accessing alternate bus service in the event of rail service disruption.
• Light Rail Operators must pass a six-month probation or evaluation period upon successful completion of the operator training program.
• Performs other related duties.

License Requirements: Must have been actively driving with a valid driver's license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five years.

Driving Record:

• No more than two (2) moving violations and/or suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No suspensions, longer than 90 days, within the past three (3) years.
• No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three (3) years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years:

• DWI/DUI
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Inattentive Driving
• Open Bottle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony while operating a motor vehicle
• Refusing to comply with implied consent
• Violating state or local law (other than parking violations) arising in connection with a fatal accident

Language Literacy:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Entry Level:

• Ability to read and comprehend detailed instructions.
• Ability to complete necessary forms and written reports.
• Requires mental alertness, concentration and ability to sustain focus on one or more tasks while avoiding distractions.
• Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in interactions with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
• Promotes an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultures and diversity among all employees.

Full Performance Level: Upon completion of operator training program, passing of Rail Operator Rule Book test and six-month probation or evaluation period.

• Knowledge of all rules, regulations and procedures relating to the safe and efficient operation of light rail vehicles and rail system.
• Ability to focus, maintaining a continuous safety look-out while operating light rail vehicles.
• Ability to operate light rail vehicles during varying operating and weather conditions.

Union/Grade: ATU Grade 45
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

Selection Process:
Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration based on the following assessment process:

• Work Record Evaluation - time of application (for current employees) and at time of transfer.
• Structured Panel Interview.
• Review your driver's license. You must have a MN driver's license at time of hire if you do not currently have a CDL.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test, physical and a background check which verifies DOT transportation related employment and criminal history. 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, a driving record check and a physical.

Once hired, during your first 6 workdays of employment, your classroom training will consist of learning and obtaining your Commercials Leaner's Permit with the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger). If you are unsuccessful in obtaining your permit after three attempts, your employment will end. If you already have a CDL with all three endorsements, you will move to the classroom instructional training to be a Train Operator.