Rail Relief Instructor

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.
 
Metro Transitis one of the country's 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 trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

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

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

• This position is considered departmental competitive (Rail Transit Employees Only).  
• This posting will establish an eligibility list for current and future Light Rail Relief Instructors.
• Applications must be filled out completely and updated with current work history including education needed to qualify for the requirements of the position. Answers to supplemental questions will be reviewed for quality (complexity of answer, clarity, grammar and spelling).  Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• This role is posted continuously, applications will be reviewed starting on October 1, 2026, after which this posting may be closed without notice.

What you would do in this job

• Delivers training in accordance with the standards and procedures specified by Metro Transit and the Manager of Rail Training and Development.
• Performs all training assignments following established training program and guidelines; documents observations of operator's performance and recommends remedial actions.
• Instructs and trains new employees (trainees), experienced operators and maintenance employees in the safe and proper use and operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Conducts in-service training to educate operator trainees in the mechanical operation and safe driving/operation habits.
• Participates in mentoring and apprenticeship program(s) as required.
• Participates in ongoing professional development programs as required.
• Provides work direction to Metro Transit rail transportation trainees and operators.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

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

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma/GED
• 18 months current, uninterrupted experience as a Train Operator with Metro Transit (experience calculated starting from turn-in date)
• Experience working with a PC (at home or work) using word processing and email functions

License Requirement:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record for purposes of travel to other work sites
• Ability to maintain all applicable license certifications

Desired Qualifications:

• Public speaking, coaching, training, or mentoring experience
• Knowledge and experience developing materials using adult learning principles
• Intermediate skills in creating and presenting in Power Point

In addition to the Education, Experience and License requirements, you must have an exemplary work record for the past 12 months meeting the minimum qualifications as outlined below and must be able to adhere to the minimum qualifications going forward as a Relief Instructor:

• Zero no shows
• No suspensions
• No responsible/chargeable accidents
• No written warnings issued in the last 12 months
• Held off - for any serious offenses such as, license or CDL suspension/revocation/expiration, etc.
• No Cell phone violations
• No drug/alcohol policy violations
• No Last Chance Agreements
• No more than eight (8) days away from work (past six months)
• No more than two (2) occurrences (past six months).  Includes Late (work or no work), Sick, Picked overtime (late, sick, no-show or request off prior to 9am the preceding day), Request off after 9am the preceding day, and Request off before 9am the preceding day (unpaid time)

• Knowledge of Metro Transit policies and procedures; applicable transit/transportation laws, rules and regulations.
• Bus: Knowledge of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) laws and regulations; defensive driving techniques, routes and equipment pertaining to operations; knowledge of the operational characteristics of passenger buses; fare system and routes at assigned garage.
• Rail: Knowledge of Light Rail rules, regulations and operating procedures, knowledge of the operational characteristics of light rail vehicles.
• Knowledge of how to mentor and/or teach groups of people and public speaking experience is preferred.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate performance of trainees
• Ability to complete accurate and timely documentation of records.
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision.
• Ability to understand and interpret new and existing training materials and apply instructional concepts.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diverse group of people at all levels of the organization.
• Written and verbal communications skills. Skilled in making presentations.
• Ability to operator video equipment, learning aids and other teaching equipment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Additional information

Union/Grade: ATU/Grade 66
A Relief Instructor shall receive the higher rate of pay starting the first day of temporarily filling a position in a higher wage class.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes.  Subject to random DOT testing

Work Environment:
Position works both inside and outside.  Occasionally required to work near moving parts or equipment, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme weather conditions, risk of electrical shock and vibration. Frequently exposed to fumes, airborne particles and loud noise.

Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to sit for long periods, stand/walk occasionally, speak, hear normal conversation and telephone ring tones, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height and occasionally overhead, must occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds (bus instructors) and 50 pounds (bus instructors) must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work.

The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
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, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.
 
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 accommodation during the selection process, please email [email protected].

Benefits

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's 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

.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerMetropolitan CouncilAddress 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101 Website https://metrocouncil.org