Foreperson Commuter Rail

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Foreperson Commuter Rail

Salary

$77,272.00 - $90,916.80 Annually

Location

Northstar Maintenance Facility - Big Lake, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2024-00091

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Maint of Equip-NorthStar

Opening Date

03/07/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

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. 

Northstar Commuter Rail is a 40-mile transportation corridor that operates through Hennepin, Anoka, and Sherburne counties, following trunk highway 10, which is the primary direct link between downtown Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minnesota. Mainline operation is crewed and operated by BNSF from Big Lake to Minneapolis over BNSF owned right-of-way. Metro Transit operates the fleet maintenance facility located in Big Lake, Minnesota.

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

This position provides the maintenance skills necessary to maintain mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems of the commuter rail trains in a timely and safe manner.

The Foreperson position is the technical expert in one or more of the pieces of equipment of the commuter rail train. The incumbent in this position assists the supervisor in defining the priorities; delegates and prioritizes work; assists other mechanics to solve problems; completes documentation for the equipment; and will train other mechanics.

The vacant position is 3rd shift.

What you would do in this job

  • Performs maintenance and repair of all component systems of commuter rail fleet and support equipment.
  • Operates commuter rail equipment and support equipment within the confines of the maintenance yard.
  • Provides technical training and performs inspection of work performed by commuter rail mechanics.
  • Assists the supervisor in prioritizing and delegating work assignments as needed and assists other mechanics in solving problems. 
  • Completes required documentation for maintenance records.
  • Supervises work shifts when supervisor is not present.
  • Performs schematic and blueprint reading and electrical/electronic chart recording interpretation.
  • Performs record-keeping of computer data entry related to mechanical repairs/maintenance.
  • Rebuilds commuter rail fleet and equipment components.
  • Attends safety and training meetings and participates in emergency preparedness systems.
  • Performs other related duties apparent or assigned to this position.
     

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

Education/Experience Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED AND six (6) years of related experience in the maintenance and repair of large diesel vehicles or trains.

OR 

Associate's degree from an accredited two-year college or a technical school certification or degree in electronic technology, diesel mechanical repair or related field AND four (4) years of experience in the installation, maintenance or repair of electro-mechanical systems on transit vehicles or trains.  

Required License/Other Certification: a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

Previous leadership or supervisory experience. Please include experience on your application/resume. Note: If you completed the Metropolitan Council's Leadership Academy, please attach the certification to your application.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

  • Basic knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry, associated mechanical, HVAC, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, testing and inspections methods/tools, and basic welding skills.
  • Skilled in problem solving and decision making.
  • Skilled in maintenance repair, troubleshooting, and rebuild and overhaul of large diesel vehicles or trains.  
  • Skilled in analyzing malfunctions in the electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems of the equipment and determining the repair required
  • Skilled in performing electronic fabrication and assembly tasks.
  • Must be able to attain (with training provided by Metro Transit) and maintain certification of train service engineer and designation of QMP (Qualified Maintenance Person). QMP is a Federal designation for someone who is trained and qualified to maintain locomotives and passenger cars.
  • Ability to perform basic computer skill operation in Microsoft Word and Excel and using the internet.
  • Ability to understand, interpret and apply laws rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and creativity in making decisions and recommendations.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and correctly use shop test equipment.
  • Ability to work independently and be able to interact professionally with various levels of Metro Transit employees and outside representatives.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages and the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
What you can expect from us:
  • We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
  • We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
  • We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Wage Class 78
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive:  Yes, subject to random DOT drug tests

What your work environment would be:

This position has exposure to extreme weather conditions where there is no effective protection from the weather, inside environmental conditions where there is protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperamental changes, loud noises, exposure to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working near moving parts, atmospheric conditions, and vibration. Some travel between primary work site to other sites is required. This position will be on-call and may have a variable shift.

Physical Environment:  

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, and must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work. Must meet physical requirements mandated by FRA for locomotive engineer certification (sight, hearing, etc.). Must be able to climb a ladder, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest and overhead  and frequently lift up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance of applicable equipment or other employees.  

What steps the recruitment process involves:
Candidates will be referred to the hiring supervisor for consideration based on the results of the following assessment process:
  1. We review your minimum qualifications.
  2. We conduct the Work Record Evaluations (ATU Transfer policy).
  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 you're 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 accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

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
.

01
Applicant Instructions: 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 and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attached a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding 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
  • 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 employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Which best describes your educational and work experience (must be verifiable through your application materials)?
  • High School diploma/GED AND six years experience in the installation, maintenance or repair of electro-mechanical systems on transit vehicles or trains.
  • Two year degree from an accredited college or technical school in electronic technology, diesel mechanical repair or related field AND four years experience in the installation, maintenance or repair of electro-mechanical systems on transit vehicles or trains.
  • None of the above
05
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you designated as QMP (Qualified Maintenance Person) and a certified train service engineer for Metro Transit?
  • Yes
  • No
07
In detail, describe your experience in the installation, maintenance or repair of electro-mechanical systems on transit vehicles or trains. Please indicate how many years of experience you have in performing this activity. If you do not have this type of experience, please type "NA" in the box below.
08
In detail, describe your experience in the maintenance and repair of large engines. Please indicate how many years experience you have in performing this type of activity. If you do not have this type of experience, please type "NA" in the box below.
09
Please describe your experience working and communicating with a diverse customer base or public.

Required Question

Agency
Metropolitan Council
Address
390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101