Helper

Helper

Salary

$51,230.40 - $73,195.20 Annually

Location

Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00264

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Bus Maintenance Administration

Opening Date

06/26/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 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 is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID 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.

The Helper position, in Bus Maintenance, will fuel buses, assist mechanics, make minor repairs on equipment, install protective window film and seat cushions, and inspect, clean and remove graffiti from buses. They will also install protective window film and seat cushions. The Helper is also responsible to clean parts/components for mechanics/vendors using chemical baths, automated parts cleaner or pressure washer.

Hire: $24.63 hourly

After year one: $28.15 hourly

After year two: $31.67 hourly

After year three: $35.19 hourly

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.

Note: This position is open to both internal and external applicants however, internal candidates will receive priority. This position will establish a six-month eligible list for current and future positions. The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Fuels buses, checks vehicle fluids, performs modified pre-trip inspections, checks safety equipment, and drives buses through wash rack.
• Pressure-washes parts for mechanics. Cleans parts with automatic parts washer or in chemical hot tanks.
• Operates equipment such as pallet jack, forklift, overhead hoist, power scrubbers, and power sweepers.
• Inspects and cleans graffiti on seats, windows, and general interior of buses.
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on cleaning equipment (tests/recharges equipment chemicals, change hoses/guns/tips on pressure washers).
• Perform minor repairs and cleaning of buses at remote locations or at in route layover locations.
• Replaces seat cushions, mirrors, and graffiti resistant protective window film on buses.
• Performs bus changes/service calls (on and off Metro Transit property).
• Directs traffic in garage area. Uses daily parking sheet to direct buses to parking areas.
• Cleans and empties trash in work areas and facilities.
• Cleans body fluids on buses using designated safety protocol.
• Cleans, sweeps, and moves buses.
• Drive forklifts, floor sweeping and scrubbing machinery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

A high school diploma or GED with experience in driving buses, diesel trucks, or other heavy-duty equipment.

License Requirements:

• A valid Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with the following endorsements: General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Passenger
• An acceptable driving record.

OR

• A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) with the following endorsements: General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Passenger (You will be trained, tested and you must pass the road test administered by the licensed Metro Transit training department.).
• An acceptable driving record.

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

• Experience operating a 40-foot bus, a 60-foot articulated bus or a coach bus.
• Experience with vehicle cleaning machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce.

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

• Knowledge of vehicle cleaning machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of routine vehicle maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety precautions and practices.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in basic English.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with co-workers and supervisors.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to record numbers legibly.
• Ability to comprehend map layout of garage.
• Ability to learn on-the-job skills.
• Flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks upon request.

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: ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union) / Wage Class Grade 22

FLSA: Non-exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random DOT drug testing

What your work environment would be:

Work is performed in a maintenance garage setting. This position may require working in wet or hot, humid non-weather conditions, and in high precarious places up to two-thirds of the time. This position may also require up to one-third of the time, working in outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and work with explosives. This position will also require performing Helper duties at remote locations or at in route layover locations.

Physical Requirements:

In this position you must be able to lift/carry/push/pull objects up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally. In rare instances, you must be able to push/pull objects up to 100 pounds. This position requires the dexterity, strength, and coordination to operate vehicle cleaning/maintenance tools and equipment.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.

2. We review your Work Record Evaluation (for ATU employees only).

3. We rate your education and experience.

4. 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 or GED?

• Yes
• No

05

Please select which type of drivers license you have below.

• A valid drivers license and a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) with all of these endorsements; General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Passenger.
• A valid Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with all of these endorsements; General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Passenger.
• A valid drivers without a CDL or CLP or without these endorsements: General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Passenger.
• None of the above

06

Please check what you have experience driving (check all that apply).

• Diesel trucks
• Heavy-duty equipment
• 40-foot bus
• 60-foot articulated bus
• Coach bus
• None of the above

07

The Helper-Bus are union positions where shifts are picked by seniority and they include weekends (shifts usually work only one weekend day, but may change with business needs), days, afternoon and night schedules. Are you able to work any shift?

• Yes
• No

08

Please select the types of cleaning experience you have had in the past (check all that apply).

• Vehicle cleaning machines and tools
• Industrial or janitorial cleaning
• None of the above

09

Please describe your experience working in a diverse workforce

10

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