Assistant Manager, Traction Power

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.

The Assistant Manager, Traction Power, oversees the maintenance and operational integrity of Metro Transit's light rail traction power system, including substations, overhead catenary systems, and related infrastructure. This position supervises supervisors and maintenance staff across all shifts, ensuring work is planned, executed, and documented in compliance with agency standards and safety protocols.

What you would do in this job

• Direct and supervise traction power supervisors and maintenance employees across all three shifts, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Metro Transit policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Monitor work activity to ensure adherence to procedures and work rules.
• Review and analyze inspection forms and maintenance reports related to substations, overhead catenary systems, and associated equipment. Plan and implement corrective actions to address identified defects and improve system performance.
• Plan and schedule maintenance activities in collaboration with supervisors. Assist in optimizing system shutdowns to ensure maintenance windows are used efficiently and with minimal disruption to operations.
• Support supervisors in matters of employee performance, discipline, coaching, and counseling, in alignment with best practices in labor management. Administer discipline when necessary and work with labor relations on disciplinary investigations.
• Help identify and prioritize capital improvement projects aimed at enhancing system performance and reliability. Analyze traction power system failures and develop solutions that support long-term asset management and operational resilience.
• Guide the development, revision, and improvement of maintenance strategies, practices, and procedures. Use data and failure trend analysis to inform preventive and predictive maintenance planning.
• Manage project procurement processes by identifying required tools, parts, and materials, including those needed to replace obsolete components. Coordinate with the Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) team to align procurement with project timelines and resource needs.
• Represent the traction power team in departmental meetings and project planning sessions. Provide input on daily work activities and contribute to long-range planning efforts related to traction power maintenance and upgrades.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success and operational efficiency of the traction power maintenance division.

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

Education and Experience :

Any of the following combinations of education in the field of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Repair and Installation, or a related field, along with experience in traction power maintenance. Experience must include at least two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.

Metro Transit Leadership Academy = 1 year

Project Management Development Program (12-month session) = 1 year

Project Management Development Program (6-month session) = 6 months

Four Learning Institute Certificates - You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit for 6 months supervisory experience.

License Requirement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Additional information

Union / Grade : TMSA / Grade I

FLSA Status : Exempt

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

Working Conditions : Position may be required to work near moving parts or equipment, work in high, precarious places, and in outdoor weather conditions up to one-third (1 / 3) of the time; may also be required to work in extreme hot and cold non-weather conditions with risk of electrical shock up to two-thirds (2 / 3) of the time. Must be able to respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Physical Conditions : Position may require climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling up to one-third (1 / 3) of the time, walking up to two-thirds (2 / 3) of the time, and standing, sitting, talking or hearing, using hands to finger, handling or feeling, reaching with hands and arms, and tasting or smelling two-thirds (2 / 3) or more of the time. May be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds up to one third (1 / 3) of the time, twenty-five pounds up to one-third (1 / 3) of the time, and up to ten pounds (10) pounds two-thirds (2 / 3) or more of the time. Position will require close, distance, color, peripheral vision and depth perception, ability to read and comprehend text, write and type text, effectively communicate and interact with others, and have problem solving and deduction skills.

What steps the recruitment process involves :

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 checks 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