Lead Rail Cleaner

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Rail Cleaner performs the full range of Rail Cleaner duties, including cleaning, servicing, yard support, equipment-movement assistance, and general labor needed to maintain CapMetro’s DMU fleet and mechanical facilities. The role also coordinates the daily work of the Rail Cleaner team in accordance with FRA regulations, CapMetro safety rules—including Blue Flag Protection and Roadway Worker Protection—and the CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program. This lead-level role coordinates daily assignments, supports training and onboarding, checks the quality of completed work, and serves as the team’s primary on-shift contact. It does not carry formal HR supervisory authority: hiring, discipline, and formal performance evaluations remain the responsibility of the Supervisor, Rail Mechanical. Attendance, performance, and safety concerns are escalated to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor. After successful completion of required training and formal designation, the Lead Rail Cleaner may perform or assist with calendar day inspections and other qualified tasks as assigned. Work takes place in shop, yard, and field environments at CapMetro North Operations and related facilities. Conditions may include moderate to high noise, varying lighting, weather extremes, uneven surfaces, moving rail equipment, cleaning chemicals, and waste materials. Regular physical activities include standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds regularly. Employees must wear required personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety rules. The position may involve varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and the incumbent serves as an on-call escalation point who may need to respond to emergencies or critical operational incidents outside normal operating hours. Regular and predictable attendance at the assigned work location is essential. The role is onsite, with the primary workplace at a CapMetro facility or field location and an expectation to work there at least four days per week. Visa sponsorship is unavailable; applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States. This is a security-sensitive position, and incumbents undergo annual background checks.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six years of experience as a Rail Cleaner or in a closely related industrial cleaning, servicing, or equipment-support role.
Successful completion of CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program requirements applicable to the Rail Cleaner role, including Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection / On-Track Safety (49 CFR 214), North Operations Physical Characteristics, New Hire Safety Training and applicable emergency systems familiarization, and forklift operation as applicable.
Valid driver’s license for positions involving operation of company vehicles or motorized equipment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Knowledge of safe cleaning practices, chemical handling (HAZCOM), and commercial cleaning equipment.
Ability to coordinate and prioritize daily work assignments for a small team.
Ability to train, coach, and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Strong working knowledge of Blue Flag Protection and Roadway Worker Protection sufficient to model and reinforce compliance.
Ability to identify and escalate safety, performance, or staffing issues to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor rather than resolving them independently.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures, and communicate clearly with the Rail Cleaner team and Rail Fleet Services leadership.
Ability to work safely around moving equipment, uneven surfaces, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and model a strong safety culture.
Willingness to learn and progress through CapMetro qualification and designation pathways.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Regular and predictable attendance at the assigned work location is an essential function.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in railroad, transit, or industrial cleaning or servicing environments.
Experience operating forklifts, tractors, or similar equipment.
Prior lead, training, or crew coordination experience.
Basic mechanical aptitude for supporting equipment movement and simple assist tasks.
Upon successful completion of CapMetro’s formal Training, Qualification, and Designation Program, including knowledge demonstration and practical evaluation, the employee may be designated to perform or assist with exterior and/or interior calendar day mechanical inspections under 49 CFR 238.303 / 238.305 and 229.21(c). Designation is at CapMetro’s sole discretion based on demonstrated competency and operational need.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and prioritize daily Rail Cleaner assignments across the shift to support fleet readiness, operational requirements, and schedule adherence.
Serve as the primary on-shift resource for Rail Cleaners by providing work direction, coaching, feedback, onboarding support, and guidance on procedures, equipment use, and job requirements.
Monitor attendance and performance concerns and elevate issues to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor as appropriate.
Monitor and verify the quality and completion of cleaning, servicing, and support activities; document work performed, staffing needs, equipment issues, and operational concerns; and communicate findings to leadership.
Promote and reinforce compliance with applicable safety programs, operating rules, and regulatory requirements, including Blue Flag Protection and Roadway Worker Protection; report hazards, incidents, and safety concerns; and support safety training and emergency preparedness.
Coordinate daily cleaning and servicing activities with Technicians, supervisors, and Rail Fleet Services leadership to support efficient operations and fleet availability goals.
Help maintain adequate inventories of cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, tools, and operational equipment; identify needs and initiate replenishment requests.
Clean rail vehicles inside and out and perform servicing, fueling, sanding, and waste-management activities in accordance with quality, safety, and operational standards.
Assist with or perform authorized DMU movements within yard limits when qualified as MFOE/MFOC or under the direction of qualified personnel.
Provide operational support through material handling, equipment staging, and other assigned fleet-service activities.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of rail maintenance facilities, shops, and yards; safely operate forklifts, light mobile equipment, and other authorized tools and equipment.
Complete and maintain accurate records, reports, logs, and documentation related to cleaning, servicing, inspections, equipment movements, and assigned operational activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support safe and efficient Rail Fleet Services operations.
Respond as required to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical operational incidents outside normal operating hours.