Lead Rail Cleaner

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

6h•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 position coordinates daily assignments, supports training and onboarding, checks the quality of completed work, and serves as the Rail Cleaner team’s primary on-shift resource. It does not carry formal HR supervisory authority: hiring, discipline, and formal performance evaluations remain the responsibility of the Supervisor, Rail Mechanical. The Lead Rail Cleaner escalates attendance, performance, and safety concerns to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor. After completing required training and receiving formal designation, the employee may also 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. The role may involve various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may require on-call response to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical incidents outside normal operating hours. The primary workplace is onsite at a CapMetro facility or field location, with work expected in an office or field location four or more days per week. Regular and predictable attendance is essential. Visa sponsorship is unavailable; applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States. This is a security-sensitive position, and incumbents are subject to annual background checks. CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics.

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 applicable CapMetro Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program requirements, including at minimum 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; train, coach, and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Working knowledge of Blue Flag Protection and Roadway Worker Protection requirements 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 to model a strong safety culture.
Willingness to learn and progress through CapMetro qualification and designation pathways.
Ability to meet the physical demands of frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and regularly lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds; occasionally handle heavier loads with assistance or mechanical aids.
Wear required personal protective equipment and comply with applicable safety rules.
Regular and predictable attendance at the assigned work location.
Currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

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 equipment-movement support and simple assist tasks.
After successful completion of CapMetro’s formal Training, Qualification, and Designation Program, including knowledge demonstration and practical evaluation, potential designation 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, balancing cleaning, servicing, and yard support to support fleet readiness and schedule adherence.
Provide on-shift work direction, coaching, feedback, onboarding support, and guidance on procedures, equipment use, and job requirements; monitor attendance and performance concerns and escalate them to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor as appropriate.
Monitor and verify the quality and completion of cleaning, servicing, and support work; document work performed, staffing needs, equipment issues, and operational concerns, and communicate findings to leadership.
Promote compliance with 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 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 equipment; identify needs and initiate replenishment requests.
Clean, service, fuel, sand, and manage waste for rail vehicles 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 material handling, equipment staging, and other fleet-service support.
Maintain compliance with applicable safety programs, operating rules, regulatory requirements, and safe work practices around rail equipment and facilities.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of rail maintenance facilities, shops, and yards, and 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.
Serve as an on-call escalation point and respond when required to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical operational incidents outside normal operating hours.