Lead Rail Cleaner

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Lead Rail Cleaner performs the full range of Rail Cleaner duties — cleaning, servicing, yard support, equipment movement assistance, and general labor functions necessary to maintain CapMetro's DMU fleet and mechanical facilities — while also coordinating the daily work of the Rail Cleaner team. Work is performed 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 is a lead-level position responsible for coordinating daily work assignments, training, and onboarding new Rail Cleaners, checking the quality of completed cleaning and servicing work, and serving as the first point of contact for the Rail Cleaner team during a shift. This role does not carry formal HR supervisory authority — hiring, discipline, and formal performance evaluation remain the responsibility of Supervisor, Rail Mechanical. The Lead Rail Cleaner escalates attendance, performance, or safety concerns to the Rail Mechanical Supervisor rather than resolving them independently. Upon successful completion of required training and formal designation, the Lead Rail Cleaner, like other Rail Cleaners, may also perform or assist with calendar day inspections and other qualified tasks as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Lead Coordination and Team Support

• Coordinate and prioritize daily Rail Cleaner assignments across the shift, balancing cleaning, servicing, and yard support activities 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, documenting work performed, staffing needs, equipment issues, and operational concerns, and communicating findings to leadership.
• Promote and reinforce compliance with all applicable safety programs, operating rules, and regulatory requirements, including Blue Flag Protection and Roadway Worker Protection, while reporting hazards, incidents, and safety concerns and supporting safety training and emergency preparedness activities.
• Coordinate daily cleaning and servicing activities with Technicians, supervisors, and Rail Fleet Services leadership to ensure efficient operations and achievement of fleet availability goals.
• Assist in maintaining adequate inventories of cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, and operational tools and equipment, including identifying needs, and initiating replenishment requests.
  

Rail Cleaning, Servicing, and Yard Support

• Perform interior and exterior cleaning, servicing, fueling, sanding, and waste management activities for rail vehicles in accordance with established quality, safety, and operational standards to support fleet readiness and passenger experience.
• Assist with or perform authorized movements of DMUs within yard limits when qualified as MFOE/MFOC or under the direction of qualified personnel, and provide operational support through material handling, equipment staging, and other assigned fleet service activities.
• Comply with and maintain all applicable safety programs, operating rules, and regulatory requirements, including Blue Flag Protection, Roadway Worker Protection, and safe work practices when working on or 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.

WHAT YOU BRING

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Six (6) years of experience as a Rail Cleaner or in a closely related industrial cleaning, servicing, or equipment-support role.
• Successful completion of CapMetro's Mechanical Training, Qualification, and Designation Program requirements applicable to the Rail Cleaner role, including at minimum: CapMetro 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 required for positions involving operation of company vehicles or motorized equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Preferred Qualifications / Designation Pathway

• Prior experience in railroad, transit, or industrial cleaning/servicing environments.
• Experience operating forklifts, tractors, or similar equipment.
• Prior lead, training, or crew coordination experience preferred.
• Upon successful completion of CapMetro's formal Training, Qualification, and Designation Program (including knowledge demonstration and practical evaluation), may be designated as a qualified person to perform or assist with exterior and/or interior calendar day mechanical inspections under 49 CFR 238.303 / 238.305 and 229.21(c). CapMetro retains sole discretion over designation based on demonstrated competency and operational need.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe cleaning practices, chemical handling (HAZCOM), and use of 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 requirements sufficient to model and reinforce compliance among the team.
• 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 to communicate clearly with the Rail Cleaner team and Rail Fleet Services leadership.
• Ability to work safely around moving equipment, uneven surfaces, and in varying weather conditions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude preferred for support of equipment movement and simple assist tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to model a strong safety culture for less experienced Rail Cleaners.
• Willingness to learn and progress through CapMetro's qualification and designation pathways.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in shop, yard, and field environments at CapMetro North Operations and related facilities. Conditions include moderate to high noise levels, varying lighting, exposure to weather extremes, uneven surfaces, moving rail equipment, cleaning chemicals, and waste materials.

Frequent physical demands include standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. regularly (occasionally heavier loads with assistance or mechanical aids). Employees must wear all required personal protective equipment and strictly comply with CapMetro Blue Flag, Roadway Worker Protection, and other applicable safety rules. This position may require the ability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as operationally required. The incumbent in this role serves as an on-call escalation point and may be required to respond to emergencies, major service disruptions, or other critical operational incidents outside of normal operating hours. Regular and predictable attendance at assigned work location is an essential function.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK AUTHORIZATION
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Mobility Status:
As an Onsite position, the incumbent’s primary workplace is a CapMetro facility or field location. Expected to work in the office or field location 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION
This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position. A position is “Security Sensitive” if it's incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive, computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area.