Many people who work at Metro Transit take on new responsibilities and roles throughout their careers. Career Tracks highlights the paths employees have taken to their latest assignment. Learn more about opportunities across all departments.
How did you begin your career with Metro Transit?
I was testing equipment for a different company, and one of their customers was Metro Transit. I was looking for a different job because I was over traveling. METRO Green Line Extension Systems Construction Services Manager Erick Schauer, a former high school classmate, told me Metro Transit was hiring for a signals technician. With my training at Dakota County Technical College as an electrical lineman, it was a great fit for me. It was a pretty seamless transition. I started in 2021.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
As a technician for four years, I tried to understand and apply the responsibilities of the foreman. I would ask questions and study what he would do daily. I would try and lead by example in my work. I took on the role of the employee in charge when the normal foreman was out. I took e-learning classes on MetNet to help with some leadership qualifications. All this led to a smooth transition from technician to foreman.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
I would say understand what the position does and is it for you? Are those the kind of responsibilities you want to take on? I served four years in the Navy. I thought I was going to come home and become a power lineman at Xcel Energy. But I understood very quickly that those guys travel a lot. I have a big family here, and I knew I would miss them. When Erick told me about this job, I knew it was the direction I needed to go.
We're hiring! To prepare for the 2027 extension of the METRO Green Line, Metro Transit will need dozens of new employees to maintain track and traction power and support critical rail communications and control along the line. Learn more at metrotransit.org/rail-careers.