Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
The Oregon Zoo Railroad is looking for a Train Engineer & Maintenance VHE to join our Zoo Railroad team and help maintain and operate one of the Zoo’s most distinctive attractions. This role is responsible for designing, fabricating, maintaining, and coordinating the complex mechanical, electrical, and operational systems that support our diesel and steam railroad operations. Working across multiple trades, you will take part in the operation of locomotives and other rolling stock, and the support and service of track infrastructure, control systems, shops, general equipment, and emergency response functions. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled, hands-on professional who enjoys solving problems, preserving railroad equipment, and creating a safe, memorable experience for Zoo guests.
As Train Engineer & Maintenance VHE you will:
- Operate gas, diesel and steam powered locomotives and other heavy equipment.
- Perform and coordinate repairs and major overhauls on steam or diesel locomotives or other equipment, systems, or facilities. Also arrange for contractor services as needed.
- Operate complex machines and/or electrical testing tools such as lathes, extended boom lifts, milling machines, drill presses which may include precision machining to fabricate parts such as wheels, axels, or bearing boxes. Also evaluate, make, or modify parts or components for other Zoo departments.
- Provide support to station attendant staff and guest services; this may include, selling, and taking train tickets, loading, and unloading train passengers, inspecting passenger cars to ensure that all doors are properly secured, and observe all safety protocols.
- Communicate with train passengers and/or other Zoo guests while in route regarding sites, history, activities, events, and project plans. Perform other guest service functions such as emergency services or helping to tend to lost children.
- Perform ongoing railroad and complex equipment inspections such as brake systems and passenger car inspections. Ensure all components are in proper working order.
- Build, maintain, and repair tracks, control systems, buildings, sheds, and other structures. Keep tools in good operating condition.
- Fabricate metal parts by cutting and welding to build or repair train engines and coaches, fences, gates, and various fixtures.
- Operate a variety of tools and equipment such as power saws, routers, drills, jack hammers, paint spraying equipment, plumbing wrenches and automotive repair tools and equipment.
- Compile data for reports as needed. Develop documentation to support railroad training and general railroad operations.
Attributes for success:
- Safety Leadership – Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to passenger, employee, and equipment safety by following procedures, identifying hazards, and promoting a safety-first culture.
Related Experience: Railroad operations, construction, military service. - Mechanical Aptitude – Understands complex mechanical systems and effectively diagnoses, repairs, and maintains locomotives, equipment, and infrastructure.
Related Experience: Diesel mechanic, heavy equipment mechanic, industrial maintenance technician. - Technical Problem Solving – Quickly evaluates equipment issues, determines root causes, and develops practical solutions to maintain reliable operations.
Related Experience: Manufacturing, facilities maintenance, equipment repair. - Skilled Trades Proficiency – Applies expertise in welding, fabrication, machining, and construction-related tasks to support railroad and facility operations.
Related Experience: Welder, machinist, carpenter. - Reliability and Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and ensures equipment and operations remain dependable and ready for service.
Related Experience: Public works, transportation operations, emergency services. - Customer Service and Communication – Provides a positive guest experience while clearly communicating safety information, operational updates, and educational content.
Related Experience: Hospitality, tourism attractions, educator. - Attention to Detail – Performs thorough inspections, maintains accurate records, and identifies potential issues before they impact safety or operations.
Related Experience: Quality assurance, fleet maintenance, aviation maintenance. - Adaptability and Teamwork – Successfully transitions between operations, maintenance, facility repairs, guest interactions, and administrative duties while collaborating effectively across departments and with contractors.
Related Experience: Facilities management, project coordination, municipal services.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
- Trade certification or equivalent and
- 5 years progressively responsible multi-skill, multi-trade experience such as required for mechanic, machinist, electrical, welding, and heavy equipment operator responsibilities comparable to the Zoo Railroad.
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required:
- Valid Driver’s license
Shift and Schedule: We are currently hiring for both variable hour and seasonal positions.
Variable hour positions should expect to work evenings and weekends with no set schedule. Variable hour employees cannot work more than 1,040 hours per year. The anticipated end date for these positions is June 30, 2027.
Seasonal positions will be scheduled Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, generally working 8 hours per day, and will likely include evening work as needed. Employees in seasonal positions may not work more than 1,200 hours during the fiscal year. The anticipated end date for these positions is January 15, 2027.
Working Conditions:
- Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in hazardous locations, contaminated areas, tight spaces, at heights, under inclement weather and other adverse conditions.
- Oversees a variety of railroad facilities repair and physically performs manual work indoors and outdoors in tight spaces and under potentially severe climate conditions. Performs all essential duties of the position including lifting, up to fifty pounds as needed.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Previous experience working in a Railroad environment.
- Previous experience operating a locomotive or other rail equipment
- Previous experience working with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook.
- Previous experience working with When 2 Work scheduling tool or similar.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- A completed online application.
- Responses to supplemental questions.
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable)
- Reference check
- Driving records check for finalist candidate
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The hourly rate for this position is $36.51.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA Local 483 union. It is classified as a Maintenance Worker III.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Questions?
Recruiter: Sarah Winters
Email: sarah.winters@oregonmetro.gov
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, <<venue or Oregon Zoo>> helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.
The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
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