Coach Cleaner - Washington

Amtrak is America’s leading passenger railroad service provider, operating a national rail network that connects major cities and communities throughout the United States. With a workforce of over 20,000 diverse and dedicated professionals, Amtrak is committed to fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and customer service excellence. The company’s core values—Do the Right Thing, Excel Together, and Put Customers First—reflect its commitment to ethical business practices, collaborative work environments, and prioritizing the needs of passengers. Central to Amtrak’s operations are its Core Capabilities, which include Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety and Security. These guiding principles shape how employees perform their duties and interact with both colleagues and the public. As Amtrak looks toward the future, it embraces diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives to innovate and maintain its status as a modern, forward-thinking transportation provider.

The role of Coach Cleaner at Amtrak offers individuals a rewarding entry point into the railroad industry. This position is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and compliance of the interiors of Amtrak’s passenger trains. Coach Cleaners perform a range of cleaning tasks from light tidying to comprehensive deep cleaning, which ensures that every trip provides passengers with a pristine and comfortable environment. This fast-paced and team-oriented role demands strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and adherence to strict sanitation guidelines set forth by federal agencies such as the FDA. Those in this role are not typically in direct customer service roles but may occasionally interact with passengers and must communicate effectively with fellow employees and onboard service personnel.

This union position requires membership and involves shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, assigned by seniority. The work environment can vary significantly with exposure to different heat and cold weather conditions depending on location. Coach Cleaners handle a variety of cleaning chemicals and equipment, following OSHA and HAZCOM safety guidelines to protect themselves, passengers, and colleagues. They are responsible for maintaining the equipment and tools necessary to perform their duties effectively.

Amtrak invests in comprehensive training for new Coach Cleaners, including a week-long classroom or computer-based learning program and on-the-job practical training, supplemented with evaluations to ensure proficiency and compliance. This role is considered a stepping stone within Amtrak, offering opportunities for career advancement into positions such as Carmen Helper in Mechanical, where one assists in the maintenance and repair of rail equipment, or Train Attendant in Onboard Services, focusing on passenger comfort and safety.

The hourly wage for this position ranges from $23.61 to $31.48, with opportunities for increases subject to collective bargaining agreements. Amtrak offers valuable benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans like 401K and Railroad Retirement Benefits, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives. Employees also enjoy rail pass privileges and may access support services such as no-cost personal health advocacy and financial advising. These benefits underscore Amtrak’s commitment to the health, wellbeing, financial security, and work-life balance of its workforce.

In joining Amtrak as a Coach Cleaner, candidates contribute to a company that honors its storied past while actively building a sustainable future. The role demands physical stamina, basic computer skills, and the ability to work safely in a dynamic environment. Candidates must undergo thorough background checks, drug screening, and maintain compliance with federal transportation safety regulations. Amtrak’s inclusive hiring policies ensure all qualified applicants receive equitable consideration without discrimination. For individuals eager to launch a meaningful and stable career in the transportation industry with opportunities for growth and development, the Coach Cleaner role at Amtrak presents an excellent pathway.