Lead Transit Auto Body Technician

King County•Seattle, WA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an internal recruitment for King County Metro Transit. Applications will be accepted from current King County Metro Employees in the Transit Sheet Metal Worker classification who have, as of the last day applications are accepted, a minimum of two years’ experience in the classification. Metro Transit’s Vehicle Maintenance division is seeking applications from motivated leaders in the Sheet Metal Worker classification to become the next Lead Transit Auto Body Technician. This is a working lead position that is responsible for assigning, coordinating, and overseeing the work of Metro’s Transit Auto Body Technicians (Transit Sheet Metal Workers), while also performing the full scope of duties defined in the Transit Sheet Metal Worker classification. The work in this role involves providing technical guidance and day-to-day direction to an assigned team. Although this position works under the supervision of a Transit Vehicle Maintenance Chief, Leads are expected to operate with a high degree of independence in directing daily activities and solving issues at the lowest level possible. The Vehicle Maintenance division operates three shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) seven days a week at various locations throughout King County. Vacancies may occur on any shift or base location so interested candidates must be willing to accept any work assignment if selected for hire. This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment, and subsequent to commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols. This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) immediate career service Transit Sheet Metal Worker Lead vacancy within the Vehicle Maintenance division. An eligibility list may be created to fill future career service, term-limited temporary, or special duty assignment vacancies in this classification and workgroup. If created, the eligibility list would be active for 12 months from the posting date above and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Requirements

Must be a current King County Metro Transit employee who has, as of the closing date for this job posting, two (2) years of working experience in the Transit Sheet Metal Worker classification within Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Division.
Demonstrates safety knowledge and skill in operating related shop equipment, and in coaching others on the safe Transit Sheet Metal Worker practices.
Knowledge of applicable service standards, operating policies and regulations, and current equipment service bulletins, advisories, enhancements, and modifications.
Proficiency in using Vehicle Maintenance’s work order software (data entry, extraction, and equipment dispatching) and basic computer operations using MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Skill in prioritizing deliverables and instilling a sense of urgency within the team around the work they are doing, and the services affected by that work.
Skill in evaluating, guiding, directing, training, and assisting employees to meet quality expectations, including planning, assigning, prioritizing, reviewing work, and setting clear expectations.
Ability to give, receive, and apply feedback respectfully and effectively, including providing clear, corrective direction when needed.
Skill in recognizing and leveraging employee’s strengths, as well as identifying growth and development opportunities for staff.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to relay information and concerns to leadership and hold meaningful conversations that connects our employee's daily work to Metro’s mission and goals.
Skill in motivating others, fostering positive team morale, and creating a customer- and service-oriented work environment.
Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with individuals and teams across diverse backgrounds and trades.
Commitment to King County's core values of inclusion, equity, and social justice.
Able to demonstrate integrity, accountability, fairness, confidentiality, and consistent follow through in all actions.
Effective conflict management and problem-solving skills.
Possession of a valid Class B CDL and an acceptable five-year driving record.
Must pass drug and alcohol testing provisions for safety-sensitive positions as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655.
Willingness and availability to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Willingness and availability to work at any base location assigned.
Willingness and ability to report to work during inclement weather and in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with workload planning, scheduling, assigning, balancing, and tracking multiple projects.
Additional experience, education, training, or coursework related to auto body repair, sheet metal fabrication, frame straightening, collision repair, fiberglass repair, welding, etc.
Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and apply Collective Bargaining Agreement and contract language in decision-making processes and workplace practices.
Previous experience leading or supervising trades teams, especially in a unionized environment.
Process improvement skills and knowledge of continuous improvement methods and approaches.

Responsibilities

Coordinate work assignments by organizing tasks, distributing workloads, and ensuring staff have what they need to complete repairs efficiently.
Monitor workflow by tracking progress, resolving bottlenecks, and ensuring repairs are completed on schedule and to standards in a timely manner.
Maintain quality standards by reviewing the team’s work for accuracy, safety, and compliance with technical requirements, and coaching team members to improve their performance and skills.
Ensure preventive maintenance compliance by checking that all work aligns with established maintenance schedules and operational needs.
Uphold Vehicle Maintenance Division policies and procedures by ensuring all tasks follow required operating standards and federally mandated safety-sensitive regulations.
Coordinate and provide technical assistance to sheet metal workers in structural and body repairs of transit equipment and sheet metal fabrication for a variety of transit facilities and auxiliary components.
Monitor work orders and assign work to sheet metal workers and other personnel in accordance with work order requirements, preventive maintenance schedules, and operating requirements; control and monitor workflow; monitor warranty work performed and ensure defective parts are submitted for warranty processing as required.
Respond to questions and provide advice on all coach related problems and repair; provide lead direction to other skilled employees on assigned projects.
Keep current with the latest service bulletins and advisories as well as equipment modifications and enhancements and advise sheet metal workers accordingly.
Provide feedback to higher-level staff on employee and teamwork performance, behavioral and attendance issues, and updates about projects, assignments, and communication with vendors and other work groups.
Inspect completed work assignments to ensure work has been completed in a quality manner and equipment is in proper working order.
Observe and inspect transit coaches for any required repairs, schedule repairs as necessary.
Train new and current personnel in required aspects of maintenance, repair and base safety procedures.
Ensure all shop equipment is maintained appropriately and is in proper operating condition.
Advise Transit Sheet Metal Workers when their work is deficient or in violation of established regulations and procedures; recommend corrective actions to higher-level staff when required.
Maintain shop records including work orders, completed repairs and materials used; enter and extract data in automated vehicle maintenance systems.
Resolve workflow, supply, and interpersonal problems at the lowest level possible.
Perform other related duties as assigned.