Transit Mechanic



Transit Mechanic

Salary

$63,273.60 - $90,396.80 Annually

Location

Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type

Multiple job types-career service and/or temp

Job Number

2022RSJ15355.2

Department

MTD - Metro Transit

Division

Vehicle Maintenance

Opening Date

09/19/2022

Closing Date

10/2/2022 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

J2 : ATU L587-Transit

Summary

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters


About the Transit Mechanic
In King County Metro's (KCM) Vehicle Maintenance (VM) department, there is no such thing as a normal day. Technicians at KCM have been on the leading edge of technological changes for decades; from being the first to install bike racks on buses, to purchasing hybrid buses on a large scale, and now pledging to move towards a fully electric fleet. At Metro, you will be part of a team that continues to advance technology and improve products for the entire transit industry. We led the way in battery-electric bus testing as well as safety innovations.

Transit buses are highly sophisticated vehicles which require strong technical skills to diagnose and repair. We attract technicians from many industries: automotive, diesel, off-road equipment, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and more! Bring your depth of foundational knowledge and experience and we will train you on our specialized, cutting-edge hybrid and battery-electric drive systems!  As you learn more about “The Metro Way” of improving reliability and streamlining repairs, you will take pride in knowing you’ve contributed to our mission of providing safe, dependable transportation to our region. Come be part of the team, come be part of Metro - come make a difference!

In addition to an amazing full-range benefit package, the qualified mechanics we hire enter at 90% of the pay scale. Additionally, shift differential is paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 5% for second shift and 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay. Current hourly rates are:
  • $39.11 - first shift
  • $41.07 - second shift
  • $42.04 - third shift
About Metro Transit Vehicle Maintenance - #TradesJobs
The Mission of Vehicle Maintenance is to provide customers safe, dependable, clean transportation in a timely, cost effective, environmentally sensitive manner, with a workforce that values teamwork, communication, and diversity. At Metro, you'll perform your best work as part of a collaborative team working towards the absolute best solution.

The Vehicle Maintenance section operates a twenty-four-hour shop with three shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) seven days a week at various locations throughout King County. Openings may occur on all shifts.

See the Supplemental Information section for details on how to apply - as a public employer, King County has strict guidelines and criteria when reviewing applications. Review this section so that you understand how to help us see just how amazing you are!

Safety Sensitive Position
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.

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Transit Mechanic, you will:

  • Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical defects in gasoline, electric, hybrid and diesel-powered buses, trolleys, trucks, cars, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
  • Operate and maintain electronic diagnostic and related equipment.
  • Diagnose, dismantle, repair, and overhaul all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
  • Install, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical units and accessories of electrically powered trolley coaches using electrical diagrams and schematics.
  • Perform wheel alignments, adjust/replace brakes and repair pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators, and air conditioning systems.
  • Install, maintain, and repair a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment, and electronics, including fare collection, communication, surveillance, and related components.
  • Operate overhead cranes, hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, drill presses, and brake turning lathes, as appropriately certified.
  • Perform field repair work and emergency road repairs, drive wrecker truck to tow in disabled coaches.
  • Maintain records of completed repairs, time worked, and materials used.
  • Enter and extract data in automated vehicle maintenance system.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

This position requires Journey Level knowledge of and skill in the principles, practices, techniques, tools, and equipment of the automotive and diesel repair trade. Regular attendance and performance of duties, as assigned, are required of this position.

At a minimum, to qualify for this position you will need to meet one of the following qualifications:

  • Four years of experience in heavy-duty diesel, automotive equipment, aviation or marine repair and maintenance, as a Journey Level mechanic.
  • Two years of experience in heavy-duty diesel or automotive equipment repair and maintenance as a Journey Level mechanic and completion of a two-year vocational or community college diesel automotive mechanics program, or a recognized apprenticeship program.
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the work of the position.
In addition, successful candidates will also have:
  • Knowledge of mechanical principles of gasoline, diesel, and all-electric powered engines; fluid, pneumatic and hydraulic systems; power train, suspension, and chassis components and assemblies; electrical, ignition, braking, heating, and air conditioning systems.
  • Knowledge of installation, maintenance and repair of auxiliary systems, equipment and electronics including fare collection, communication, surveillance, and related components.
  • Knowledge of current diagnostic techniques and equipment used in fleet repair operations.
  • Knowledge of industrial safety rules, shop safety rules, and applicable regulations and procedures that apply to a vehicle repair facility.
  • Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated vehicle maintenance systems and related software applications.
  • Skill in the operation of electronic diagnostic equipment, as well as power and hand tools used in mechanical maintenance and equipment repair.
  • Skill in the operation of overhead cranes, hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, drill presses, lathes, and related equipment.
  • Skill in the operation of wreckers and associated auxiliary equipment and winches.
  • Skill in basic mathematics.
  • Customer service skills; skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills; skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations.
Desirable qualifications include: (This experience is not required; applicants with this experience should highlight it, however applicants without this experience are not meant to be dissuaded from applying. If you don’t already have this experience and you are hired for this position, you can look forward to expanding your skillset as a Metro employee!) 
  • Heavy-duty diesel, bus, or truck fleet maintenance experience.
  • Experience working with hybrid technology.
  • Experience working with all-electric propulsion systems.
Necessary Special Requirements:
  • Must pass drug and alcohol testing provision for safety-sensitive positions as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655.
  • Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination.
  • All candidates must have a valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Within 90 days of hire, a candidate must be able to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement, and with the air brake restriction removed. All candidates without a current CDL must have a Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), with correct endorsement and restriction removed, prior to receiving a formal offer. After hire, King County Metro Transit will provide you with paid training, on our equipment, so that you can obtain a Class A CDL, which is required for this position.
    • Please Note: to obtain a CLP in Washington State, you must be able to provide your current license, Social Security number and proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency. For more information visit the official Washington State Department of Licensing official website at: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense /cdlcdip.html.

Supplemental Information

Who May Apply
This position is open to the general public and current King County employees. For Tips on Applying, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs/applying.aspx.

Application and Selection Process

This advertisement will initially be open continuous, but may close at any time. King County application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs, with employment history going back at least ten years if you have ten years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience), including answers to the supplemental questions.

 

Please note: The "duties" section in the Work Experience area of the application is free text and should be used to detail how you specifically meet the experience we are seeking. You should list all professional and personal information you feel is important for the team reviewing your application to take into consideration. You may also leave nontransferable skills off your previous duties. Let your passion for the position come through!

For example, if you worked as a chef in the last ten years you would list that employment, but you don't need to list job duties that aren’t applicable, such as, "cooked food to order". You should, however, list any transferrable skills that the job taught you, such as specific teamwork skills.

Finally, you should always list detailed information. As an example, rather than listing, "performed work to customer request," you should list, in detail, the actual work. Details should always be specific to you, but good examples give details such as, "repair and replace head gaskets, cylinder heads and engine removal," or "operate machine shop equipment, including lathe, drill press, grinder milling machine, band saw, fans, air and vacuum compressors and motors."

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to application instructions. The most competitive candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted above may be invited to participate in a testing process. Those passing the test will be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.


Testing Information
Initial Testing dates are planned for Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Testing will also take place February 28, 2023. Additional testing dates may be added, depending on number of applications received. Due to the nature of the tests, all testing MUST be conducted in person. (Dates are subject to change.)
Candidates will have up to three hours to complete a written and practical/hands-on test. In the written section, a candidate will have 60 minutes to complete a 50-question, multiple-choice, basic level, general mechanical knowledge test. Once the written portion is completed, you will participate in a series of observed and timed hands-on exercises intended to gauge your ability to follow directions and showcase your Journey Level mechanical aptitude. All necessary tools and safety equipment will be provided, and you will have the ability to ask clarifying questions prior to beginning each exercise.

You must take the test onsite in King County, WA. Interviews will be offered to candidates with satisfactory test scores. Interviews typically take place within two weeks of testing.

Interview Information
Unless a candidate lives out of area, all interviews will be conducted in person. Those who interview successfully will be placed on an eligibility list for placement into vacancies as they occur.

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, being hired will be contingent on passing all requirements outlined for King County safety-sensitive positions. Those requirements include: an acceptable five-year driving record, satisfactory reference checks, two-year FTA background verification, and passing a pre-employment drug screen and physical.

Vacancy Information
This recruitment will be initially used to fill multiple career service positions.

In addition, depending on number of applications received, this recruitment may also be used to create a list of qualified candidates to fill future special duty, term-limited temporary, and career service positions in this classification, as they become available. Any list created may be active until fully depleted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Work Schedule
Employees work a 40 hour per week schedule with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority system and schedules are bid on three times a year.

Graveyard and/or swing shift vacancies will be the most likely openings. Employees must be able and willing to work any shift, including any combination of days off, at any location. These positions are FLSA non-exempt and therefore eligible for overtime pay.

Union Representation
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.

Classification Code
8442100

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Robin St. James (she/her)
Human Resources Talent Advisor
Robin.StJames@kingcounty.gov

Forbes recently named King County a one of Washington State's best employers.
 
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles- we are one team; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application process, or if you have questions, please contact Robin St. James via email at Robin.StJames@kingcounty.gov.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite activity centers
  • Employee Giving Program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
  • No formal education
  • Associate of Science in Heavy Duty Diesel Repair or related occupational studies
  • A recognized apprenticeship training program
  • Additional relevant education/training
02
Provide the name of the school and/or describe the program where you obtained the above referenced educations. Also, list your dates of enrollment. If none, please enter "N/A."
03
What certification or degree was obtained for the education/training listed above? If none, please enter "N/A."
04
List any current mechanical certifications or accreditations you hold. If none, enter "N/A."
05
Please indicate below all areas in which you have Journey Level experience. Check all that apply.
  • Computer-based diagnostics
  • Electrical troubleshooting
  • Gas engines and drive train
  • Climate control
  • Major engine overhaul
  • Transmission overhaul
  • Preventative maintenance
  • None of the above
06
Please indicate below all areas in which you have Journey Level experience. Check all that apply.
  • Suspension
  • Steering
  • Hydraulic systems
  • None of the above
07
Please indicate below the specific engines that you have experience diagnosing and repairing. Check all that apply.
  • Caterpillar
  • Cummins
  • Detroit
  • Other
  • None of the above
08
If you indicated "Other", please tell us the type(s) of engine. If not, enter "N/A."
09
Indicate below the specific transmissions that you have experience diagnosing and repairing. Check all that apply.
  • Allison
  • Voith
  • Other
  • None of the above
10
If you indicated "Other", please tell us the type(s) of transmission. If not, enter "N/A."
11
Indicate below the specific hybrid systems that you have experience diagnosing and repairing. Check all that apply.
  • Allison
  • BAE
  • Other
  • None of the above
12
If you indicated "Other", please tell us the type(s) of hybrid system. If not, enter "N/A."
13
Check any HVAC systems are you familiar with.
  • Thermo King
  • Sutrak
  • Eberspacher
  • Other
  • I am not familiar with any HVAC systems
14
If you indicated "Other" above, please note the type(s) of HVAC systems. If not, enter "N/A."
15
Do you have Journey Level experience working on any of the following? Check all that apply.
  • Transit bus
  • Motor coach
  • School bus
  • None of the above
16
Do you have Journey Level experience working on any of the following technology?
  • Hybrid
  • Battery-powered all-electric vehicles
  • None of the above
17
Do you have Journey Level experience working on any of the following PLCs? Check all that apply.
  • Vansco PLC
  • Dinex ort I/O control PLC
  • None of the above
18
Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety sensitive transportation work covered by the Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?
  • Yes
  • No
19
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, for which employer and when? If not, please answer "N/A."
20
Do you currently possess a valid driver license? Please indicate if you ALSO hold a Class A or Class B CDL license or permit, and any endorsements. Check all that apply.
  • Valid driver license
  • Class A CDL or permit
  • Class B CDL or permit
  • Passenger endorsement
  • Air brake restriction removed
  • I do not have a valid driver license
21
In the last five years, have you had a driver license in another state beside Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
22
In the last five years, has your driver license been revoked or suspended?
  • Yes
  • No
23
If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.
  • Once
  • More than once
  • My license has not been suspended in the last five years
24
If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate the reason below. Check all that apply.
  • Moving violation
  • Unpaid parking ticket(s)
  • Unpaid traffic ticket(s)
  • Child support enforcement
  • I have not had my license suspended in the last five years
25
Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply. (Your full five-year abstract will be evaluated as a part of this recruitment process.)
  • Reckless or negligent driving
  • DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Hit and run incident citation
  • Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault citation
  • Open container violation
  • More than one at-fault accident
  • None of the above
26
How many at-fault accidents have you had in the last five years?
  • One at-fault accident
  • More than one at-fault accident
  • I have not had any at-fault accidents in the last five years
27
Have you been terminated, or have you resigned in lieu of termination, from any position in the last ten years? (This does not include layoff.) (This question is being asked confidentially and will not be visible to anyone outside HR.)
  • Yes
  • No
28
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the name of the employer(s) and the reason for termination(s). If not, please answer "N/A." (This question is being asked confidentially and will not be visible to anyone outside HR.)
29
If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the testing process? If you check the "YES" box, the human resources staff person coordinating this recruitment will send you a request asking for additional information. (This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation only and will not be visible to anyone outside of the HR team.)
  • Yes
  • No
30
Are you applying to this position as a Priority Placement Program Participant AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes
  • No
31
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice, 2. The department you worked in, 3. The effective date of your layoff.

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404