Bus Assembly Inspector
- Summary
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 is open continuous; first consideration will be provided to those who apply before February 24, 2021.
Location
The work is based primarily in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Work is also performed in Tukwila, Washington. These positions require the ability to travel up to 100% of the time domestically, for extended periods, sometimes in extremely cold climates.
Position Information
This recruitment will be used to fill two immediate term limited temporary (TLT) positions and/or special duty assignments (SDA) within the Capital Division of Metro Transit. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool to fill additional term limited temporary positions or special duty assignments that may occur in this classification within the Capital Division within the next year.
The eligibility pool would be valid for one year upon creation at the discretion of the hiring authority.
The immediate term limited temporary positions or special duty assignments are scheduled to last approximately 12 months with a possible extension.
Position Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in expanding Metro Transit's service to the public as a Bus Assembly Inspector.
The role of a Bus Assembly Inspector requires incumbents to work independently in remote locations throughout North America for extended periods of time with limited supervision.
Assignments at manufacturers’ assembly plants will last 12 months or longer and may include transitions to different manufacturers’ locations during assignments. Incumbents must possess a unique set of skills including but not limited to mechanical, interpersonal communication, and problem solving. Incumbents must have a willingness to travel and be flexible and adaptive as they are on call, and routinely work non-traditional schedules including evening and weekends.
Assignments change at the direction of the Contract Administrators to include: pilot review, special projects, testing, and support of test programs. Assignment changes occur frequently and on short notice.
Position Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the King County Metro Bus Assembly Inspectors include the inspection of buses during all stages of production and assembly at the bus manufacturers’ facilities, with the primary responsibility to ensure buses are manufactured in accordance with King County Metro contract specifications. The Bus Assembly Inspector serves as King County Metro’s representative at the bus manufacturer’s plant during the assembly of all buses; monitors the contractor’s assembly processes and quality assurance program; and provides weekly written reports to the assigned Contract Administrator. Bus Assembly Inspectors conduct local post-delivery inspections of buses at bus manufacturers’ local facilities; determine if the delivered buses pass or fail final inspection; then assess if the buses meet the requirements for official acceptance or rejection by King County Metro. Additionally, the Bus Assembly Inspectors monitor and inspect manufacturers’ repairs and retrofits to new bus fleets prior to acceptance.
An Employer to Be Proud Of
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment, and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this nation's public transportation industry.
Competitive Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on Metro, Pierce, Community, and Sound Transit) and a competitive benefits package (see Benefits tab for more details).
For additional information, regarding benefits please visit: kingcounty.gov/employees/benefits.
Required Application Materials
An online employment 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 listing each position for each employer separately, duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc.), and answers to the supplemental questions.
A resume and cover letter are highly recommended. Your cover letter should explain how you are qualified to perform the duties of a Bus Assembly Inspector and any additional information you would like us to consider in relation to your ability to perform this job.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Tips On Applying at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened for qualifications, clarity, and completeness. The most competitive applicants may be invited to one or more interviews and a hands-on practical test. Final selection will be subject to acceptable employment references and completion of pre-employment safety sensitive position requirements as mentioned above.
**Internal candidates applying must pass record review to move forward. The work record of internal King County employees will be reviewed for attendance, preventable accidents, and disciplinary incidents prior to moving on to further elements of the selection process. You must pass the record review to move forward in the selection process.
This recruitment is open continuous; first consideration will be provided to those who apply before February 24, 2021.
Work Schedule
Work is normally performed Monday through Friday. Shift work may be required. Evening and weekend work may be required. Bus Assembly Inspectors may be required to execute a Telecommuting Agreement.
This position is designated exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime-eligible.
Inspectors in travel status return to their home location every third weekend with travel to occur on Friday and travel back to work location to occur on Monday, unless approved differently by the Contract Administrator.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Mara Cardenas
Senior Talent Advisor
206-477-2358
mara.cardenas@kingcounty.gov
- Job Duties
- Ensure each bus is manufactured in accordance with all Metro Transit Department (MTD) contract requirements and specifications, including all Federal Transit Administration and other federal requirements.
- Use manufacturer’s engineering drawings
- Build prints to verify the conformity of all requirements.
- Serve as MTD's official representative at the bus manufacturer’s plant throughout the bus production process. This includes the post-delivery final inspection process for vehicles delivered locally to MTD.
- Conduct inspection and approve vehicles for delivery at bus manufacturer’s plant that triggers the first progress payment milestone if required and conduct inspection including approval of vehicles for acceptance at MTD which triggers second progress payment milestone.
- Identify design problems and inform the Contract Administrator of compliance issues found during the pre-production, production, and assembly phases of vehicles.
- Identify contract compliance issues requiring review and approval by Transit Fleet Procurement and Contract Management (TFPCM)’s Contract Administrator.
- Participate in resolution of compliance issues, while ensuring manufacturer compliance with MTD specifications.
- Identify and notify the bus manufacturer of contract compliance deficiencies in writing.
- Request design and/or process solutions to be reviewed with the Contract Administrator that assure compliance with MTD contract requirements and specifications.
- Conduct quality control and production analysis of the entire bus build from the point of raw materials to a final MTD acceptable product. This includes the creation of a Resident Inspector’s Manufacturing Report at the conclusion of every build.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with bus manufacturers, OEM vendors, engineers, and others routinely and frequently encountered in the course of this work.
- Work independently in remote locations for extended periods of time with limited supervision.
- Communicate with MTD via telephone, e-mail, interactive video conference.
- Utilize Microsoft Office tools; learn specialty software of the work unit.
- Lead and/or participate in meetings with bus manufacturer’s officials.
- Production meetings; assembly meetings; daily/weekly quality circles; production team meetings; QA meetings; bus builder’s entity-wide team meetings involving production, engineering, contracting, and QA teams.
- Participate in key meetings with MTD throughout critical stages of contract administration, including but not limited to:
- Design review meetings with MTD and bus manufacturer
- Pre-production meetings with MTD and bus manufacturer
- Review of prototype vehicles
- Evaluate prototype vehicles
- Make formal and informal presentations of MTD and to the bus manufacturer on the status of vehicle production progress and status of resolution of issues of non-compliance.
- Participate in key meetings with MTD throughout critical stages of the procurement process, including but not limited to:
- Review of the draft technical specifications
- Review of the final technical specifications
- Review of the Request for Deviations
- Participate in the evaluation of initial proposals
- Participate in technical discussions
- Evaluate demonstration vehicles
- Participate in Best and Final Offer evaluation
- Mentor new bus assembly inspectors in the field.
- Monitor sub-vendor processes and testing procedures at multiple locations
- Perform other related tasks as required.
- Ensure each bus is manufactured in accordance with all Metro Transit Department (MTD) contract requirements and specifications, including all Federal Transit Administration and other federal requirements.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Thorough knowledge of transit vehicle maintenance, preferably in a variety of areas including mechanical, electrical, electronic and body/chassis
Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and interpret vehicle procurement contracts, technical specifications, and engineering drawings
Knowledge of vehicle production and assembly techniques and methods Knowledge of in-plant inspection in a bus manufacturing plant environment
Knowledge of contract administration, project management, quality control, vehicle production, and assembly
Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and standards regarding vehicle production
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles and techniques in a manufacturing environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills
Skill in negotiating and facilitation
Skill in comprehending, analyzing and interpreting technical information for targeted audiences
Skill in the use of a computer and appropriate applications
Skill in working under pressure and meeting deadlines
Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
Skill in taking the initiative to identify improved and/or more-effective design strategies
Skill in organizing work assignments, setting priorities, and accomplishing objectives without direct supervision
Skill in reading, interpreting and effectively utilizing management informational reports
Skill in developing, analyzing and implementing procedures
Additional required qualifications for these positions include:
- Ability to be innovative and creative and contribute to the development and implementation of new procedures, practices, and policies.
- Ability to manage complex processes, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with members of a diverse community and work effectively with the public and other agencies. Ability to foster positive, proactive work relations in a diverse, collaborative work environment.
- Skill in problem-solving processes
Ability to effectively present complex technical information to a wide variety of audiences
Ability to act independently and proactively to meet the needs of the Department, to make independent decisions, and to provide quality customer service.
Demonstrated knowledge of negotiation techniques/strategies. Skill in successfully advocating a position and achieving the desired result through negotiation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite tools including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.
Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements
- Valid Washington or Minnesota Driver License, depending on state of residence
- Commercial Driver License (CDL Class B or Higher) with the ability to conduct required road tests of new buses in various conditions. Must have appropriate endorsements.
- Passenger Endorsement
- No air brake restriction
- Current and valid CDL health card
- Interstate CDL license (and maintenance of this license)
- Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination
- 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
An ability to obtain a valid passport if needed
**Candidates must present evidence of valid Driver’s License with CDL endorsement, clean driving record, and an application for a valid US passport within two weeks of an offer to hire. Proof of a valid passport must be provided within 60 days of hire.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Work Environment
Work is generally performed in a bus manufacturing/assembly plant environment. Road tests involve operating transit buses on city streets, urban and rural highways and the Bus Assembly Inspector will encounter the typical hazards associated with driving a bus in those environments. The transit buses may vary in length, handling characteristics, and powertrains. Incoming post-delivery inspections may be performed at Metro or the bus manufacturer’s local contracted facilities. This position is based in Tukwila, WA, but requires the ability to travel 100% of the time domestically, for extended periods in sometimes extremely cold climates.
REPORTS TO: The inspectors report to the contract administrator assigned to manage that build. For personal, personnel, or disciplinary concerns the inspectors report to the Superintendent of the Transit Fleet Contract Management Group or his designated representative
Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.
Class Code: 2410300
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as 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 solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; 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.
King County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workplace and 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 values--we are one team, we solve problems, we focus on the customer, we drive for results, we are racially just, we respect all people, we lead the way, we are responsible stewards. We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
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 or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
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
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
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. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
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.
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01Thank you for your interest in this employment opportunity. In applying for this job, please follow the instructions provided on filling out your employment application. Data fields provided should all be completed. This includes but is not limited to: • the education and work experience sections of your employment application (do not merely refer to your resume). • A description of each position that you have held in the last ten years. If you held more than one position with an employer, please list each job separately, showing the dates of employment in each position. You should also include jobs that are prior to the last ten years if they were relevant to your qualifications. • For each position listed, state the month and year in which you started and in which you ended it, and your reason for leaving the position. If you have been terminated from any previous jobs, please state the specific reasons why. If you have any questions about this, please contact the HR Analyst identified in the job announcement. I have read the above statement and certify that the statements made by me on the application are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
- Yes
- No
02Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee 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, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
03If 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 layoff04Are you a current King County Metro Transit employee?- Yes
- No
05Have you ever completed a Term limited temporary position? If yes, please list job titles and dates. If not, please answer "N/A"06Please indicate the areas below in which you have a working knowledge.- Transit bus or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance
- In-Plant Inspection
- Project management
- Quality assurance and quality control principles in a manufacturing environment
- None of the above
07Please select the type of position(s) you are interested in being consider for. Select all that apply.- Term Limited Temporary (TLT)
- Special Duty Assignment (SDA)
08Please verify that you have completed the required application materials: An online employment application, completed with employment history going back at least ten years if you have ten years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience), an attached resume, a cover letter and answers to the supplemental questions. Have you completed the required application materials?- Yes
- No
09In the event the County's Inspector or a delegate is or becomes unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor will notify the County's Contract Officer. The County and the Contractor will promptly discuss the matter. Replacement of any County Inspector shall be at the full discretion of the County. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.- Yes
- No
10I have read the job announcement and understand the duties and requirements for this position. I also understand that the provisions of the job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. I further understand that any employment offer may be subject to successful completion and results for drug and alcohol background check, pre-employment physical, drug testing, reference checks, driver's record evaluation, and criminal history checks. Having applied for employment with King County, I give my consent that any person, firm or organization listed hereon is authorized to furnish King County with reference material concerning my character, past employment or any other information requested. I hereby authorize the full release of my employment and work record to the Transit Division of King County for the purpose of evaluation and consideration for employment including, but not limited to, specific reasons and details regarding my resignation and/or termination, attendance and punctuality, infractions or any disciplinary actions I may have received, and disclosure of all performance evaluations for the previous ten (10) years. I agree to hold current or former employers harmless from any claim or action based upon the release of information or documentation relating to my employment record. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information. By checking this box and completing my name in the field below, I provide my consent for King County Metro Transit to obtain the above referenced information.- Yes
- No
11I certify that the statement made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal- Yes
- No
Required Question