Transit Equipment Painter - SDA/TLT at King County – Seattle, Washington
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About This Position
NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.
**This position is available to all qualified candidates, including the general public and King County Employees.**
Are you passionate about precision? Expand your automotive painting skills while you learn to work in a large mass transit environment. Join our dedicated team of Transit Equipment Painters and help keep King County moving!
Apply early to be included in a one-day testing event tentatively scheduled for 3/6/25 - 3/7/25.
As an Equipment Painter, you'll use eco-friendly, low VOC coatings to prepare and paint a variety of transit vehicles and equipment, including buses, cars, vans, wreckers, and trucks, as well as a large variety of components such as engines, differentials, brake calipers, body panels, etc. The Equipment Painter also designs and produces decals and signs using computer graphic software, digital printing, vinyl cutting/plotting, and vinyl applications. With a focus on safety and attention to detail, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment and contribute to the visual aesthetic and operational quality of our transit fleet. Stop working a job, and step into a fulfilling career with King County Metro Transit!
Who may apply: We are accepting applications from all qualified candidates including the general public and current King County Employees. Scroll down to the ‘Supplemental Information’ section for details about our hiring event and how to apply.
Qualified military veterans and spouses are highly encouraged to apply! Be sure to detail any military experience and related duties in the Work Experience section of your application.
Pay and Benefits: King County has an amazing full-range benefit package and candidates who are determined to be fully-qualified at the Journey level will start at 90% of the pay scale with an additional shift differential being paid to those working second and third shifts. Our starting Journey Level hourly rates are as follows:
First shift (“Day shift”)= $46.21
Second shift (“Swing shift”): +5% differential= $48.52
Third shift (“Graveyard shift”): +7.5% differential= $49.68
Recruitment and Vacancy Details: This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Term-Limited Temporary (TLT)/Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position in the Transit Equipment Painter classification. This initial vacancy is temporary in duration (17 months with the possibility of extension), but is full-time, eligible for benefits, and may have the opportunity to convert to a career service (permanent) position, when possible. Vehicle Maintenance invests heavily in its staff’s development, and SDA/TLT positions give candidates a chance to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that can be applied to future opportunities. An eligibility list of qualified candidates may be created to fill future Equipment Painter positions as they become available. If created, the eligibility list would be active for 12 months from the establishment of the list, and utilized at the hiring authority’s discretion.
For more information: If you have any questions about this position, it’s requirements, or if you would like to have a confidential discussion about the opportunity, you are invited to contact our recruiter: Emily Clark (She/Her), Senior Talent Advisor emclark@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-8373.
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 Equipment Painter, you will also:
- Prepare a variety of substrates for vehicles, transit coaches, signs, and equipment, and apply protective coatings.
- Operate, clean, and maintain spray painting equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Apply custom paint and graphics to special advertising-related coaches.
- Produce all types of custom signs for various King County departments, divisions, and community projects using digital printing, and vinyl cutting and application methods.
- Prepare, edit, layout, scan, convert, and re-format computer-generated graphics and designs to accomplish intended graphic goals using specialized computer software. Prepare and apply decals.
- Maintain records of orders, completed repairs, time worked, and materials used; enter and extract data using an automated vehicle maintenance system; ensure work orders are complete and legible
- Work in a potentially hazardous environment using protective clothing, equipment, and materials. Ensure proper use, storage, handling, and disposal of all hazardous materials.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, and withstand exposure to paint fumes, dust, and other particles, and noisy operating equipment. This position is classified as “ Medium physical skill /effort”, and requires exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Employees are occasionally required to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally requires kneeling, bending/stooping, squatting, and reaching above the shoulder to complete job duties. This role will have you continuously and repetitively operating controls, equipment, and tools with your hands for up to 7 hours a day. Occasional lifting of heavier objects weighing up to 50 pounds is required. Must be able to pass a "fit test" for use of a respirator.
At a minimum, to qualify for this position you will need:
Any combination of hands-on experience, training, and/or education that clearly demonstrates Journey-Level knowledge and skill in using automotive equipment painting techniques, tools, and related equipment. Examples include:
Completion of a recognized automotive equipment painter apprenticeship program (or two years of automotive equipment painter vocational training) AND
2 years of relevant experience that includes any combination of automotive equipment painting experience and computerized signage production experience involving the use of graphic interface computer applications and printing the signs.
OR
4 years of experience and training in automotive/equipment painting and computerized signage production that is equivalent to the education/experience mentioned above.
Additional minimum qualifications include:
- Knowledge of proper surface preparation and automotive and equipment painting techniques, practices and methods
- Knowledge of the properties and characteristics of various automotive and industrial paints
- Knowledge of the safe and proper use of hand tools and equipment utilized in automotive painting
- Skilled in the use of personal computer office software programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email.
- Ability to collaborate with others and work effectively as part of a team, as well as work independently.
- Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing. Basic math, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofreading skills are required.
- Proficiency in using computerized graphic production and sign-making software (such as PhotoShop, FlexiSIGN, or similar programs).
- Demonstrated ability to create, design, manipulate, and print signs using professional signage software.
- Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and apply new techniques and processes.
- Must be willing and available to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Division operates 24 hours, 365 days per year and the position being filled may occur on any shift.
- Must be able to work at any base in King County, as work locations are chosen based on seniority.
- Must pass post-offer, pre-employment physical examination
- Must have a valid Washington State driver license and acceptable driving record
- Candidates must be willing and able to report to the worksite in inclement weather.
- Must be willing and able to work indoors and outdoors, and withstand exposure to paint fumes, dust, and other particles, and noisy operating equipment.
Work Schedule and Location: Work is performed at the Component Supply Center (12200 East Marginal Way S Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98168) and various transit bases within King County. Work is scheduled 40 hours per week, typically with two consecutive days off (not necessarily Saturday and Sunday). Some condensed work schedules may be allowed. Work schedules are based on a seniority “pick” system, so third/graveyard shift and/or second/swing shift vacancies will be the most likely openings. This position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is therefore eligible for overtime hours.
How 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 Emily Clark (She/Her), Senior Talent Advisor: emclark@kingcounty.gov or 206-877-8373.
Required Application Materials:
Submit an online employment application at KingCounty.gov/jobs or Governmentjobs.com. Applications must include detailed work history going back at least 10 years (if you have 10 years of work experience) and should include thoroughly detailed job duties, dates of employment, and clearly explained reasons for leaving each position.
Provide detailed responses to all supplemental questions within the application.
Attaching a cover letter and/or a resume is highly encouraged, but not required. Any additional attachments will not be considered.
Note: As a public employer, King County adheres to strict guidelines when reviewing applications. When listing the job duties within your Work Experience section, describe how you specifically meet the job experience and qualifications needed. List all important information and transferable skills, abilities, knowledge, and experience for the review team to consider, and leave out the non-transferable duties. Information provided in response to the Supplemental Questions must be supported by the details in the Work Experience section and should follow the outlined application instructions.
King County Career Support Services offers a webpage with free guidance, resources, and checklists available to help you present your skills and experience competitively for King County Recruitments. Visit the bottom of their website for more information and resources: Career Support Services - King County, Washington. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County. For technical support related to your application, contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance: +1 855-524-5627.
Selection Process : Applications will be reviewed to determine if candidates meet the qualifications and requirements posted within this job announcement. The most competitive candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted will be invited to participate in a one-day testing event. Those passing the required test will be invited to participate in a same-day panel interview directly after testing. Due to the nature of the tests, all testing MUST be conducted in person. All invited candidates must participate on one of the available dates.
One-day testing event: In-Person in Tukwila, Washington. Tentative dates: 3/6/2025 and/or 3/7/2025
All invited candidates must participate on one of the testing dates listed. The 60-minute test is a hands-on, practical test that will require you to demonstrate fundamental knowledge and skills related to automotive painting.
Same-day Interviews: After a brief break, candidates with satisfactory test scores will be invited to complete a 30-minute panel interview on the same day. Candidates will also be allowed to preview the interview questions in the 15 minutes leading up to their interview and can make notes on the preview document to reference during their interview.
The candidate with the most competitive combined testing/interview scores will receive a conditional offer of employment that is contingent upon completing any necessary pre-employment process (PEP) steps; including a pre-employment physical, driving abstract review, satisfactory reference checks, and/or a King County Personnel Record Review (for internal King County candidates). Once all PEP steps are completed, a final offer letter and start date will be provided.
Union Representation: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.
Classification Code: 8112100 Transit Equipment Painter- This is the second of a three-level Equipment Painter classification series. Positions in this classification include Transit Paint Preparation Technician, Transit Equipment Painter, Transit Equipment Painter - Lead.
About King County and Metro Transit Vehicle Maintenance - #TradesJobs
As a mobility agency, we move hundreds of thousands of people in our region each day, helping connect them to greater opportunities such as new jobs, better education, critical medical appointments, or a chance to start over. Metro Transit's Vehicle Maintenance Division operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we take pride in meeting our customers' expectations by providing safe, dependable, clean, and environmentally sound vehicles.
Metro has long been an innovator in green vehicle technology and is steadily pursuing our goal of becoming a zero-emission fleet by transitioning to battery-electric buses. Our Vehicle Maintenance Division values teamwork, communication, diversity, and social justice, and we are committed to working in a timely, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive manner.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant, diverse community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that embraces the traditions of many cultures. To learn more, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx.
Forbes 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 that is 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 are 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 are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native Americans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, 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.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Emily Clark (she/her), Senior Talent Advisor: EmClark@kingcounty.gov