Lead Transit Auto Body Technician

Salary : $126,900.80 Annually
Location : Component Supply Center, 12200 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026ECB26961
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Vehicle Maintenance
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J2 : ATU L587-Transit
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week


Summary
**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. Key responsibilities include:

• 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.

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.

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.


Vacancy Information: 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.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact the recruiter: Emily Clark (she/her)or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Job Duties


Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. In addition to performing the full range of responsibilities of the Transit Sheet Metal Worker classification, as the Lead Transit Auto Body Technician you will:

• 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.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:

• 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.

Desired qualifications include (but are not required):

• 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.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• 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.

Supplemental Information

Who May Apply: This position is open to 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.
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
The following application materials are required:

• An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and all relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with thoroughly detailed job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Complete all required supplemental questions.
• Write and attach a cover letter that responds to both ALL three of the writing prompts below:
  1. What motivated you to apply for this recruitment?
  2. Which qualifications and experiences make you uniquely qualified to lead others in this trade?
  3. What do you hope to achieve during your time in this leadership role?

Selection process : The initial screening will be based on a comprehensive review of all submitted application materials. Applications will be evaluated for completeness, clarity of communication, and overall competitiveness. Incomplete applications, or those missing required materials, will not be reviewed. The employment history and job duties detailed in your application must clearly validate and support any experiences, skills, abilities, education, or training mentioned in response to the supplemental questions or in the cover letter. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not move forward in the recruitment process.


The most competitive candidates may be invited to complete a phone interview, skills testing, and/or participate in one or more panel interviews. Final offer letters are issued only after the selected candidate successfully completes all required preemployment steps, including: a job related physical, a driving abstract review, drug and alcohol testing, and a King County Personnel Record Review that evaluates any discipline or performance documentation from the most recent 24 months of King County employment. Performance evaluations in this date range with ratings below "satisfactory" (or lower than a score of 3 out of 5) in any category may result in the job offer being withdrawn.


Work Schedule and Location: Work is performed at the worksite 5 days per week with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority pick system, with shakeups scheduled to occur once yearly. The Vehicle Maintenance division operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, across three shifts (day, swing, and graveyard.). Vacancies may occur on any of the three shifts, with graveyard and/or swing shift vacancies being the most likely openings. This position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime.


Pay: When working graveyard and swing shifts, additional shift differentials apply to the hourly day shift rate posted above (Swing is +5%, Graveyard is +7.5%).


Union / Classification Code: This position is represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587. Classification Code 8445200 (Sheet Metal Worker-Lead).

Forbes named King County 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 Americans, 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.

Need help with your application?

• Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at
• For technical support related to accessing or completing your application, contact the Government Jobs' applicant support team for assistance during regular business hours: View phone number on click.appcast.io or email
• The page offers free guidance, resources, and checklists to help candidates present their skills and experience competitively for King County recruitments. We encourage you to visit the General Career Resources section on their website for more tips.
• For questions regarding this recruitment please contact the recruiter, Emily Clark (she/her), Senior Talent Advisor: or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• 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: eligible King County employees may 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


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


Are you a current King County Metro Transit Employee?

• Yes, I am a current King County Metro Transit Employee.
• No, I do not work for King County Metro Transit.

02


As of the closing date listed on this job announcement, how many total years of experience do you have working in the Transit Sheet Metal Worker (SMW) classification at King County Metro Transit?

• Less than 2 years of experience in the SMW classification
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years of experience in the SMW classification
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years of experience in the SMW classification
• More than 5 years, but less than 8 years of experience in the SMW classification
• More than 8 years of experience in the SMW classification

03


Tell us about your overall experience working with the VM division's work order systems, including the system features you are proficient in using, and the types of tasks you are skilled in handling independently within the software. Please be detailed.
04


Tell us about your experience coaching or guiding others in safe Transit Sheet Metal Worker practices. Also, what methods or strategies have you found to be most effective?
05


Describe the methods you use to stay current on operating policies, procedures, service standards, and any new or updated bulletins, regulations, advisories, or equipment modifications that affect your work.
06


If you're using relevant military experience to qualify for this position, please provide the related Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If you held multiple MOS, feel free to indicate more than one.
07


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 DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

• YES
• NO

08


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please tell us for which employer and when. If you answered no, please answer "N/A".
09


Please indicate the type of Driver's License you possess. Check all that apply:

• A valid Washington State Drivers' License
• A valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• A valid Class A CDL
• A valid Class B CDL
• Passenger endorsement
• Air Brake restriction removed
• I have had a Driver's License in a state other than Washington in the last 5 years.
• I do not have a valid Driver's License.

10


Are you willing and available to work varying shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays, AND at any base location assigned?

• YES
• NO

11


Are you willing and available to report to work during inclement weather and in emergency situations?

• YES
• NO

12


If you have a relative who works for King County Metro Transit, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. Note: A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children, or relatives of a domestic partner. If you do not have a relative employed by King County Metro, please indicate "N/A".
13


If you have a relative who works for Metro, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.

• a. Bus Operations Division
• b. Capital Division
• c. Employee Services Division
• d. Facilities Division
• e. Finance & Administration Division
• f. General Manager's Office
• g. Marine Division
• h. Mobility Division
• i. Rail Division (including Streetcar)
• j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
• k. Vehicle Maintenance
• l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit
• m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro

14


Did you attach the required application materials? Failure to respond to all specified cover letter prompts, and/or failure to include all required materials may result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

15


If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
16


Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

17


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 notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
18


Enter your PeopleSoft ID# and the name of your Chief-- this will only be used to complete the required King County Personnel Record Review if you are selected for hire.
19


What is typically the best time to call you during the normal work week, if needed? Please indicate any preferred days or time ranges.
Required Question