BAR Inspection Assistant

Contract position: 1 year from start date

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, temporary                 
Primary Work Location: Greater LA area and Northern LA County  

Last Updated: 6/14/2023                                           
Flex Work Option: Some

Position Summary

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Referee program was created to improve the smog check process and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Referee centers are state- contracted emissions test facilities that provide a wide array of resources for California motorists, including specialized services other smog stations are not authorized to perform.

The Foundation for California Community Colleges (Foundation) is contracted by BAR to manage the Smog Check Referee program at 31 Community College campuses. In addition to a wide array of services for consumers, Referee centers offer valuable career training opportunities for California Community College students.

The position is intended to strengthen and expand the skills of students that have recently completed their training and obtained their smog check and/or repair licenses. The BAR Inspection Assistant is responsible for performing emissions, OBD compliance and other specialized inspections, typically in high volume areas of the state. The position may also entail assisting Referee staff and management in Smog Check Referee and other duties as assigned. Assistants may be required to work alternative hours and days, at various established and remote locations using portable equipment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and testing of vehicles for emissions and other compliance verification and communicate inspection results and information to vehicle owners and program management.
• Maintain a calm, helping, and professional demeanor at all times when interacting with consumers, regardless of whether they do not maintain such standards.
• Perform at a high level of accuracy and consistency at all times.
• Reply to various technical questions from consumers.
• Maintain workspace and equipment.
• Maintain and promote safe and incident free work environment; provide safety information to students and consumers and respond to safety concerns.
• Maintain communication with Regional Manager and other Referee sites by establishing and maintaining rapport with staff and students, attending meetings, and preparing and distributing necessary reports.
• Submit reports to Regional Manager outlining any complaints received and the resolution of each complaint.
• Deposit all fees received as required.
• Promote the mission of the Foundation through the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Smog Check Referee Program and maintain a strong understanding of policies & procedures as well as practices regarding the program.
• Build and cultivate relationships internally and externally where appropriate, act as organizational brand ambassador as needed and provide business development support and input where there is opportunity.
• Emulate and participate in a culture of shared leadership and promote organizational values.
• Contribute to team effort by completing other assignments and serving on project teams related to the referee program as assigned and accomplishing related results as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Level of Supervision

• This role does not supervise.
• Ability to learn to manage by influence and ability to build and maintain credibility.
• Receives assignments from BAR Regional Manager. Provided moderate instruction and a general direction as to professional goals and project involvement, as well as achievement of those goals. Evaluation is based on ability to perform essential job duties and responsibilities, as well as successful execution of tasks/projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of automobile repair and technology, including California state and local automotive repair policies and codes, and BAR smog check procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and system maintenance applications.
• Strong initiative and ability to learn quickly.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled at interpersonal relationships and communication between consumers, students, and program management.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to respond effectively to routine inquiries or complaints in a timely manner
• Ability to present basic information and answer routine questions for consumers, program staff, and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business correspondence.
• Ability to switch rapidly among multiple ongoing tasks.
• Ability to navigate various technology platforms (Zoom, MS Office Suite-Teams, Outlook, Google Suite, etc.).
• Inspection Assistants cannot work for or have any financial interest in a smog test or repair station while employed with Foundation.

Education and Experience

• Relevant AA/AS, equivalent work experience, or a combination of both.
• Minimum of 1 + year(s) of related work experience.
• BAR EO Inspector license.
• Some experience performing vehicle smog inspections preferred, but not required.

Working Hours, Location, and Travel

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, with additional hours as needed to address the organization’s needs. This is a California-based position, with the flexibility to work remotely (in California) or in person at our Sacramento office. This position may require moderate travel to attend meetings, conferences, and perform other essential functions of the job.

Physical Requirements

The Foundation may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions/physical requirements. The following physical requirements are essential to the performance of this position:

• Must be able to remain in stationary position up to 4 hours at a time and 8 hours total in a day.
• Ability to constantly work at a computer workstation for up to five consecutive days.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with internal office staff and/or external third parties who have inquiries about their job tasks.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to frequently move and/or remain in a stationary position without breaks during meetings.
• Ability to constantly operate a computer.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements (e.g., typing and filing) and operate and use common office equipment (e.g., copy machine, printer, telephone).
• Ability to drive long distances to multiple smog inspection sites.
• Ability to perform movement and actions such as bending, twisting, and climbing under vehicles, and other actions associated with vehicle inspections.
• Ability to endure extreme hot and cold temperatures experienced in a shop. environment, as well as being on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to constantly work at a computer workstation for up to five consecutive days.
• Ability to frequently communicate with internal staff and external third parties.
• Ability to frequently move and/or remain in a stationary position without breaks at meetings and program site visits.
• Ability to operate personal vehicle for Foundation business and possess current valid California driver’s license and insurance.
• Ability to frequently lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Moderate overnight travel (up to 40%) by land and air.
• Typical work days and hours may include weekends and evenings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Foundation for California Community Colleges is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities (EEO) are available to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, political affiliation, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, The Foundation for California Community Colleges complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.

As the official nonprofit auxiliary to the Chancellor's Office, we aim to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the California Community Colleges and the 1.8 million students, campuses, and communities it serves. Individuals are hired for their deep understanding of each population’s unique needs and will join a collaborative environment where each team member plays an important role in helping Californians across all communities improve their social and economic mobility and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Budgeted Pay Range:

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.