Class Code: SC107
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Upholsterer I

Bargaining Unit: VMU

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, an Upholsterer I performs a limited range of skilled duties related to upholstery and minor structural repairs for Santa Cruz METRO vehicles while learning to perform the full-scope of journey-level work; repairs seat cushions, backrests, and flooring; assists with minor vehicle body and framework repairs; replaces and repairs windows and glass, and performs related work as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Upholsterer I is the journey level class in the series. An incumbent in this class performs a limited range of skilled tasks to ensure that vehicle upholstery and other structural vehicle components are safe and comfortable for passengers and operators. This position is distinguished from the higher-level class of Upholsterer II because an incumbent in the latter class performs the full scope of advanced level upholstery work.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Performs a limited range of skilled tasks in the maintenance of and repairs to the upholstery of buses, Santa Cruz METRO equipment, and vehicles while learning to perform the full scope of journey-level work. 
  • Operates power sewing machine and other related upholstery equipment and tools. 
  • Drafts patterns for seat cushions, backrests, and flooring. 
  • Cuts and installs upholstery for seats and backrests. 
  • Sews, fastens, and welts upholstery materials for Santa Cruz METRO vehicles. 
  • Repairs and replaces seat springs and cushions.  
  • Constructs, rebuilds, and/or repairs seat assemblies for Santa Cruz METRO vehicles and equipment.
  • Assists in making minor body repairs including: removing, disassembling, straightening, repairing, fitting, and replacing damaged body panels and other major component parts or systems; Repairing body dents or scratches and preparing for painting; Repairing or replacing damaged windows, mirrors, glass or laminates; Repairing, replacing and maintaining interior flooring, side and ceiling panels.
  • Assists with final preparation and detailing of Santa Cruz METRO vehicles. 
  • Monitors the interior condition of vehicles and equipment and recommends repairs as needed.
  • Recommends the purchase of tools, supplies, materials, and equipment needed for upholstery, body and glass repairs. 
  • Assists with maintaining an inventory of parts and tools for the upholstery shop.
  • Maintains a clean area. 
  • Maintains Santa Cruz METRO property, tools, and equipment provided. 
  • Performs pickup and delivery functions to satellite facilities. 
  • May assist with emergency road service calls and operate buses for maintenance purposes. 
  • Maintains written records of repairs on work orders. 
  • Drives a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform Assignments 
  • Operates a personal computer and standard business software.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Basic principles and practices of upholstery.
  • Basic upholstery cleaning methods and supplies.
  • Basic methods and materials used in the construction and repair of seat covers and backrests as well as the reconstruction and repair of seat assemblies, including springs, electrical, pneumatic/hydraulic and mechanical seat assemblies.
  • Operation of a power sewing machine and related equipment, as well as hand tools used in the upholstery trade.
  • Basic pattern drafting.
  • General shop safety procedures, including the use of trade tools and personal safety equipment. 
  • Methods of performing routine automotive body repairs including spot painting.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Standards applicable to bodywork and painting.
  • Hazardous materials handling, disposal and safety practices.
  • Methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning and organizing work.
  • Time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Basic mathematics percentages and basic statistics.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and applicable standard business software.  

Ability to:

  • Operate a power sewing machine and other tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of Santa Cruz METRO vehicles. 
  • Read and understand technical information. 
  • Read, interpret and apply pattern instructions to measure, cut and sew padding and material accurately.
  • Perform basic upholstery work using a variety of materials, including cloth, vinyl, canvas, and leather.
  • Estimate material and labor costs.
  • Reconstruct and repair seat assemblies.
  • Perform minor vehicle body repairs.
  • Operate a variety of vehicles and equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and utility vehicles. 
  • Maintain records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Use good judgment and discretion when performing assignments.
  • Effectively balance multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in vehicle upholstery.

OR

Completion of an upholstering apprenticeship program.  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “B” Driver’s License with “P” Passenger endorsement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, the tools necessary to perform the duties of the position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat and stoop; talk and hear; use hands to grasp, manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is regularly required to bend and twist at the neck, reach with hands and arms.  Occasional overhead reaching and lifting up to 80 pounds aided is required.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.  

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in a shop or outdoor environment where the noise level is usually noisy.  The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, fumes, dust, grease, air contaminants, and hazardous materials and chemicals during the course of work. 

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass requisite a background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
  • This position is considered a safety sensitive position and requires participation in Santa Cruz METRO’s drug and alcohol testing program.
  • This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the tasks assigned; safety shoes are required at all times.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Maintenance

*Job Series: Upholsterer

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: No