Inspection Assistant, BAR (Los Angeles Trade Tech College)

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Referee Program is a pivotal state initiative aimed at improving the vehicle smog check process and reducing air pollution across California. Referee centers, which are state-contracted emissions test facilities, provide specialized services to motorists, including inspections and tests that other smog stations are not authorized to perform. These centers are strategically located at 31 California Community College campuses and are operated under contract by the Foundation for California Community Colleges (Foundation). The Foundation manages these centers to deliver a wide array of consumer services while offering career training opportunities for California Community College students.

The Inspection Assistant position within the BAR Smog Check Referee Program is designed to bolster the skills of students and professionals who have recently achieved their smog check and/or repair licenses. This role plays a vital part in conducting emissions, OBD compliance, and other specialized vehicle inspections predominantly in high-volume areas across the state. Inspection Assistants support Referee staff and management with Smog Check Referee duties, including working at various assigned locations, which may require flexible schedules, alternative hours, and the use of portable equipment. This position is a temporary, limited-term role with a duration of one year, offering an excellent opportunity for professionals to expand their expertise while contributing directly to California's environmental health goals.

Inspection Assistants perform vehicle inspections and testing to ensure emissions compliance, communicate inspection outcomes to vehicle owners and program management, and uphold the mission of the Foundation through the BAR Smog Check Referee Program. They maintain comprehensive knowledge of program policies and procedures and demonstrate professionalism and patience when interacting with consumers, regardless of the circumstances. The role involves consistent communication with regional managers and other Referee sites, attending meetings, and preparing reports as required. The program values innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship among its team members, reflecting the culture of a non-profit combined with the agility of a start-up and the scale of a state agency. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and a shared leadership approach that fosters organizational and individual growth.

Candidates must reside in California, possess a valid BAR EO (Emissions Officer) license, and should ideally have at least one year of related work experience. Although prior experience with smog inspections is preferred, it is not mandatory. Candidates are expected to have a strong knowledge of automobile repair principles, California state automotive repair laws, BAR smog check procedures, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and system maintenance applications. This role prohibits employees from having any financial interest in smog test or repair stations during their employment with the Foundation.

The position offers competitive hourly pay within the range of $18.00 to $22.00, based on education, skills, experience, and internal equity, along with a generous $1,000 sign-on bonus. Although the FoundationCCC embraces a remote-first philosophy for many of its roles, this position requires 100% in-person work at assigned BAR Referee locations. The headquarters of the Foundation is located in Downtown Sacramento, California, a hub for state government and community college activity. Overall, the Inspection Assistant position represents a unique blend of public service, technical expertise development, and environmental impact, making it a highly rewarding career choice for motivated professionals committed to California's environmental and public health objectives.