School Bus/Diesel Mechanic

I. POSITION SUMMARY

The School Bus/Diesel Mechanic is a fully skilled fleet technician responsible for the inspection, preventive maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the school’s diesel buses and support vehicles. This position works independently on routine and complex repairs and is accountable for keeping every bus safe, compliant, and ready for service each day.

The Mechanic is a key safety position within the Transportation Department. The Mechanic has the authority and the responsibility to remove any vehicle from service that is not safe to operate, and works in coordination with the Transportation Director, who retains administrative oversight of the department, and the Chief of Operations.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on diesel buses and support vehicles, including engine oil and filter service, fluid checks, belt and hose inspection, and air-system and cooling-system service.

• Diagnose and repair diesel engine, transmission, drivetrain, brake (air and hydraulic), suspension, steering, HVAC, electrical, and emissions-system problems using diagnostic software, electronic test equipment, and manufacturer service information.

• Repair and maintain passenger-safety and body equipment, including stop-arm and warning-light systems, wheelchair lifts and ramps, emergency exits and door mechanisms, mirrors, seats, and interior/exterior lighting.

• Inspect, rotate, repair, and replace tires and wheel assemblies, and verify rims, lug hardware, and tire condition on every vehicle serviced.

• Complete repairs correctly the first time, verify the repair through testing, and road-test vehicles as needed before returning them to service.

B. Inspections & Safety Compliance

• Perform scheduled inspections of the entire fleet in accordance with applicable state and federal school bus safety and inspection requirements and the school’s inspection calendar.

• Verify during each inspection that required safety equipment is present and functional, including fire extinguishers, first-aid and body-fluid kits, emergency triangles, mirrors, emergency exits, seat belts/securement equipment, and flashing-light and stop-arm systems.

• Immediately remove from service any vehicle with a safety-critical or out-of-service defect, tag the vehicle, and notify the Transportation Director and Chief of Operations without delay. No vehicle removed from service is returned until the defect is repaired and verified.

• Respond to driver-reported defects and pre-trip/post-trip inspection findings promptly, and prioritize repairs by safety impact and route needs.

• Support the Transportation Director in preparing for state, DOT, and other regulatory inspections and audits, and correct any cited deficiencies within the required timeframe.

C. Documentation & Records

• Complete accurate maintenance, inspection, and repair records for every job, including date, vehicle number, mileage, work performed, parts and materials used, and labor time.

• Submit completed repair and inspection records to the Transportation Director the same business day work is completed.

• Keep each vehicle’s maintenance history current and audit-ready, and flag recurring or repeat failures to the Transportation Director.

• Maintain accurate records of warranty work, recalls, and outside-vendor repairs.

D. Parts, Shop & Equipment

• Maintain an organized parts and supplies inventory, and notify the Transportation Director of low stock and upcoming needs with enough lead time to avoid vehicle downtime.

• Coordinate parts ordering, vendor scheduling, and warranty claims with the Transportation Director.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop; care for shop tools, lifts, and diagnostic equipment; and follow all shop safety, hazardous-material handling, and waste-disposal requirements.

• Report any needed equipment repair, tool replacement, or shop safety concern promptly.

E. Support to Transportation Operations

• Respond promptly to breakdowns and road calls, providing on-site repair or arranging tow or vendor service as directed by the Transportation Director.

• Help ensure the fleet is fueled, fully equipped, and route-ready each day, and communicate vehicle availability to the Transportation Director and dispatch.

• Assist with field-trip and activity-bus readiness by completing required pre-trip vehicle checks when requested.

• Provide temporary route coverage only when properly licensed and approved in advance by the Transportation Director.

F. Training & Collaboration

• Provide technical guidance and hands-on instruction to the Apprentice Bus/Diesel Mechanic as assigned by the Transportation Director.

• Maintain and advance technical skills through training, manufacturer instruction, and certification opportunities approved by the school.

• Communicate professionally and respectfully with drivers, staff, vendors, and administrators, and accept feedback from the Transportation Director and Chief of Operations.

• Perform other duties related to the safe operation of the fleet as assigned.

III. QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on experience repairing diesel buses, trucks, or heavy-duty equipment, OR completion of a diesel/heavy-equipment technology program plus one (1) year of related experience.

• Working knowledge of diesel engines, air brake systems, electrical/electronic systems, and vehicle diagnostics.

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to obtain a North Carolina Class B CDL with School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements within ninety (90) days of hire, and to maintain a valid medical certificate.

• Ability to pass a criminal background check, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and ongoing drug and alcohol testing as required for safety-sensitive positions.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, safety procedures, and inspection standards consistently.

• Ability to complete accurate written and electronic maintenance records.

• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted (more with proper equipment or assistance), bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in confined spaces and under vehicles.

Preferred

• ASE certification(s) in Medium/Heavy Truck or School Bus repair, or active progress toward certification.

• Prior experience maintaining school buses or other passenger-carrying fleet vehicles.

• Current CDL with S and P endorsements.

• Experience with wheelchair-lift, stop-arm, and camera or telematics systems.

• Experience with fleet-maintenance or work-order software.

• Own basic mechanic’s hand tools (specialty tools and diagnostic equipment are provided by the school).

IV. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Performance in this role is evaluated jointly by the Transportation Director and Chief of Operations. Progress is reviewed regularly and measured against the following core areas:

Performance Measure Target

Preventive maintenance and inspections completed on schedule 100%

Repair and inspection documentation submitted the same business

day 100%

Safety-critical defects reported and vehicle removed from service

immediately 100%

Fleet readiness: buses available for scheduled routes each day Fleet route-ready daily

Quality of repairs (low repeat-repair rate; work passes inspection) Meets or exceeds standard

Response to breakdowns and road calls Prompt, as directed

Shop safety, cleanliness, and professional conduct Meets standard

V. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a bus maintenance bay/shop environment, with outdoor work in varying weather and temperature conditions.

• Exposure to diesel fumes, lubricants, solvents, noise, vibration, and other automotive materials; appropriate PPE required.

• Early morning and/or afternoon hours may be required to align with bus route schedules and fleet availability.

• Availability for occasional emergency road-call response outside of standard hours.