Bus Mechanic

About the role

The Bus Mechanic is responsible for providing efficient and knowledgeable service, including maintenance and repair of CLIU #21 vehicles. The position is directly responsible to the Transportation Supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum two (2) years of general mechanical skills, including gas and diesel engines.
• Commercial Driver's License with school bus endorsements, required by the end of the 1st year of employment from hire date.
• Minimum Class B CDL.
• Class B CDL Inspection Certification, required by the end of the 1st year of employment from hire date.

Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrates mechanical skills governing all aspects of vehicle maintenance, including, but not limited to, repair or replacement of all major parts, including engines, transmissions, rear axles, tires, and electrical components.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Carbon and Lehigh Counties pertaining to locations of cities and towns.
• Demonstrates knowledge of electrical components to repair or replace body parts, as needed.
• Demonstrates the ability to review and utilize information provided in a technical journal.
• Demonstrates the skills necessary to utilize electronic diagnostic equipment while evaluating vehicle repairs.
• Demonstrates the ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated by patience, understanding, and congeniality.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to organize, plan, and manage job responsibilities in order to complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Attends work regularly at assigned work hours subject to lawful leave rights and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates the skills to provide the highest level of customer service, with patience and knowledge of the department's services.

Physical Ability

• To squat, bend, crouch, work on back, crawl, stand, stoop, sit, lift, reach, communicate (vision, hearing, and speech), and climb a ladder to effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities.
• To work in an environment that includes dust, dirt, and grease.
• To lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• To effectively use office equipment, including, but not limited to, phone system and calculator.
• To communicate via telephone system and/or two-way radio system.
• To use equipment necessary to make a repair and perform maintenance.
• To independently ambulate in and around work areas.
• To travel to and from assigned work locations without employer support.
• To exhibit appropriate manual dexterity to effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities.

Functions/Duties/Responsibilities

• To perform limited repainting, utilizing knowledge of minor painting of damaged vehicles, including mixing properly with the use of thinners, primer, glazing, sealers, and tints of paints to match color on vehicle.
• To perform limited bodywork, utilizing knowledge of repair and usage of body parts, including filters, welding, burning, and straightening items to prepare vehicles for road use for student pickup.
• To repair and maintain school buses and school bus equipment.
• To assist in the coordination of all functions of the Transportation Department in a timely and effective manner, as needed, including, but not limited to, repairs vehicles that have broken down on route, arranging for spare vehicles, and arranging to have vehicle towed to CLIU #21 Transportation Facility or the appropriate repair shop.
• To monitor two-way radio during office hours, including holidays, as needed.
• To perform maintenance (inspecting and testing) on all vehicles in a timely fashion at prescribed intervals of time and usage or upon malfunction or breakdown, as assigned by Transportation Supervisor or his/her designee.
• To conduct regular and timed inspections on all CLIU #21 vehicle conditions, tires, safety supplies, and state auto inspection requirements.
• To communicate with outside vehicle maintenance contractors in having maintenance performed on all vehicles that cannot be performed by the CLIU #21 Bus Mechanic or which is required by warranties.
• To act as a driver or aide, as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor or Safety Officer.
• To satisfactorily perform and/or carry out all functions/responsibilities/tasks assigned by the Transportation Supervisor or Safety Officer.
• To communicate clearly to staff and management the explanation of repairs, instruction in the proper way to maintain the vehicle in between scheduled maintenance, and the preparation of required written reports.
• To perform maintenance duties, including, but not limited to:
  • 7,500 miles - walk around, visual checks for leaks, tire wear, exhaust system, oil change, and check belts and hoses.
  • 7,500 miles - fuel and air filters change - visual check as well.
  • 50,000 miles - transmission check, changes transmission filter, checks fluid level, and completely replaces transmission fluid.
  • Inspects, tests, and aligns bus lights and wheels and maintains electrical systems and controls.
  • Balances wheels to minimize wear on tires and rotates wheels at prescribed mileage intervals.
  • Tunes up engine to maintain combustion control standards.
  • Adjusts equipment to standards set by state DOT for motor vehicle inspections and safety standards.
  • Disassembles, inspects, and replaces worn or broken parts.
  • Fits and adjusts new or repaired parts.
  • Oils and greases vehicles; changes filters.
  • Tests drives repaired equipment.
  • Uses hoist wrenches, gauges, drills or grinders, or other specialized mechanic tools and equipment.
  • Maintains parts usage records.
  • Notifies supervisor of potentially dangerous equipment and corrective action taken.
  • Visual checks of exhaust system.
  • Safety checks for braking system, steering, suspension, lighting systems, swing arm, and escape hatch and warning buzzers.
  • Visually inspects floors and tracking for corrosion and breakage.
  • Air conditioning inspections, including replacement of fans, compressors, and leak checks.
  • Heater systems - leaks and electrical systems.
  • Charging systems, including test of alternator, battery, and voltage regulations.
  • Vehicle seat removals and replacements, tear repairs, and secure mounting to floor.
  • Spare vehicles shall be maintained as per schedule.
  • Lettting on vehicles using vinyl and/or paint.
  • Fabricating metal components using welders, cutters, shears, benders, and proper anchoring of materials.
  • Preparation for State Police inspection and participation in State Police inspection.