Diesel Mechanic-Bus Fleet

About the role

The Diesel Mechanic plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the school bus fleet and district vehicles. This position is essential for maintaining and repairing buses and other assigned district vehicles, ensuring they meet safety standards and are ready for daily routes, field trips, and extracurricular activities.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair school buses and other assigned district vehicles, including diesel engines, fuel and emissions systems, transmissions and drivelines, air and hydraulic brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and charging systems, tires, cooling systems, and heating and air-conditioning equipment.
• Service gasoline-powered or other district vehicles as assigned and within the employee’s training and qualifications.
• Inspect and maintain school-bus-specific equipment, including warning lights, stop arms, crossing gates, entry doors, emergency exits, mirrors, seats, and child-check systems, as equipped.
• Inspect and service wheelchair lifts, accessibility equipment, and occupant-securement systems according to manufacturer instructions and applicable requirements.
• Complete scheduled maintenance based on mileage, operating hours, manufacturer recommendations, and district procedures. Prepare buses for required Indiana State Police inspections, assist with the inspection process, and document completion of corrective repairs.
• Promptly identify unsafe conditions, notify the Director of Transportation, and follow district procedures to keep unsafe vehicles out of service until required repairs and return-to-service approvals are complete.
• Use diagnostic software, scan tools, electrical testing equipment, service manuals, and technical information to identify problems and verify repairs. Conduct authorized road tests when properly licensed and qualified.
• Respond to vehicle breakdowns and roadside service needs as assigned, using appropriate safety precautions and coordinating towing or additional assistance when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, parts, labor, mileage, and outstanding service needs. Monitor frequently used parts and supplies and request replacements through district purchasing procedures. Identify warranty opportunities and communicate recurring mechanical problems, significant repair costs, and possible outside-service needs to the Director of Transportation.
• Review driver-reported concerns and communicate clearly about vehicle condition, repair progress, and availability. Coordinate maintenance to support transportation schedules without compromising safety. Assist drivers in recognizing and reporting mechanical concerns and support consistent vehicle-care practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Properly use and maintain tools, lifts, jacks, diagnostic equipment, and personal protective equipment. Follow safe practices for supporting vehicles, controlling hazardous energy, handling batteries and chemicals, and storing or disposing of fluids and other materials.
• Protect district vehicles, equipment, and supplies from damage, misuse, and unnecessary expense.
• Participate in job-related training and remain current on equipment, diagnostic methods, and school-bus maintenance requirements. Work respectfully with drivers, coworkers, school personnel, vendors, students, and families. Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries in a school environment.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position and the employee’s qualifications.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant vehicle-maintenance experience, or an equivalent combination of technical education, apprenticeship, military training, and demonstrated repair experience.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems and perform preventive maintenance on diesel-powered or medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Working knowledge of brake systems, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and safe shop practices; ability to use diagnostic equipment and interpret service manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to organize work, maintain accurate electronic or written records, communicate clearly, and exercise sound judgment when identifying safety concerns.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to perform the position’s essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Licensing, Certification, and Employment Requirements

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable under district and insurance requirements.
• ASE Master School Bus Technician certification strongly preferred.
• Relevant ASE Medium-Heavy Truck certifications and demonstrated school-bus or diesel-fleet maintenance experience will also be considered.
• Current certifications, directly related experience, and demonstrated skills will be considered in determining placement within the approved pay range.
• Possess, or obtain within a district-approved timeframe, the commercial driver’s license and endorsements necessary to operate and road-test assigned vehicles.
• For full-size buses, the district should require a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement and no air-brake restriction when operating air-brake-equipped vehicles.
• Vehicle operation is permitted only after all applicable licensing, qualification, and district authorization requirements have been met.
• Successfully complete required background screening and meet applicable medical qualification, drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements associated with assigned driving duties.
• Obtain and maintain any certifications required for assigned technical work, including EPA Section 609 certification before performing covered motor-vehicle air-conditioning service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining school buses, transit buses, or a public-sector vehicle fleet, including familiarity with Indiana school-bus inspection requirements.
• Technical training in diesel technology or a related field; Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) School Bus or Medium-Heavy Truck certifications.
• Experience with computerized diesel diagnostics, emissions systems, school-bus electrical and safety equipment, wheelchair lifts, or fleet-maintenance software.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a transportation maintenance facility, with some outdoor and roadside work.
• Duties involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing into vehicles, and working beneath or around vehicles.
• The employee must safely handle tools and vehicle components, using appropriate lifting equipment or assistance for heavy or awkward items.
• The work environment may include noise, moving equipment, vehicle exhaust, fluids, chemicals, and varying weather conditions.
• Required protective equipment and established safety procedures must be used.
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Schedule

The regular schedule is established by the Director of Transportation to support district operations. Occasional early-morning, evening, weekend, or emergency work may be required. Additional work hours must be reported and compensated in accordance with applicable law and district procedures.