Lead Diesel Technician / Shop Foreman
Location: Duxbury, VT
Schedule
Monday-Friday | 5:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Pay
Starting at $36.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Additional wage increases available for each ASE School Bus Series certification passed and maintained, up to $2.00 more per hour.
About the Role
As a Lead Diesel Technician / Shop Foreman at First Student, you will ensure every vehicle runs safely, efficiently, and reliably—keeping our communities moving with confidence. This position combines hands-on technical work with shop leadership, technician development, workflow coordination, and fleet-maintenance oversight.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily shop workflow and assign maintenance and repair work to technicians
- Conduct daily shop huddles and communicate maintenance priorities
- Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs
- Perform road tests when required
- Maintain advanced working knowledge of diesel and gasoline engines, emissions systems, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical systems, suspension, and HVAC systems
- Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and hands-on repairs as needed
- Train, coach, and support technicians at varying skill levels
- Assist with technician performance evaluations and hiring decisions
- Monitor repair quality, productivity, and technician performance
- Schedule fleet maintenance and coordinate vehicles entering and leaving the shop
- Manage parts and inventory controls
- Approve expenses within assigned authority
- Maintain accurate repair and maintenance documentation
- Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal and state safety regulations
- Monitor preventive-maintenance schedules and inspection requirements
- Communicate fleet status, repair needs, expenses, and operational concerns to management
- Assist with maintenance budgets and special projects
- Support a clean, organized, and safe shop environment
- Participate in First Student's ASE certification program
Qualifications
- At least five years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair experience, or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience
- Previous experience as a lead technician, shop foreman, supervisor, or maintenance manager is preferred
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting ability
- Experience directing workflow and supporting the development of other technicians
- Knowledge of preventive maintenance, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, hydraulics, emissions, HVAC, and engine repair
- Valid driver's license required
- Willingness to obtain a CDL while employed; company-paid training is provided
- Strong computer and maintenance-documentation skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with technicians, management, vendors, and operations personnel
- Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced fleet environment
- Must possess a mechanic's tool set
- ASE certifications are preferred
Benefits
- Company-paid ASE testing and training materials
- Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing
- Career advancement opportunities into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles across more than 540 locations in the United States and Canada
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Annual allowances for work boots and prescription safety glasses
- State-of-the-art training programs
- Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, electronics, and more through the PerkSpot program
- Employee Assistance Program with counseling and support services for personal and work-related concerns
This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.