Lead Technician

About the role

As the Lead Fleet Technician for a school bus fleet, you’ll set the tone for safety, quality, and uptime. You’ll handle advanced diagnostics and repairs on medium/heavy vehicles, oversee inspection readiness (DVIR, DOT/state), and guide technicians through preventive maintenance cycles so routes leave safe and on time. You’ll partner with your Maintenance Leader to plan work, verify quality, and keep the shop running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive and diesel systems — including brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrains, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems — according to skill level.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify quality repairs.
• Complete required safety inspections and repair sign-offs before releasing vehicles.
• Keep a safe, organized, and compliant workspace following all Federal, State, and local standards.
• Identify and report additional service needs or complex issues requiring advanced support.
• Accurately log labor hours, parts used, and completed work in the maintenance system.
• Notify leadership of unsafe conditions, equipment misuse, or vehicle abuse immediately.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs when needed.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and integrity in every task.
• Oversee day-to-day workflow processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years medium or heavy truck fleet mechanic repair experience plus a minimum of one (1) year leadership experience or training.
• Experience must be verifiable via prior employer or acceptable documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, or equivalent).
• Proficient with diagnostic equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and A/C issues.
• Advanced technical knowledge of major vehicle components in diesel and gas equipment.
• Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a diesel technician.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• High school graduate or equivalent education and/or training and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Valid applicable state license (CDL preferred) — Company has a free training program for mechanics.
• ASE Certification is desirable but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a technical or vocational training program in automotive or diesel repair.
• ASE Certifications or willingness to pursue certification is a plus.
• Prior lead technician or supervisory experience, or demonstrated leadership in a shop/fleet maintenance environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with computers and maintenance software systems.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and effective cross-team communication.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic life insurance coverage.
• Holiday pay and PTO accrual.
• Retirement savings plan enrollment.
• Ongoing training and internal advancement opportunities.
• Access to industry-leading complimentary fleet/OEM training, modern diagnostic equipment, and school-bus system training.
• CDL & ASE support: CDL preferred—company training available for mechanics; Industry-leading ASE Training & Incentive program.

About Summit

Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to providing the highest level of transportation safety, quality transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. Our corporate headquarters is located in Warrenville, Illinois, housing administrative and corporate support functions for the organization. Our 250+ local customer service centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams throughout North America.

Purpose with impact: Your expertise keeps students and communities moving—safely and reliably every school day. Modern fleet focus: Predictable preventive maintenance (PM) cycles and a safety-first culture tailored to pupil transportation with a robust telematics platform.

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

At Summit School Services, our goal is to be a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.