SHOP MANAGER

About the Role

The Shop Manager is responsible for working with the Corporate Maintenance Director, Terminal Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Technicians to maintain and repair vehicles, ensuring maintenance operations run smoothly and comply with Student Transportation of America, State, and Federal Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise maintenance staff, including hiring, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, and providing technical and safety training.
• Check repair orders, inspect completed work, file repair orders, and communicate vehicle availability with Dispatch.
• Assist in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems; train mechanics and maintain correct procedures.
• Arrange services, grounds keeping, order fuel and parts, maintain parts inventory, and subcontract repair work.
• Ensure fleet inspections and repairs adhere to STA Policies and Procedures Manual and State/Federal Regulations for time and mileage intervals.
• Ensure timely repair of defects noted on PM inspections and driver defect reports; no vehicle released with safety-affecting defects.
• Prepare reports on work assignments and perform quality control inspections on completed repairs.
• Assist in tracking warranty and recall repairs; ensure accurate maintenance documentation and records.
• Maintain a clean, safe shop and ensure repairs are handled cost-effectively.
• Coordinate work schedules with operations and assist in developing quality control programs.
• Provide technical advice to other departments and perform research on maintenance techniques.
• Assist in evaluating vehicle replacements and coordinate with outside vendors.
• Provide technical assistance for service contracts and administer them.
• Audit and control parts, tools, and fuel inventories; ensure accuracy of inventory systems.
• Assist in drafting and implementing policies and procedures; recommend equipment requirements and annual bus replacements.
• Ensure environmental and safety compliance with State, Federal, and Company requirements.
• Respond to after-hours and emergency situations; may drive as a substitute for any route or activity.
• Perform other duties as required, including lifting up to 50 lbs and operating shop equipment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of tools, procedures, technical skills, and safety rules for maintaining and repairing gasoline, diesel, and alternative-powered equipment.
• Ability to operate a PC and learn software applications; strong written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Problem-solving skills and knowledge of Federal and State regulations (EPA, OSHA).
• Operational knowledge of motorized gasoline, diesel, and alternative-fueled vehicles, shop equipment, and tools.
• Ability to schedule work, inspect equipment, and diagnose mechanical defects.
• Propane/gasoline medium-duty truck engine experience preferred; ASE Certification(s) a plus.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment (up to 100 lbs) and operate tools such as bench grinders, torches, drill presses, jacks, Sawzalls, oil pumps, and power washers.
• Regular and dependable attendance; ability to pass state/federal background checks.
• Ability to comply with all company policies and procedures; this is a DOT-regulated safety-sensitive job.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by specialized vehicle and equipment repair courses.
• Two to three years’ experience as a Technician in school bus, trucking, or heavy equipment environments, or equivalent education/experience.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License with CDL, passenger, and school bus endorsement, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Provide own hand tools required for regular maintenance.
• Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License and DOT physical, or ability to attain within 3 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing: Regularly
• Walking: Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently
• Reaching: Frequently
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Sitting: Frequently
• Talking: Regularly
• Seeing: Frequently
• Hearing: Frequently
• Stooping/Stretching: Frequently
• Standing: Frequently
• Lifting: Frequently (minimum 50 lbs, up to 100 lbs)

Frequency definitions: Rarely (1% or less), Occasionally (2-15%), Regularly (16-40%), Frequently (41-100%).