Shop Manager III

First Student is hiring a Shop Manager III in Buffalo, NY. This role manages all location maintenance operations, provides shop staff oversight, and ensures safe working conditions for the fleet supporting the surrounding School District.

Responsibilities

• Schedules and administers fleet maintenance, assists in troubleshooting problems with equipment, and communicates vehicle availability with dispatch and operations personnel.
• Oversees hiring, firing, salary adjustments, training, employee development, work planning, discipline, and performance reviews for shop staff.
• Works closely with the location manager and regional maintenance management to provide maintenance status and budget requirements; may review financial variances, repair orders, and approve account payable documents.
• Ensures compliance with State, Federal, and Company requirements, maintaining a safe environment and adherence to policies and regulations.
• Reviews repair orders, orders fuel and parts, and subcontracts repair work as needed.
• Initiates and implements projects to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Ensures maintenance technicians are trained, properly equipped, and motivated to accomplish the maintenance program safely, timely, and cost-effectively.
• Supervises bus fueling and may arrange building and grounds services.
• Completes special projects as assigned and performs hands-on work activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided).
• Valid driver’s license required; willingness to obtain CDL while employed (training provided).
• 5+ years of hands-on mechanical supervisory experience.
• May require lifting of 20 to 50 lbs.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Computer skills.
• Industry experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and school bus equipment is preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a crouched position or on back lying on a mechanic’s dolly beneath motor vehicle equipment.
• Subjected to dust, dirt, and grease conditions in a maintenance shop environment.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary based on skills and experience.
• Full-time benefits including health, dental, vision, and matching 401(k).
• Paid holidays and paid personal time off.

Schedule

Monday–Friday day shift.