Bus Fleet Maintenance Technician — Diesel, HVAC & Lift Systems

Keep students moving. Keep standards high.

Every safe, on-time route starts with a technician who cares. In Kankakee, IL , you’ll own the reliability of a school bus fleet on a steady Monday–Friday, first-shift schedule — diagnosing, repairing, and documenting work that directly impacts passenger safety.

Your mission

Be the expert who can pivot from a drivability complaint to an HVAC fault, then finish the day validating a DOT inspection repair. You’ll combine hands-on skill with regulatory know-how to keep buses compliant and ready.

Impact you’ll make

• Deliver end-to-end service on diesel and gasoline buses: routine maintenance through full vehicle service.
• Diagnose issues methodically and run a proactive preventive maintenance schedule.
• Execute engine and transmission work, from minor fixes to full overhauls.
• Repair and maintain brakes , air compressors , fuel/ignition , HVAC , and wheelchair lift systems.
• Service vehicle A/C units; perform repairs and inspections to meet DOT requirements.
• Keep accurate records of time and materials for every job.

What sets you up for success

• Experience with medium-duty buses; International Truck/Bus preferred.
• Personal, professional-grade tool set on day one.
• Fluency in pupil transportation codes and IDOT inspections .
• CDL Class B with air brake endorsement preferred.
• A/C Certification preferred.
• Excellent communicator who partners well with internal teams and external customers.
• Calm under deadlines; service-minded and reliable.
• Self-starter who completes assignments independently.

Technical toolkit

• Electrical Systems Diagnostics & Repair
• Engine Performance & Drivability
• Diesel Engine Systems
• Suspension and Steering
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

Pay

$30–$40 per hour , depending on experience.

Physical requirements (provided verbatim)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance as attendance is an essential function of the position
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs