School Bus Mechanic

School Bus Mechanic Job Description

A public school bus mechanic diagnoses, maintains, and repairs diesel/gasoline buses and district vehicles, ensuring safety compliance through skilled mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic work, preventative maintenance, road testing, record-keeping, parts management, and sometimes driving or training.

Key responsibilities include skilled repairs (engines, brakes, transmissions), safety inspections, documentation, ordering parts, managing shop tasks, and adhering to state and district regulations for a reliable student transportation fleet.

Maintenance & Repair: Diagnose and fix electrical, hydraulic, engine, transmission, brake, steering, and body issues; perform tune-ups, oil changes, tire repairs, and major overhauls.

Preventative Maintenance: Execute scheduled preventative maintenance programs for the entire fleet.

Inspections: Conduct thorough safety and compliance inspections to meet state standards.

Record Keeping: Maintain detailed maintenance and repair records, often using computer systems.

Parts & Inventory: Order parts, manage inventory, and requisition supplies.

Road Testing & Service: Road test vehicles to check performance; provide roadside assistance for breakdowns.

Shop Management: May direct other mechanics, maintain a safe shop environment, and assist with snow removal/garage duties.

Driving/Training: May drive buses as a substitute or provide on-the-job training to drivers.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: Diesel engine/bus repair experience is crucial, often requiring specific training.

License: A School Bus license endorsement (Minimum Class B) with passenger, school bus, and air brakes is required. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger (P) and air brake (X) endorsements is required.

Skills: Knowledge of diesel mechanics, diagnostics, safety procedures, record-keeping, and manual dexterity.

Certifications: ASE certifications in diesel/bus repair are often preferred.

Conditions: Exposure to various weather, chemicals, noise, heights, and confined spaces.

Physical Demands: Involves heavy lifting, working with machinery, and potentially operating vehicles.