Lead Mechanic

Deadline: September 30, 2026 District/Organization: Berrien Springs Public Schools Position/Type: Other, full time Salary: $28.00 – $32.00 per hour based on experience LEAD TRANSPORTATION MECHANIC WE INSPIRE At Berrien Springs Public Schools, everything we do begins with our students. Our Transportation team plays an essential role in making sure students arrive at school and return home safely, reliably, and ready to learn. We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and hands‑on Lead Transportation Mechanic who takes pride in doing things the right way and understands that a safe, well‑maintained fleet is essential to serving our students, families, and schools. This is more than a mechanic position. The Lead Mechanic will provide day‑to‑day leadership within the maintenance operation while working alongside other Transportation staff to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain the District’s fleet. WHO WE ARE Berrien Springs Public Schools serves students and families throughout our community and beyond. We believe strong operations are built through accuracy, integrity, initiative, and accountability , with student safety at the center of every decision. Our Transportation Department supports the District through the safe and reliable operation of school buses, vans, and other District vehicles. THE ROLE The Lead Transportation Mechanic is a hands‑on working mechanic responsible for helping ensure the District’s entire vehicle fleet is safe, dependable, compliant, and ready for service each day. This position requires someone with broad automotive and fleet experience who is equally comfortable diagnosing and repairing a passenger vehicle as they are working on a school bus. Our diverse fleet includes gasoline, diesel, and propane‑powered vehicles, ranging from cars, SUVs, and vans to school buses and other District vehicles. In addition to performing maintenance and repairs, the Lead Mechanic provides day‑to‑day coordination and leadership within the maintenance area. The position helps establish work priorities, maintain preventive maintenance schedules, prepare vehicles for required inspections, maintain accurate service records, coordinate parts and inventory, and identify fleet or maintenance concerns before they become operational problems. WHAT YOU’LL DO As our Lead Transportation Mechanic, you’ll be a hands‑on mechanic and a leader in the shop. Your responsibilities will include: Maintain and repair our entire fleet — diagnose, service, and repair school buses, cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, and other District vehicles, including gasoline-, diesel-, and propane-powered vehicles. Troubleshoot the tough problems — diagnose mechanical, electrical, brake, steering, suspension, HVAC, drivability, and other vehicle issues using appropriate diagnostic equipment. Keep our fleet safe and ready — manage preventive maintenance needs, identify developing problems, and help minimize breakdowns and interruptions to Transportation operations. Lead the day‑to‑day work of the shop — help establish priorities, coordinate maintenance and repairs, provide technical guidance, and promote accountability and follow‑through. Own inspection readiness — ensure our school buses are prepared for required inspections and that identified deficiencies are corrected promptly. Road‑test what we repair — operate and road‑test school buses and other District vehicles following maintenance and repairs to verify safe and proper operation. Keep us organized — maintain accurate service and inspection records and help manage parts, supplies, tools, and maintenance inventory. Know when we need outside help — assist with coordinating vendors and outside repairs when specialized work or additional resources are needed. Help us plan ahead — communicate emerging maintenance concerns and assist Transportation leadership in evaluating vehicle condition, replacement needs, and long‑term fleet planning. Be there when it matters — assist with breakdowns, urgent repairs, and other Transportation needs when necessary. Set the standard in the shop — model safety, professionalism, teamwork, initiative, accountability, and pride in the quality of our work. Above all, you’ll help ensure that every vehicle leaving our shop is one we are confident putting our students and staff in. WHAT WE’LL LOVE ABOUT YOU You don't wait for a problem to become an emergency. You understand preventive maintenance and take ownership of keeping vehicles safe and available for service. You keep accurate records, communicate concerns early, and follow through until the work is complete. You’re a well‑rounded mechanic. You can troubleshoot a problem with a passenger car in the morning and diagnose an issue with a school bus in the afternoon. You understand that maintaining a diverse fleet requires versatility, sound judgment, and a willingness to tackle whatever comes through the shop. You are comfortable being both a mechanic and a leader . You can provide direction and accountability while still working alongside the team. Most importantly, you understand that many of the vehicles you maintain carry students. You approach every inspection, repair, road test, and decision with that responsibility in mind. CORE COMPETENCIES Successful candidates will demonstrate: Strong automotive and diesel mechanical and diagnostic ability Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance Leadership and accountability Preventive maintenance planning Organization and attention to detail Problem‑solving and sound judgment Clear and professional communication Reliability and follow‑through Ability to prioritize competing operational needs Teamwork and a service‑oriented mindset QUALIFICATIONS Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Demonstrated professional experience maintaining and repairing buses, trucks, passenger/automotive vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or comparable fleet vehicles. Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair both automotive and heavy‑duty/commercial vehicle systems. Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repair practices. Ability to use computerized diagnostic equipment, shop tools, and vehicle maintenance systems. Ability to maintain accurate maintenance and inspection records. Current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements required to legally operate and road‑test District school buses. Acceptable driving record and ability to meet all applicable school bus driver qualification requirements. Ability to meet applicable physical and safety requirements of the position. Preferred: Previous lead, supervisory, or shop coordination experience. Experience maintaining school buses and a mixed vehicle fleet. ASE certifications or other relevant automotive/diesel certifications. Experience with gasoline and diesel engines, air brake systems, electrical diagnostics, HVAC, and commercial vehicle systems. Experience servicing propane‑powered vehicles or alternative‑fuel fleet vehicles. Experience with fleet maintenance software and electronic maintenance records. Knowledge of Michigan school bus inspection and compliance requirements. WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE This is an opportunity to do more than repair vehicles. You’ll have an opportunity to help shape how the Transportation maintenance operation functions while putting your skills and experience to work across a diverse fleet. At Berrien Springs Public Schools, we value the people who keep our schools operating every day. In addition to meaningful work and the stability of a public‑school environment, eligible employees have access to a strong benefits package , which may include: Dental and vision coverage Prescription coverage Retirement benefits through the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) Paid holidays Paid time off District‑supported professional development and training A consistent work environment without the pressure of flat‑rate automotive repair The opportunity to serve your community while directly contributing to student safety District provided tools Uniform Allowance and Cleaning Overtime opportunities Paid CDL/ASE Renewal You’ll work in a role where your expertise, initiative, and leadership have a direct impact on fleet reliability, department operations, and—most importantly—the safety of the students we serve. And you’ll do it in Southwest Michigan, one of the region’s most distinctive places to live, work, and raise a family. Located in the heart of Michigan’s great Southwest, Berrien Springs offers the character and affordability of a smaller community while providing easy access to Lake Michigan beaches, vibrant downtown communities, outdoor recreation, golf, universities, orchards, and year‑round festival and activities. The community is also home to Andrews University , bringing the educational, cultural, and international character of a university community to Berrien Springs. Nearby St. Joseph and Benton Harbor offer additional shopping, dining, entertainment, and Lake Michigan attractions, while South Bend and the University of Notre Dame are a short drive away. Chicago is approximately 90 miles from the area, providing access to major cultural, sporting, entertainment, and travel opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the Lake Michigan shoreline, outdoor recreation, college athletics, a university community, or simply the advantages of living in Southwest Michigan, Berrien Springs offers an exceptional place to build both a career and a life. Most importantly, you’ll lead a garage whose work matters every day. Your leadership will help ensure our students are transported safely, our employees have the support and accountability they need to succeed, and our schools and families can depend on Transportation to deliver exceptional service. If you’re an experienced mechanic who takes pride in your work, believes in accountability, understands that our students and staff are our clients, and is ready to help lead a maintenance operation forward, we’d like to hear from you. Reports to: Transportation Director/Director of Operations Compensation: $28 – $32 based on experience Contract to work 260 days per year Starting date: As soon as available End Date: September 30, 2026 or Until filled Berrien Springs Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr