Bus Body Repair & Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Michael’s Transportation Service, Inc. is seeking a skilled, dependable, and detail-oriented Bus Body Repair & Maintenance Technician to join our Maintenance Department.

The ideal candidate has experience in commercial vehicle body repair, collision repair, fiberglass work, painting, and general vehicle maintenance. This position maintains and restores the appearance, structural integrity, and safe operation of our school buses, motor coaches, and fleet vehicles. We are looking for someone who takes pride in quality workmanship, works efficiently, and can complete repairs independently while contributing to a team-oriented shop.

Work Schedule

Full-time, generally Monday through Friday, with eight-hour shifts based on operational needs. Each shift includes a 1 hour unpaid meal period and paid 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked, in accordance with California law. Occasional overtime or schedule adjustments may be needed and are paid as required by law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Body Repair & Collision Work

• Inspect and assess body damage on school buses, motor coaches, and fleet vehicles
• Repair or replace damaged fiberglass, aluminum, and steel body panels
• Perform collision repairs, dent removal, panel replacement, and body alignment
• Repair bumpers, doors, hoods, compartments, and other exterior components
• Perform welding, fabrication, and metal repairs as needed  

Painting & Refinishing

• Prepare vehicle surfaces by cleaning, degreasing, sanding, grinding, filling, masking, and priming.
• Mix paints, primers, and coatings to manufacturer specifications and match colors to existing finishes.
• Apply primers, basecoats, topcoats, and protective coatings with spray equipment, following flash, drying, and curing requirements.
• Inspect finished work for color, coverage, runs, sags, and overspray, and correct any defects
• Complete paint touch-ups and corrosion prevention
• Maintain professional appearance and finish quality

Interior & General Repairs

• Repair or replace interior panels, flooring, seating components, and trim
• Diagnose and repair water leaks, window seals, and weatherstripping
• Repair doors, hinges, latches, mirrors, and related hardware
• Perform minor mechanical and electrical repairs and assist the Maintenance Department as needed

Vehicle Movement

Safely move buses and fleet vehicles in and out of the body shop and paint bays, within the terminal, and to other Company locations as needed. Because moving vehicles is a regular part of this job, a valid driver’s license is required (see Requirements).

Follow all Company vehicle-use policies, traffic laws, and safety procedures when operating vehicles

Shop Safety, Tools & Quality

• Follow Company safety procedures, equipment instructions, and repair standards.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when required.
• Properly handle, label, store, and dispose of paints, solvents, and hazardous waste, and review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before using unfamiliar products.
• Clean, maintain, and properly store spray equipment and shop tools, and report damaged or unsafe equipment.
• Document completed repairs and materials used, and keep a clean, organized work area.
• Immediately report injuries, spills, unsafe conditions, and equipment malfunctions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Previous experience in automotive, heavy-truck, commercial vehicle, or bus body repair
• Working knowledge of fiberglass repair, sheet metal, body fillers, and refinishing
• Experience using body shop tools, power tools, and repair equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and complete repairs with minimal supervision
• Ability to read and follow repair instructions, product labels, and safety requirements
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to meet the Company’s vehicle insurance eligibility requirements, because moving vehicles is a regular job duty
• If mandated by Maintenance Director: Earn a CDL
• Ability to wear a respirator when required, including medical evaluation and fit testing as required by Cal/OSHA
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and attention to detail

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience repairing school buses, transit buses, or motor coaches
• Welding and metal fabrication experience
• Automotive or commercial vehicle painting experience
• General mechanical and electrical repair knowledge

Tools and Equipment

Must have basic auto body mechanic tools.

Physical Requirements

The following physical abilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, with assistance or equipment for heavier components
• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and reaching for extended periods in and around large vehicles
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms when sanding, grinding, masking, spraying, and using tools
• Vision sufficient to identify surface defects, evaluate paint color and coverage, and read labels
• Hearing sufficient to recognize safety warnings, alarms, and instructions

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in the body shop, paint area, and bus yard, both indoors and outdoors. This is an active vehicle maintenance environment that involves regular work with paints, primers, solvents, and coatings; paint fumes, sanding dust, and grinding debris; noise from power tools and compressors; and moving vehicles. Some work may take place in confined areas of a vehicle. MTS provides the required PPE and safety training, and employees are expected to follow all chemical-handling, respiratory-protection, ventilation, and hazardous-waste procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour, non-exempt, with overtime paid as required by law
• Health insurance: Medical (Kaiser or Sutter Health), dental, vision, and voluntary life/AD&D. Coverage begins the first day of the month following a 60-day waiting period
• Paid sick leave: 5 days (40 hours) per year, available after 90 days of employment
• Paid vacation and holidays: Eligible after completing the 180-day introductory period
• ESOP: Employee Stock Ownership Plan retirement benefit with 3-year vesting, subject to plan terms
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential counseling and support

Full-time, year-round employment with job-related training

Eligibility and coverage are governed by the applicable plan documents and Company policies.

Background Check & Pre-Employment Screening

Background checks and pre-employment drug testing are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment , in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. Drug testing complies with California law. Applicants will receive a separate written disclosure and must provide written authorization before any background check is obtained.

MTS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Michael’s Transportation Service, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This job description summarizes the general nature and essential responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and duties may be modified to meet business needs, consistent with applicable law. Employment with MTS is at-will.

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc. (MTS) is a full-service transportation company specializing in school bus transportation and driver staffing. Established in 1986, MTS is the Bay Area’s premier school bus provider, offering long-term career opportunities for drivers dedicated to the industry. Our structured career path is designed to help you achieve your professional goals within 3–5 years.

Company Description

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc. (MTS) is a full-service transportation company specializing in school bus transportation and driver staffing. Established in 1986, MTS is the Bay Area’s premier school bus provider, offering long-term career opportunities for drivers dedicated to the industry. Our structured career path is designed to help you achieve your professional goals within 3–5 years.