Lead Mechanic

Lead Mechanic

Kenowa Hills Public Schools seeks an experienced, organized, and safety-focused professional to serve as Lead Mechanic for the district's Transportation Department. This position oversees daily maintenance operations and supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the district's school bus fleet and transportation vehicles.

The ideal candidate will possess strong diagnostic and repair skills, knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations, leadership experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational or technical training in diesel, automotive, or heavy equipment repair preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in school bus, diesel, heavy truck, or fleet maintenance. Lead mechanic, supervisory, or shop coordination experience preferred. Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required, or ability to obtain within a district-established timeline. Ability to pass and maintain annual Department of Transportation (DOT) physical requirements. Michigan School Bus Mechanic Certifications and/or experience related to: Brake systems, Steering and suspension, Diesel and gas engines, Electrical and fuel systems, Preventative maintenance inspections, Heating, air, and hydraulic systems, Drive train and transmission systems. ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications preferred. Knowledge of Michigan pupil transportation regulations, bus inspection requirements, and preventative maintenance programs preferred. Experience with inventory management, purchasing, shop safety, and maintenance record systems. Ability to supervise, train, and support mechanics and transportation staff. Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and respond effectively to operational needs and emergencies. Proficiency with transportation software, diagnostic systems, repair manuals, and computerized maintenance tracking systems preferred. Michigan School Bus Inspector Certification preferred or ability to obtain within a district-established timeline. Basic welding and fabrication experience preferred.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Coordinate maintenance operations for the district's bus fleet, vehicles, and transportation equipment. Perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance. Assist in developing and maintaining preventative maintenance schedules and procedures. Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, and Michigan Department of Education transportation safety standards. Prepare vehicles for required inspections and compliance reviews. Maintain maintenance records, repair histories, inspection documentation, and operating cost reports. Supervise, train, and support mechanics and shop personnel. Promote professionalism, safety, and positive communication within the department. Assist in evaluating transportation shop personnel. Maintain inventory of parts, tools, fuel, equipment, and supplies. Assist with purchasing recommendations for vehicles, equipment, tools, and repair parts. Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient shop environment. Respond to transportation emergencies, breakdowns, and urgent repair needs, including outside regular work hours as needed. Collaborate effectively with transportation staff, administrators, vendors, and service providers. Train staff on vehicle safety procedures and equipment operation. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to: Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, crawl, twist, and reach frequently. Work underneath, inside, and around buses and district vehicles for extended periods. Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and vehicle parts weighing up to 75 pounds. Safely operate hand tools, power tools, hydraulic lifts, jacks, and diagnostic equipment. Climb into buses, under vehicles, and onto ladders safely. Perform repetitive hand and arm motions during repairs. Operate district vehicles and buses in varying weather and road conditions. Communicate effectively with staff, vendors, drivers, and administrators.

Work Environment: Work conditions may include: Exposure to loud noise, vibrations, dust, fumes, grease, fuel, oils, chemicals, and cleaning agents. Indoor and outdoor work in varying Michigan weather conditions. Exposure to moving mechanical parts and vehicle traffic. Frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and emergency repair situations. This role also requires the ability to maintain a safe and organized work environment, respond calmly during emergencies, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Work Location Requirement

This is an in-person position requiring regular on-site attendance. The essential functions of this role cannot be performed remotely.

Note to Applicants

Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment. The candidate is responsible for the background check fee.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Director of Human Resources Kenowa Hills Public Schools 2325 Four Mile Road NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.