Bus Mechanic - 20279406

Job Title: Bus Mechanic

Under the direction of the Director of Transportation this position provides preventive maintenance and mechanical repairs to the district's vehicles and buses in a safe and efficient manner. This position may receive daily direction from the Shop Foreman. This position is subject to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) drug and alcohol testing as provided by District Policy #5259.

Mechanical Maintenance and Repair Services:

• Overhaul and rebuild engines, transmissions, both automatic and manual, and differentials.
• Repair and rebuild electrical components, including alternators and starters, utilizing electrical current and circuit testing machines as required.
• Repair and rebuild brake systems including both hydraulic and air equipped vehicles.
• Welding as required using both gas and electric welders.

General Duties:

• Verify operational safety of equipment and devices and make any necessary repairs where necessary. Maintain assigned tools and equipment.
• Maintain department inventory of safety equipment (i.e., harnesses, car seats, wheel chairs, etc.).
• Work with the Mechanic Specialist to provide input for the most appropriate manner of repair, replacement, modification, or new installation work considering cost, timelines, and equipment and applicable county, state, and federal codes.
• Prioritize and organize time and resources.
• Monitor operations on a routine basis and assist in identifying and evaluating maintenance needs for a planned maintenance program.
• Assist in the analysis of preventative maintenance inspection findings and causes of failure; offer suggestions for correction.
• Assist in determining and recommending modifications to work practices or preventative maintenance frequencies.
• Adhere to district and departmental policies, procedures, and safety practices. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise.
• Identify and request training to maintain skills relevant to changing technology and codes. Model appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information consistent with district ethical guidelines.
• Foster and maintain strong productive relationships with district employees, vendors and contractors, and other community members.
• Work with a variety of people in a positive manner.
• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• May oversee students involved in transitional programs.
• Use of computers for variety of applications; data entry, vehicle diagnostic and repair.
• Practices defensive driving at all times and displays courtesy to other vehicle operators.
• Operates all hand and foot controls installed in a school bus as required by Washington State School Bus Specification.
• Operates a school bus in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington and policies publicized by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Operates school bus in various types of weather conditions including but not limited to fog, rain, hail, sleet, snow and ice.

Relief Driver:

• May drive bus routes or shuttles in the absence of sufficient driver and substitute driver availability.
• Maintains control of student passengers as related to safety and behavior and in accordance with district procedures. May include reporting unsafe actions and working directly with parents and building administrators to correct unsafe behavior of students.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The essential functions listed above are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The position may perform a variety of non-essential functions consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Minimum of three year's of experience as a journeyman mechanic with experience on both gasoline and diesel powered vehicles, including experience with air brake systems and heavy-duty electric systems.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, materials, and equipment of the automotive and mechanical trade.
• Ability to trouble shoots and diagnose problems relating to the safe and effective operation of gasoline and diesel vehicles and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards, laws, codes, and terminology; rules and regulations for school buses and other types of motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to work under vehicles, operates lifts, and automated fluid controls.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with students, building staff, co-workers, and contractors/vendors.
• Ability to read, interpret, follow blueprints, work orders, drawings, sketches, schematics and specifications, maps and other written directions or documents.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, maintain records and logs with accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines, and maintain established time schedules.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner with all levels of staff and community members with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate via two-way radio system.
• Ability to use computer software and video equipment pertaining to position.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability to learn and use various computer software programs.
• Possess and maintain knowledge of the rules and laws of the road.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and in a team environment.
• Must be able to change routine on a short notice.
• Must be in good physical health.
• Must be able to operate motor vehicles, maintain bench and hand tools, other power equipment, test equipment of the automotive and mechanical trades in a safe, efficient manner.
• Must be organized and dependable.

Certification and Licenses:

• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement (B).
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State Intrastate or Interstate Commercial driver's license with passenger/school bus endorsement with airbrake restriction removed.
• An individual who is a diabetic being treated with insulin may hold a school bus driver authorization if they meet the requirements outlined in WAC 392-144-020.
• Obtain school bus endorsement required 60 days after date of hire.
• Possess and maintain a valid Department of Transportation physical card.
• Possess and maintain a valid First Aid, CPR-AED Card.
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to JBLM in compliance with the REAL ID Act and all applicable installation access requirements.
• Background check and fingerprinting.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Five years recent and successful working experience in heavy equipment.
• Five years work experience as a journeyman level mechanic.
• Washington State Commercial Driver's License Class A endorsement
• Automotive Society of Engineers (ASE) Certification

Working Conditions:

Hours may vary depending on district needs. Daily work is performed in the following environmental conditions; wet, humid, hot conditions and may be exposed to inclement weather; work in precarious places; potential risk of exposure to fumes, pollens, airborne particles; may be exposed to pests; work near and around moving mechanical parts. Requires sitting, turning, lifting objects using proper lifting techniques weighing 60 75 lbs. Must be able to use fingers, hands, arms, legs, vision, hearing, sit or stand for prolonged period of time. Vision requirements as outlined by the CDL certification and license of 20/20 or correctable. Routinely requires dexterity and balance. Requires driving in normal and adverse weather conditions. May be required to drive in congested areas for extended periods. Must be able to bend, stretch, twist, walk, reach, carry, push, stoop, crouch, and hear. Exposures will include viewing VDT screens, occasional noise, various road and traffic conditions.