Part-Time Long-Term Substitute Mechanic

Long Term Substitute For Part-Time School Bus Mechanic

The Part-Time School Bus Mechanic is responsible for assisting with the inspection, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of district school buses, transportation vehicles, and related equipment to ensure the safe and reliable transportation of students. The employee will perform preventative maintenance and repairs, assist in maintaining required maintenance and inspection records, and help ensure district vehicles meet applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements. This position may also operate a school bus or other district vehicle as needed and must maintain all licenses, endorsements, certifications, and qualifications required for the vehicles operated.

Essential duties and responsibilities include inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing district school buses and other transportation vehicles. Performing routine preventative maintenance, including oil and filter changes, lubrication, fluid checks, tire inspection and replacement, brake inspection, and other scheduled maintenance. Diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, air brake, steering, suspension, cooling, exhaust, and other vehicle systems. Inspecting and servicing tires, batteries, lights, mirrors, warning systems, emergency equipment, and other safety-related components. Performing or assisting with required preventative maintenance and safety inspections. Preparing district school buses for required Ohio State Highway Patrol inspections. Promptly identifying and reporting unsafe vehicle conditions. Removing vehicles from service when necessary due to safety concerns and notifying the appropriate supervisor. Responding to vehicle breakdowns and assisting drivers with mechanical issues as needed. Performing emergency or roadside repairs when appropriate and safe to do so. Maintaining accurate maintenance, repair, inspection, parts, and service records. Assisting with maintaining an inventory of commonly used parts, fluids, tools, and supplies. Maintaining the transportation garage, work areas, equipment, and tools in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. Following appropriate procedures for handling fuels, oils, chemicals, batteries, tires, and other automotive materials. Assisting with fueling, washing, cleaning, moving, and preparing buses and other district vehicles as needed. Communicating effectively with transportation staff regarding vehicle condition, maintenance needs, and repair status. Operating school buses and other district vehicles as assigned and properly licensed. Substituting for regular school bus drivers or assisting with routes, extracurricular trips, field trips, or other transportation needs when requested and qualified. Following all district policies and procedures and applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Participating in required training and professional development. Performing other duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor/Director or designee.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, and a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Knowledge of diesel and gasoline engines and general automotive/heavy vehicle maintenance and repair is required, as well as knowledge of air and hydraulic brake systems, electrical systems, steering, suspension, tires, and preventative maintenance practices. Ability to diagnose mechanical and electrical problems and perform necessary repairs is essential. Ability to safely operate shop tools, diagnostic equipment, lifts, jacks, and other equipment associated with vehicle maintenance is required. Ability to read and understand service manuals, technical information, safety procedures, and maintenance schedules is necessary. Ability to maintain accurate records is required. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment regarding vehicle safety is essential. Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with transportation employees, administrators, vendors, and other district staff is required. Must satisfy all applicable criminal background check requirements. Must meet applicable district, state, and federal drug and alcohol testing requirements associated with CDL operation. Must maintain all licenses, certifications, physical qualifications, and training required for assigned duties.

Preferred qualifications include previous experience maintaining or repairing school buses, commercial vehicles, diesel trucks, or other heavy-duty vehicles. ASE certification or other recognized automotive/diesel technician certification is preferred. Experience with diesel engine diagnostics and electronic diagnostic equipment is preferred. Experience with air brake systems is preferred. Experience maintaining a commercial or school transportation fleet is preferred. Previous experience operating a school bus is preferred.

Physical requirements include frequently standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, and working underneath or around vehicles. Entering and exiting school buses and other vehicles repeatedly. Working in confined or awkward spaces as necessary to inspect and repair vehicle components. Using hand and power tools safely. Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling parts, equipment, tools, and supplies. Lifting up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment. Performing work requiring manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Working indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions. Working around moving vehicles, machinery, fumes, oils, fuels, chemicals, noise, dust, and other conditions normally associated with a vehicle maintenance facility. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working conditions include primarily performing work in a transportation garage and around district vehicles but may also require outdoor work, roadside assistance, and travel between district locations. The employee may occasionally be required to work outside normally scheduled hours due to vehicle breakdowns, inspections, weather-related transportation needs, or other operational circumstances.

Licenses and certifications must be maintained by the employee, including all licenses, endorsements, certifications, medical qualifications, and training required by the district and applicable federal and Ohio law. When assigned to transport students on a school bus, the employee must meet all requirements applicable to Ohio school bus drivers.

Professional expectations include demonstrating a commitment to student and employee safety, maintaining confidentiality when appropriate, demonstrating professionalism and dependability, maintaining positive working relationships with coworkers and district personnel, following established safety procedures and immediately reporting unsafe conditions, properly using and caring for district property, vehicles, equipment, and tools, and maintaining regular and predictable attendance.

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio