Journey Mechanic

Diesel Mechanic

Join a growing, technology-driven agency where journey-level diesel mechanics feel valued, supported, and proud of the work they do every day. Community Transit is expanding service across our region, growing internally as an organization, and opening a second maintenance base. To support this long-term expansion, we are continuously hiring and building a pipeline of highly skilled mechanics, with a goal of welcoming 30 journey-level technicians to our team in 2026.

Here, you are more than a mechanic, you are part of a team who looks out for one another, celebrates each win, and lives our core values by holding each other accountable, showing mutual respect, acting with integrity, taking initiative, and staying service-focused.

You will enjoy true work-life balance, generous PTO, guaranteed 40-hour weeks, and the reassurance of strong IAM union support. Your growth also matters to us, which is why we offer paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, continuous skill development, and clear paths to advance your career.

Community Transit provides a $1,100 annual tool and clothing allowance, along with relocation assistance of up to $10,000 for eligible candidates relocating to the area. You will also experience one of the strongest pension and healthcare packages in the region, along with onsite wellness services, a fitness center, injury-prevention programs, wellness reimbursement, and an ORCA card that lets you ride transit for free. With new bases opening, a team rooted in respect and camaraderie, and exceptional job security, Community Transit is a place where skilled technicians can not only work but truly thrive.

This position is responsible for diagnosing, maintaining and repairing heavy-duty diesel coaches and other various support vehicles operated by Community Transit in the field or at the Operations Base.

The Vehicle Maintenance department operates three shifts (day, swing and graveyard), seven days a week. Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority system. Swing and graveyard shift employees receive a shift differential. Employees work a 40-hour per week schedule with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday.

Employees must be able and willing to work any shift, including any combination of days off.

Shift selection and priority for paid time off requests are determined by seniority, which is based on an employee's hire date. As a note, Community Transit has extended job offers to a group of current contract employees as part of an operational transition. These employees will receive a seniority date of Oct. 1, 2024, even if their official start date with Community Transit is later.

Essential Duties

• Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical defects in hybrid and diesel-powered buses and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
• Operate and maintain electronic diagnostic and related equipment including computer programs and scanning tools.
• Diagnose, dismantle, repair and overhaul all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic systems.
• Perform wheel alignments, adjust/replace brakes and repair pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators and air conditioning systems.
• Install, maintain and repair a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment and electronics including fare collection, communication and related components.
• Operate hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, cranes, diagnostic computers and software.
• Document work done, material used and how time is spent.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• 4 years experience in mechanical repair on diesel and/or gasoline powered equipment, including electrical, gas engines, diesel engines, air systems, suspensions and air and hydraulic brakes.
• OR Two years experience and completion of a 2-year vocational or community college diesel mechanics program. (Applicants may certify this requirement through successful completion of an Apprenticeship Program that incorporates this level of education and experience)
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license by date of hire and have a good driving record
• Must possess a CDL license that has a passenger endorsement and air brake restriction removed within 90 days of hire
• Willingness and ability to work any shift assigned to meet the needs of the agency, including grave, weekends, & holidays.
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Following written and verbal instructions and complying with safety procedures and requirements
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of:

• Hazards and safety precautions followed in heavy equipment repair shops

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in :

• The use of jacks, wrenches, grease guns, hydraulic hoists, cleaning materials, precision tools and equipment used in the service and repair of heavy equipment and other tools of the trade.
• Repair and maintenance of electrical, hydraulic, gas engine, diesel engine, transmission rebuild and air systems.

Qualification to enter this position requires the following abilities to:

• Locate and correct minor and major defects in gasoline and/or diesel powered equipment.
• Use diagnostic meters for troubleshooting computerized components.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to read and understand electrical schematics and wiring diagrams. These instructions and materials are in English.

Preferred ASE certifications that relate to this work are:

• Transit Bus Certification Tests (H1 - H8)
• Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
• School Bus Certification Tests (S1 - S7)
• Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T1 - T8)

Preferred Requirements

• Current WA State CDL holder with passenger endorsement and airbrake restriction removed.

Working Conditions

90-100% of your work will be performed in a shop environment. Given the nature of this job, you may be exposed to automotive fumes, carbon monoxide, odors, dust, and chemicals and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments. Safety toed shoes/boots and eye protection will be required whenever work is conducted under a vehicle, while grinding, sanding, using air tools, hammers or prybars. You may also be required to exert up to 50-70 pounds of force occasionally.

This position is considered safety-sensitive under the U.S. Department of Transportation and is subject to drug and alcohol testing under both DOT and Community Transit authority.

Application and Selection Process:

• Only on-line applications will be accepted and must include a resume, completed application with job history listed and supplemental questions answered. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position. The evaluation process may include interviews, background checks, reference checks and various performance tests.

PLEASE NOTE:

Employee Benefits: Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency's deferred compensation plan. In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue nineteen (19) days of Paid Time Off (152 hours) in their first year and receive ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.

If you have a family member, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position will be affected.

As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on an basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.