Lead Technician

Lead Bus Mechanic Job ID: 5671919 Location: Transportation Effective Date: 04/27/2026 Application Deadline: open until filled Pay Range: $32.70 - $33.70 Class Title: FTE: 1.0 Union: Local 808 Job Summary: Provides technical expertise and hands‑on skill in the inspection, servicing, and repair of district vehicles. Responsible for planning, scheduling, preventive maintenance, and necessary repairs for the Westerly Public Schools transportation fleet to ensure all vehicles remain safe and operational. This position requires thorough knowledge of the trade, along with the ability to occasionally operate a school bus. Responsibilities Perform basic and advanced maintenance for the vehicles of Westerly Public Schools, including but not limited to: Inspect, service, repair, and/or rebuild equipment. Perform preventive maintenance activities (e.g., change oil, replace filters, lubricate fittings, etc.). Keep current and share knowledge about advances in equipment technology. Provide support, training, and oversight to the District Bus Mechanic. Inspect and test vehicles to ensure safety. Monitor and comply with safety regulations and environmental laws. Maintain repair logs, safety inspection records, etc. Itemize repair costs for each vehicle. Ensure that the Director of Transportation and Transportation Dispatcher are informed about emerging issues, including: Work progress. Report of irregularities and equipment abuse. Development of short/long‑range maintenance goals. Recommend procedures to effectively deal with emergency repairs. Report vandalism and related concerns. Recommend replacement of equipment necessary to ensure fleet effectiveness. Knowledgeable of the operating and maintenance procedures for all district vehicles, including new purchases. Prepare an annual inventory and maintain an inventory of essential supplies for fleet readiness. Teach bus drivers how to recognize problems before they result in an equipment malfunction. Makes road calls when vehicles become disabled. Evaluate work performed by outside contractors. Oversee receipt of materials, including but not limited to: Unloading. Inspection. Verification of order quantity and product. Organizing and storing equipment and supplies. Picks‑up and deliver equipment, materials, and other supplies as directed. Ensure that reports are submitted on time. Coordinate with the State of Rhode Island for the scheduling of bi‑annual bus safety inspections. Help prepare competitive bid specifications (e.g., insurance, bus purchases, shop equipment, supplies, etc.). Promptly document all injuries that require medical attention. Act responsibly to protect school property. Secure the transportation facility at the end of the workday. Respond to alarm calls as needed. Respond to transportation and district emergencies as needed. Take precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Respect personal privacy. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information. Participate in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed. Wear work attire as required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and maintain a neat appearance. Uphold School Committee policies and follow administrative procedures. Promote a favorable image of the school district. Perform other specific job‑related duties as directed. Qualifications Experience: Minimum of three years in an auto and diesel mechanics setting. Meets all prerequisite and ongoing qualifications to be covered by the district’s insurance carrier. Must have knowledge of both gas and diesel equipment, welding, brazing, shop presses, test equipment, air tools, jacks, dollies and automotive equipment and tools, basic communication skills to exchange information, give/receive simple instructions and respond to inquiries; perform routine computations requiring a knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and/or percentages; must be able to read and interpret routine written or printed materials such as basic schematics, manuals, charts, diagrams, maps or instruction material; and must be able to use tools or equipment with expertise acquired through extensive experience and/or specialized training. The most complex tools or equipment necessary to perform satisfactorily include refrigerant recovery systems, electrical system/tune‑up testing machines; alternator tester; shop press. Working Conditions: Exposure to situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable. Duties may require or result in: balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, and working at various heights; lifting, carrying, and moving work‑related supplies/equipment; operating and/or riding in a vehicle; traveling to meetings and work assignments; operating power‑driven equipment; wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment; working extended hours; working under time constraints to meet deadlines; potential to remove snow from district service trucks; potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes; potential for exposure to air‑borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors; potential for exposure to blood‑borne pathogens and communicable diseases; ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; availability to work the schedule as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Post‑secondary training equivalent work experience in commercial vehicle maintenance procedures is required. Certification & Licensing: Drivers license required. Possess or be eligible to obtain a CDL license. Safety‑Sensitive Notice Applicants for safety‑sensitive positions with the Westerly Public School District are required to complete a urinalysis drug test as part of the employment application process. This notice is provided to inform applicants of the District’s intent to include such testing in its hiring procedures. Contact Information Human Resources 23 Highland Avenue Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr