Collision Technician - Bus Service Center Operations

Collision Technician

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

At the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), transportation plays a critical role in student access, safety, and opportunity across the state. Our work ensures that students arrive at school safely, reliably, and ready to learn—every day. SCDE Transportation supports districts statewide through maintenance, safety, fleet management, and training. As a state agency, SCDE offers long-term stability, hands-on experience with a modern fleet, professional development, and opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization.

Job Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking a skilled and dependable Collision Technician to perform specialized repair and restoration work on school buses and fleet vehicles following collision damage or structural repair needs. This position plays a key role in restoring vehicles to safe, compliant, and pre-accident operating condition in support of statewide transportation services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Restore damaged vehicles to OEM specifications and pre-accident condition through accurate damage assessment, structural repair, and quality workmanship.
• Inspect vehicles to identify collision-related, safety-critical, and structural damage and determine appropriate repair processes and sequencing.
• Complete structural repairs, body panel replacement, component installation, and alignment work using approved tools, equipment, and repair standards.
• Refinish repaired areas through sanding, priming, painting, and application of protective coatings to meet appearance and corrosion protection standards.
• Prepare repair estimates, document work performed, coordinate with supervisors, and ensure accurate tracking of parts, labor, and repair activities.
• Keep work areas clean and organized, properly use tools and equipment, and follow all safety, environmental, and PPE requirements.

This position is located in the Office of Transportation/Florence Bus Shop.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Work experience involving independent performance of automotive repair, body work, or collision restoration.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger, Air Brake, and Tanker endorsements within 120 days of employment.

Ability to pass required criminal background checks and drug screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

Four (4) or more years of experience in automotive mechanical, collision repair, or body shop operations.

Experience with structural repair, panel replacement, refinishing, and damage estimating.

Familiarity with OEM repair standards and shop safety practices.

Career Growth at SCDE Transportation

SCDE Transportation values skilled trades and supports employee development through training, certifications, and internal advancement opportunities. Collision Technicians may build advanced repair expertise and pursue progression into senior technician, lead, or supervisory roles within a stable statewide transportation operation.

Benefits

As part of a comprehensive state compensation package, the South Carolina Department of Education offers:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance options for employees and eligible dependents
• Fifteen (15) days annual (vacation) leave per year
• Fifteen (15) days sick leave per year
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programs
• Professional development and training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Carolina Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.