Lead Technician

Lead Bus Mechanic

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.

Performs basic and advanced maintenance for the vehicles of Westerly Public Schools including but not limited to:

• Inspects, services, repairs and/or rebuilds equipment. Performs preventive maintenance activities (e.g., changes oil, replaces filters, lubricates fittings, etc.).
• Keeps current and shares knowledge about advances in equipment technology.
• Provides support, training and oversight to the District Bus Mechanic
• Inspects and tests vehicles to ensure safety.
• Monitors and complies with safety regulations and environmental laws.
• Maintains repair logs, safety inspection records, etc.
• Itemizes repair costs for each vehicle.

Ensures that the Director of Transportation and Transportation Dispatcher are informed about emerging issues including but not limited to:

• Work progress
• Report of irregularities and equipment abuse
• Development of short/long-range maintenance goals
• Recommends procedures to effectively deal with emergency repairs.
• Reports vandalism, and other related concerns.
• Recommends the replacement of equipment necessary to ensure fleet effectiveness.

Knowledgeable of the operating and maintenance procedures for all district vehicles including new purchases.

Prepares an annual inventory and maintains an inventory of essential supplies for fleet readiness

Teaches bus drivers how to recognize problems before they result in an equipment malfunction.

Makes road calls when vehicles become disabled.

Evaluates work performed by outside contractors.

Oversees 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 delivers equipment, materials, and other supplies as directed.

Ensures that reports are submitted on time.

Coordinates with the State of Rhode Island for the scheduling of bi-annual bus safety inspections.

Helps prepare competitive bid specifications (e.g., insurance, bus purchases, shop equipment, supplies, etc.).

Promptly documents all injuries that require medical attention.

Acts responsibly to protect school property.

Secures the transportation facility at the end of the workday. Responds to alarm calls as needed.

Responds to transportation and district emergencies as needed.

Take precautions to ensure staff/student safety.

Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.

Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.

Wears work attire as required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and maintains a neat appearance.

Upholds School Committee policies and follows administrative procedures.

Promotes a favorable image of the school district.

Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Minimum of three years in 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; performs 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.

Exposure to the following 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.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Post-secondary training equivalent work experience in commercial vehicle maintenance procedures is required.

Drivers license required. Poses, or be eligible to obtain a CDL license.

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.