Bus Mechanic

Bus Mechanic JobID: 596

Position Type:

Transportation/Mechanic

Date Posted:

1/23/2025

Location:

Transportation

Additional Information: Show/Hide

Title: Bus Mechanic

Position Purpose

Under direction of Transportation Director, performs a full range of skilled mechanical maintenance, diagnostic, inspection and repair duties on trucks, automobiles, school buses, small engines, mowers and other District vehicles.

Essential Functions:

• Inspect, diagnose, overhaul, adjust and repair gas and diesel powered buses, trucks, automobiles and other power equipment.
• Perform general overhaul, installation, repair, replacement and adjustment of bearings, ignitions, carburetors, transmissions, differentials, axles, steering mechanisms, drive shafts, fenders, radiators and front end and rear suspension systems (unless directed to contract out).
• Perform a prescribed preventative maintenance program on the bus fleet and trucks and automobiles implemented by the transportation supervisor.
• Road test vehicles after work has been completed.
• Inspect school buses and sign forms indicating compliance with State requirements provided by law.
• Perform work in adherence to safe work practices and procedures and in compliance with applicable standards and specifications, including to perform work in accordance with and maintain equipment as required by the Department of Public Safetyl and Vehicle Code; remain current on all laws pertaining to safe maintenance and repair of school buses.
• Patch and install seat covers and other accessories on buses.
• Operate a steam cleaner to clean buses, automobiles and trucks.
• Maintain inventory of parts and supplies on hand for the repair of vehicles; contact and compare vendors to obtain high quality supplies for the best price.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area; maintain and repair shop facilities and equipment.
• Maintain a variety of records, including vehicle identification, date, mileage and nature of each inspection, maintenance, lubrication and repair performed; then forward to transportation supervisor.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Drive school bus as needed.
• In case of accidents/emergencies, evacuates children according to written and practiced procedures, ensures that medical emergency procedures are followed; completes a written report as required.
• Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Basic hand tools and mechanic tools.
• Equipment lifts
• Standard automotive and bus equipment
• Telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to and from school district buildings, to vehicle service stations, field trip locations and other destinations are required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Methods, techniques and procedures used in the inspection, maintenance, overhaul, repair and adjustment of gas and diesel powered equipment.
• Operating and repair characteristics of a variety of automotive and school bus diagnostic and repair equipment and tools.
• Methods, techniques and procedures used in the repair and adjustment of fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems and chassis.
• Methods and techniques of performing acetylene and arc welding and electrical work on motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Procedures of preventive maintenance related to automotive and school bus vehicles.
• Laws, rules and regulations pertaining to school bus operations and pupil transportation, including appropriate State Department of Public Safety Laws and the TEA transportation code.
• Principles, practices and procedures of recycling and disposing of hazardous waste from motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Knowledge of all traffic laws, regulations, road signs and related information.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus.
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Positively respond to supervision as provided by the transportation director, operations manager, business manager or others as assigned.
• Ability to perform the full range of journey level mechanical work, including the diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing of equipment. Inspect, maintain, overhaul, repair and adjust gas and diesel powered equipment. Repair and adjust fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems and chassis.
• Ability to perform acetylene and arc methods of welding on motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to perform electrical work on motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to patch and install seat covers and other accessories.
• Ability to accurately determine mechanical repair needs.
• Ability to interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to obtain a current valid Class B Texas driver's license with passenger and school bus endorsements.
• Ability to obtain a current State Commercial Vehichle Inspection Licenese.
• Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to keep supervisors informed of issues related to the job.
• Ability to respond positively to constructive criticism.
• Ability to learn and comprehend information from procedures manuals and other materials.
• Ability to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms.
• Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee regularly is required to talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds up to a height of six feet, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds to a height of five feet, and rarely lift and/or move up to 95 pounds to a height of three feet.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
• The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

Certification/License:

• Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License.
• Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement.
• Any certificates or proof of continuing education in the mechanical field, i.e. Cummins, Caterpillar, Allison transmissions, welding, etc.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bilingual, both oral and written, ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Experience:

• Four years of experience as a mechanic, including experience working with school buses, gas and diesel engines, hydraulic systems and air brake systems.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt