Transportation Mechanic at Gaston County Schools BU

Transportation Mechanic

Definition

An employee in this class serves as a skilled mechanic in the fleet maintenance garage.  The employee performs specialized automotive and mechanical repair, may work alone on the road in a designated sector, and conducts preventive maintenance and repairs on yellow school buses.  At times, will perform specialized automotive and mechanical repairs on light vehicles and heavy equipment.  Work involves inspecting, servicing, and repairing chassis units including gas and diesel systems, motor brakes, and electrical and hydraulic systems.  The work requires the operation of various test equipment and hand tools in order to support the work activities.  Work exposes employees to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, noise, vibrations, hazards associated with automotive maintenance work, and fumes, gases, mists, odors, and oils.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Diagnoses, adjusts, repairs, and services a variety of yellow school buses.

• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance and periodic inspections of school and activity buses.

• Performs selected repairs and replacements on diesel-driven equipment.

• Diagnoses, repairs, and overhauls brakes, ignition and fuel systems, transmissions, hydraulic systems, differentials, and front and rear axle assemblies.

• Checks alignment of wheels; refaces brake drums and relines brakes.

• Changing and mounting tires, and checking fluid levels in buses.

• Operates wrecker and tows school system vehicles.

• Is aware of and understands pertinent OSHA requirements.

• Performs diversified electrical work on automotive equipment.

• Completes forms and records.

• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools, and equipment used in the repair of heavy-duty vehicles, including buses. 

• Thorough knowledge and skill in the use of shop tools, such as drills, presses, lathes, grinders, micrometers, brake realigning, and drum grinding machines.

• Thorough knowledge of the major components of the vehicles and how they function with one another.

• Thorough knowledge and skill in the use of electronic test equipment.

• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and related safety precautions involved in the work.

• Ability to diagnose problems; ability to detect by inspection any worn or broken automotive parts. 

• Ability to keep records of repairs and service operations.

• Ability to interpret and work from sketches, diagrams, and installation and repair charts.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.

• Ability to work productively on an independent basis.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. 

• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Must possess the visual acuity to perform mechanical or skilled trades functions on a variety of equipment, operate motor vehicles, and visually inspect work for accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to work standards.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED, supplemented by related trade school courses required. 

• Four years of experience in repairing automotive, construction, or specialized equipment.

• Knowledge of repairs in heavy-duty vehicles, light automotive passenger cars, trucks, and heavy construction, and maintenance equipment.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a Class-A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with P-passenger, S-school bus, and N-tanker endorsements, or obtain within ninety (90) days.

• Ability to obtain Safety Inspection Certification issued by the State of North Carolina.

• Ability to obtain NC School Bus Inspection Certification.

Salary: Entry Level Grade 63

This Position Reports Directly to:  Shop Foreman

Classification: Non-Exempt

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this job.

If offered a position, the prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test.  

As a safety-sensitive position, the employee will be subject to random drug testing.