POSITION INFORMATION 12 month position
8hr. Shift Mon-Fri (1hr. unpaid Lunch)
SALARY: Minimum $24.75/hr.
Commensurate with experience
START DATE: On or about October 13, 2025
JOB GOAL: To lead the district’s vehicle maintenance operations by overseeing repairs, preventive maintenance, and inspections; ensuring all work meets safety and industry standards; guiding and supporting the mechanic team; and keeping accurate records to meet district, state, and federal regulations. The Head Mechanic plays a key role in keeping our fleet safe, reliable, and running smoothly for staff and students.
REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation & Assistant Director of Transportation
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: - Arranges State required bus inspections for the purpose of ensuring buses are ready to be on the road the first day of school.
- Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution to the situation.
- Assists in the planning, development, and ongoing management of efficient and effective bus routes.
- Attends in-service and safety meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
- Conducts performance evaluations for mechanics and associated personnel, providing feedback and guidance for improvement.
- Coordinates with the Director of Transportation for the purpose of completing projects and work orders on time.
- Diagnoses vehicle malfunctions for the purpose of determining needed vehicle repairs and/or replacements.
- Fabricates parts for the purpose of providing items necessary for repairs.
- Inspects assigned vehicles (e.g. brake system, oil levels, coolant, tire pressure, wiper blades, fan belts, exterior and interior condition, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that the vehicle is in a safe operating condition.
- Maintains records of repairs, costs, vehicle warranties, etc. for the purpose of documenting required information and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Maintains tools, equipment and/or shop area for the purpose of ensuring the availability of tools and equipment, and safety within the workspace.
- Manages administrative operations, including tracking maintenance records, overseeing inventory, and handling budgeting tasks.
- Orders supplies and equipment for the purpose of maintaining inventory and ensuring availability of items as needed to repair district vehicles.
- Oversees Mechanics and other assigned personnel (e.g. assigns work orders, ensures shop area is maintained in a safe clean condition, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that assignments are completed in compliance within established guidelines.
- Performs minor body work (e.g. front ends, fenders, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining the appearance and safe operation of the vehicles.
- Performs routine vehicle maintenance program (e.g. oil change, tire rotation, brake check, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining vehicles in a safe operating condition and meeting mandated requirements.
- Prepares written materials (e.g. repair and maintenance logs, parts lists, warranty claims, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
- Provides own mechanic tools for the purpose of having up to date tools available to work on district vehicles.
- Repairs vehicle systems and components, etc. (e.g. diesel/gasoline engines, transmissions, differentials, clutches, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of vehicles in safe operating condition.
- Responds to road calls regarding disabled vehicles for the purpose of performing emergency repair work in the field.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: - May drive/transport students when needed.
- Other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: - Ability to carry out specific technical tasks with occasional need to update skills to meet changing job demands.
- Ability and commitment to following established safety protocols and procedures.
- Ability to use tools and equipment for vehicle maintenance.
- Ability to operate school buses and other district vehicles.
- Capable of working with diverse individuals and groups, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
- Demonstrate flexibility in working with others across various situations and adapting to different processes and methods.
- Solid understanding of vehicle maintenance methods.
- Proficiency in algebra and/or geometry to support technical tasks.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:
(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's degree in Automotive Mechanics or closely related field, plus three (3) years of paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as an automotive mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic under the supervision of a journeyman level mechanic; OR,
(B) Five (5) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as an independent automotive mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic; OR,
(C) Four (4) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as an automotive mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic under the supervision of a journeyman level mechanic; OR,
(D) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), and (C).
NOTE: Additional experience may be substituted for the high school diploma on a year-for-year basis.
REQUIREMENTS: Certificates & Licenses - Class B CDL w/ passenger, school bus, and air brakes endorsements; CPR/First Aid Certificate; ASE Master School Bus Technician certification
- 19-A Certification / SBDI (Preferred).
Required Testing - Random Alcohol and Drug Test; Pre-employment Drug Screening.
- 19-A Physical
Clearances - Fingerprinting clearance.
FLSA Status: Non Exempt