Automotive/Diesel Mechanic

DATTCO, INC; Plainville (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Factory training

Certification reimbursement

ASE bonus opportunities

CDL training support

Uniform program

Employee referral bonuses

Family oriented team environment

Job summary

DATTCO is hiring a full-time Automotive/Diesel Mechanic for our School Bus Fleet Maintenance team in Plainville, CT. You will perform scheduled maintenance and diagnose complex mechanical and diesel issues on a large fleet of school buses, ensuring safety and reliability for student routes.

We offer strong benefits, paid training, and opportunities for ASE certification and CDL training, with a supportive, family-oriented shop culture that values internal promotion and hands-on problem solving.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, technical school or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of experience within automotive, truck, diesel, or bus repair.
• Must have your own set of tools and equipment.
• CDL license or willingness/eligibility to obtain one preferred.
• ASE certifications or willingness to work toward ASE certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and service inspections on school buses and other fleet vehicles.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, diesel, electrical, and drivability issues.
• Inspect, service, and repair brake systems, tires and wheels, steering, suspension, drivetrains, transmissions, cooling systems, fuel systems, exhaust systems, lighting, electrical systems, batteries, charging systems, doors, windows, body components, and HVAC systems.
• Respond to road calls and assist with mobile repairs when needed to keep routes running safely and on time.
• Complete repair orders, inspection documentation, parts usage records, and other required paperwork accurately and promptly.
• Communicate repair needs, safety concerns, and vehicle status to the shop foreman or supervisor.
• Maintain proper hand tools and use shop equipment safely and responsibly.
• Follow all safety procedures, shop standards, manufacturer guidelines, and supervisor direction.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or technical school

Job description

DATTCO was founded in 1924 and is a third-generation, family-owned transportation company. Today, we are New England’s largest private passenger transportation company, with a School Bus Division that includes more than 1,000 buses and transports over 140,000 students across 30 school districts in Connecticut and Rhode Island. We are proud of our safety first culture, family oriented environment, modern shops, and long standing commitment to promoting from within.

We are hiring a full-time Automotive/Diesel Mechanic for our School Bus Fleet Maintenance team in Plainville, CT!

Behind every safe school bus route is a technician who takes pride in the details. At DATTCO, our technicians are trusted partners in student safety. Your work gives drivers confidence, helps school districts run smoothly, and gives families peace of mind knowing their children are riding in well maintained vehicles.

If you are a hands on problem solver who wants steady work, strong benefits, paid training, career growth, and a role that makes a real impact in your community, we want to hear from you.

• Hourly Rate: $22-38.38/hr
  • Starting pay will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and other job related factors, in accordance with Connecticut pay transparency requirements.
  • Additional Compensation: overtime, on call hours
• Schedule:
  • Full-time, 8 hour shifts.
    • Schedules vary by location and business needs. Limited part-time opportunities may be available.
  • Most locations operate between 5:00am and 5:00pm (South Windsor open until 7:00pm).

Why DATTCO?

• Strong benefits: Medical, dental, and life insurance, flexible spending account, 401(k) with company match, and generous paid time off.
• Career growth + Training: Paid factory training, certification reimbursement, ASE bonus opportunities, and a strong promote from within culture.
• CDL support: Paid training opportunities to earn a CDL where applicable.
• Technician friendly shop environment: Modern, clean, bright, and well heated workspaces.
• Added perks: Uniform and boot program, employee referral bonuses, and a family oriented team environment.

Responsibilities:

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and service inspections on school buses and other fleet vehicles.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, diesel, electrical, and drivability issues.
• Inspect, service, and repair brake systems, tires and wheels, steering, suspension, drivetrains, transmissions, cooling systems, fuel systems, exhaust systems, lighting, electrical systems, batteries, charging systems, doors, windows, body components, and HVAC systems.
• Respond to road calls and assist with mobile repairs when needed to keep routes running safely and on time.
• Complete repair orders, inspection documentation, parts usage records, and other required paperwork accurately and promptly.
• Communicate repair needs, safety concerns, and vehicle status to the shop foreman or supervisor.
• Maintain proper hand tools and use shop equipment safely and responsibly.
• Follow all safety procedures, shop standards, manufacturer guidelines, and supervisor direction.

Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma, technical school or equivalent.

License + Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license.
• CDL license or willingness/eligibility to obtain one preferred.
• ASE certifications or willingness to work toward ASE certifications preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience within automotive, truck, diesel, or bus repair.
• Must have your own set of tools and equipment.
• Ability to understand, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems using appropriate tools and equipment.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team focused attitude with pride in doing quality work that supports student safety.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, twist, stand, walk, and work in and around vehicles for extended periods.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop equipment safely.

The physical requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. DATTCO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable federal and state law.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status and any other protected classes.