Bus Maintainer – Group B (Auto Mechanic)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 51,191 - 60,228; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York City Transit) is seeking a Bus Maintainer – Group B (Auto Mechanic) to maintain and repair buses and related equipment across multiple locations. Candidates will perform diagnostics, testing and preventive maintenance on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and A/C systems.

Required are journey-level mechanic experience with strong diagnostic skills; the role features night/weekend shifts and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time experience as a journey-level mechanic repairing buses, trucks, or aircraft.
• Alternative: two years journey-level experience plus two years in helper/trainee roles or equivalent schooling in automotive mechanics.
• Options include 600 hours in automotive mechanics from a trade/technical school, or a relevant vocational/associate degree.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, test, diagnose, alter, rebuild and repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and air conditioning systems on buses and other vehicles.
• Inspect and repair diesel and gasoline engines, hybrid systems, inverters, fuel systems, brakes, transmissions and clutches.
• Diagnose modular automotive multiplex systems and operate power and hand tools; record data and use diagnostic equipment.
• Drive motor vehicles and travel for training and vehicle inspection functions.

Skills

Journeyman mechanic experience

Education

Trade/technical school with 600 hours automotive mechanics

Vocational high school major in automotive mechanics

Associate degree or higher in automotive mechanics or related field

Job description

Job Title

Bus Maintainer – Group B (Auto Mechanic)

Job Information

Location: Various
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Authority: New York City Transit (TA)
Department: Bus Maintenance
Division/Unit: Buses
Reports to: Supervision
Work Location: Various
Hours of Work: Various

Last Date of Filing

Until Filled

Compensation

The current minimum salary for Bus Maintainer – Group B is $37.16 per hour for a 40‑hour week, increasing to $43.72 per hour in the sixth year of service. Rates are subject to change. Benefits include night and weekend salary differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive medical plan, and a pension plan.

Responsibilities

Bus Maintainers – Group B, under supervision, maintain, inspect, test, diagnose, alter, rebuild and repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and air conditioning equipment of MTA New York City Transit’s buses, trucks and other motor vehicles. They inspect, test, alter and repair diesel and gasoline engines, hybrid natural gas/electric engines/motors, inverters, high pressure fuel systems, clutches, transmissions, axles, generators, compressors, air conditioning systems, brake assemblies, door wheelchair lifts, and electrical and mechanical accessories, align, adjust and/or repair wheels, steering equipment and suspension systems; reline and adjust brakes and clutches; diagnose and repair modular automotive multiplex systems; operate power machine tools and portable power tools; use electronic diagnostic tools; use hand tools; record data and keep records; use computerized equipment; drive motor vehicles; may travel for training and vehicle inspection functions; and perform related work.

Physical Activities and Environmental Conditions

Crawling under buses and working in confined areas; lifting and carrying heavy equipment; moving out of the way of moving buses and overhead cranes; manually removing and installing parts and bolts in confined areas; making visual inspections of equipment; distinguishing colors; reading gauges and prints; responding to sounds from warning bells, horns and vehicle movement; and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Special Working Conditions

Must be willing to work various shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

How to Qualify: Internal Candidates

Open to each employee of MTA New York City Transit permanently employed in the eligible title of Maintainer’s Helper – Group B for at least one year.

How to Qualify: External Candidates

Must meet the following requirements:

• Three years of full‑time satisfactory experience as a journey‑level mechanic repairing passenger automobiles, trucks, buses, or aircraft.
• Or two years of full‑time satisfactory experience at the journey‑level plus one of the following: Two years of satisfactory experience as a mechanic’s helper, apprentice or trainee; graduation from a recognized trade or technical school with 600 hours in automotive mechanics; graduation from a vocational high school with a major in automotive mechanics; or graduation from an accredited college/university with an associate’s degree or higher in automotive mechanics or a related field.

Selection Method / Admission Letter

Candidates may be asked to participate in an education and experience test, a written assessment, a practical skills assessment, and/or a structured interview. Applicants must keep contact information up to date.

Requirements To Be Appointed Or Promoted

Must be permanently employed in the eligible title or appear on the Preferred List, and have served in that title for at least one year.

Driver License Requirement

Must possess a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Driver License at appointment. Within 14 days must obtain a Learner Permit for a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement and no air‑brake restrictions. A Class B CDL must be obtained within 120 days, or employment will be terminated. Restrictions include serious moving violations, license suspension, or accident record. The CDL must not include any restrictions that preclude Bus Maintainer work.

Commercial Driver Experience Waiver

Active or former members of the military or New York National Guard with commercial motor vehicle driving experience may apply for a waiver of the New York State commercial driving skills test.

Medical Requirement

Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Drug Screening Requirement

Must pass a drug screening. Appointed or promoted individuals will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests while employed. Positive tests or refusals require completion of the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation, referral, and education/treatment process.

Residency

New York City residency is not required.

English Requirement

Must understand and be understood in English.

Proof of Identity

Must prove identity and right to employment in the United States before employment.

Training

May be required to undergo a formalized training course during probation. Failure to complete may result in termination or return to prior title.

Probationary Period

Required to complete probationary period; failure may lead to termination or return to prior title.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including military service members, to apply.

How to Apply

If you meet the license requirements, submit an online application by clicking the APPLY NOW button from the careers page or the job description page. If you have previously applied online, enter your username and password. If it is your first registration, click the hyperlink to register, create a username and password, and click REGISTER.