Bus Mechanic (2026-2027)

Cabot Public Schools, Inc.; Cabot (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Cabot Public Schools, Inc. is seeking a skilled bus mechanic to maintain and repair a fleet of school buses and other district vehicles.

The role involves diagnosing engines, transmissions, electrical systems, and safety-critical components; performing preventative maintenance and servicing; and supporting the Transportation Department with quick repairs and routine inspections. The position requires experience with diesel, gasoline and alternative-fueled vehicles, a CDL with P and S

Qualifications

• Knowledge of maintenance for diesel, gas and alternative-fueled vehicles.
• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures for vehicles and equipment.
• Knowledge of health, safety and proper lifting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of district vehicles as required.
• Perform services and repairs on buses, including diesel engines, transmissions, and electrical systems.
• Follow prescribed preventative maintenance procedures.
• Respond to driver needs and maintain positive relationships with Transportation staff.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Drive established bus routes when required.
• Respond to calls after hours as needed.
• Communicate with operators and drivers.
• Use diagnostic equipment to identify problems and malfunctions.
• Inspect equipment for safety and potential failures.
• Read and apply repair manuals and schematics.

Skills

Diesel/gas engine maintenance

Diagnostics procedures

Safety regulations

Record keeping

Communication skills

Education

CDL with P and S endorsement

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Gas welding equipment

Arc welding equipment

Job description

Position Summary:

To perform skilled mechanical work in the inspection, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of school buses and a variety of large and small diesel, gas and alternative-fueled vehicles and equipment.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the maintenance, diagnoses, and repair of all district vehicles as required by State statute and District safety policies and procedures
• Perform services and repairs on school buses, including but not limited to, diesel engines, injectors, pumps, automatic and standard transmission repair and replacement, wheelchair lifts, air brake systems and electrical systems
• Follow prescribed preventative maintenance procedures on all vehicles
• Respond to school bus driver needs and maintain a positive working relationship with Transportation Department employees
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment
• Drive established school bus routes when required
• Respond to calls after regularly scheduled work hours as needed
• Promote high standards of safety methods in work-connected areas
• Participate in continuing educational training for new techniques and job skills as requested
• Assist in other transportation related needs as required
• Communicate with equipment operators, drivers, and other vehicle operators
• Use diagnostic equipment to identify problems and malfunctions
• Conduct inspections of equipment in the shop or in the field to determine safety status and to identify potential causes of equipment malfunction
• Perform diagnostic inspections on automotive and other motorized or stationary equipment to identify problems, using mechanical, electrical, and electronic testing equipment
• Initiate orders for parts and equipment using parts books or other sources, including contacting vendor to determine the availability of parts
• Operate gas and arc welding equipment to repair cracks in body components and frames
• Perform mechanical work in the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of a variety of large and small diesel, gas and alternative fueled District vehicles and construction, grounds and auxiliary equipment
• Make related adjustments, perform tune-ups and maintain related parts, systems and equipment
• Operate specialized equipment used in repairing and servicing vehicles
• Read and apply technical and mechanical diagrams, schematics and repair manuals
• Perform body and fender work, including spray-painting exterior and interior finishes
• Maintain vehicle repair records, including the nature of the repair labor hours, and parts used in making repairs
• Drive equipment in and out of repair shop and perate and road test required vehicles to ensure proper function
• Maintain a positive and effective working relationship with staff and students
• Adhere to all District policies
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Transportation and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of techniques, practices and procedures of diesel, gas and alternative fueled vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair
• Knowledge of methods, equipment, tools and materials used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles
• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures for vehicles and equipment
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations of bus mechanics
• Knowledge of state and federal DOT requirements regarding student transportation
• Knowledge of Hazmat and OSHA rules and regulations pertaining to school district needs
• Knowledge of health, safety and proper lifting techniques
• Ability to communicate both in oral and written form
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports as needed
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field
• Ability to be flexible to perform work within changing priorities and possess
• Ability to work well with staff, students, administrators, parents and others
• Ability to travel to school district buildings and professional meetings if required

Qualifications Profile:

• CDL with P and S endorsement - OR - applicant must be willing to obtain requirement within sixty (60) days
• Experience preferred in the maintenance and repair of gasoline, diesel and alternative-powered vehicles and equipment
• Successful completion of all background checks

Contract: 245 days

Salary: Classified Bus Mechanic Salary Schedule