Bus Mechanic (Diesel Mechanic) - 3rd Shift

Ridetherapid; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

Free transit

Job summary

The Rapid is seeking a Transit Vehicle Technician (Bus Mechanic) for 3rd shift to repair and maintain a fleet of buses. You’ll inspect, diagnose, and service a range of vehicle systems to ensure safe operation for passengers.

Training begins on first shift for ~90 days; CDL Class B with Passenger and Airbrake endorsement required, with full benefits after hire. Join a team focused on reliability and community mobility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One+ years of vocational/technical schooling or related work experience.
• Ability to obtain Michigan CDL Class B with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair transit buses and related vehicles.
• Use hand and power tools to diagnose and repair brake, fuel, emission, steering, and HVAC systems.
• Maintain records of repairs and work history in electronic repair orders.
• Perform routine maintenance including oil changes, lubrication, and inspections.
• Operate hoists and jacks for access to equipment; diagnose emission related issues.
• Perform minor fabrication, welding, and repairs as needed.
• Respond to service calls and perform assigned duties.

Skills

Basic computer skills

CDL Class B endorsement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational/technical schooling or equivalent

Job description

The Rapid is looking for a Transit Vehicle Technician (Bus Mechanic) - 3rd Shift to join our team!

As a Transit Fleet Maintenance Technician, you'll be part of the team that keeps our community moving. You will use your mechanical expertise to inspect, maintain, and repair a variety of vehicles-from light trucks to full-size transit buses. This role is essential to ensuring that buses are safe, reliable, and ready to serve passengers every day. If you enjoy hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and making an impact behind the scenes, this is a great opportunity to put your skills to work.

What will you be doing as a Vehicle Mechanic:

• Use hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, precision instruments, HVAC recovery equipment, as well as power tools.
• Maintains and creates records and work history within electronic repair orders.
• Inspect, diagnose, repair, replace brake systems, fuel and emission systems, steering and suspensions systems, passenger heating/cooling systems to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
• Use of hoists, hydraulic jacks to raise equipment for inspection and repair.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance inspections and procedures such as changing oil and filters, lubricating steering, suspension and brake components, battery maintenance, and compressed natural gas inspections.
• Vehicle chassis alignments.
• Replace, repair, and perform routine maintenance on internal combustion engines to include gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel in addition to transmissions and differential units.
• Repair and adjust seats, doors, and windows, interior and exterior trim and hardware.
• Emission related diagnosis and repairs.
• Minor fabrication, welding, grinding, and soldering.
• Performs service calls on vehicles and equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

To be successful as a Vehicle Mechanic you will need:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One or more years of vocation or technical schooling or equivalent work experience (example: transit mechanic, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment technician)
• Ability to obtain Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsement
  • The Rapid provides paid training during work hours. Training occurs on first shift for approximately 90 days
• Possess a valid Michigan Driver's license with less than 4 points and have not had a suspended licenses in the preceding 36 months. Points greater than 4 will automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration.
• Meet and maintain all Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination requirements including drug and alcohol screening
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn new programs as required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Posture: Prolonged standing, short walking, various trunk positions have to be maintained for prolonged periods while performing repairs; sitting only during bus inspections and break periods. Requires normal trunk mobility, bending of knees, cervical mobility, full shoulder mobility, normal elbow/wrist/hand mobility.

Force Required: Occasional to frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying materials weighing up to 85 pounds. Repetitions: Tasks are occurring throughout the workday in repair of buses.

Employee is required to perform job duties in accordance with existing health and safety procedures and policies.

Here's what you can look forward to as a valued member of our team:

• Competitive Pay Range: $31.72 per hour, with potential earnings up $38.38 per hour (This rate includes the $1 shift premium). Pay range is dependent on experience and ASE or State Certifications.
• Third Shift
  • Training occurs on first shift for approximately 90 days
• Health Benefits - medical, dental, and vision insurance options are available the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Contribution - 457 retirement plan after 90 days of service, with a potential 6.5% employer contribution.
• Life Insurance and Short-term Disability - $20,000 in life insurance and short-term disability are provided by The Rapid.
• Wellbeing and Fitness - We provide an employee assistance program. You can enjoy our onsite fitness center and gym membership reimbursement.
• Explore your community - Your employee badge is your ticket (and your eligible dependents) to riding The Rapid for FREE!

The Rapid is an EEO Employer. Minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply. The Rapid is committed to employing people with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations for them. Let our recruiter know if you need an adjustment at any point during the application/interview process.