Diesel Fleet Technician

First Student, Inc.; Hicksville (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student, Inc. in Hicksville, NY is seeking a Diesel Tech III / Technician in Charge to diagnose and repair complex mechanical and electrical systems in our fleet of school buses. This senior, hands-on role requires independent work and mentoring of junior technicians.

You will lead repairs, use diagnostic tools and software, uphold safety standards, maintain accurate work orders, and ensure vehicles are safe before returning to service. ASE certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of automotive or diesel repair experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Vocational or technical certification in vehicle repair preferred.
• Advanced mechanical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills.
• Class B CDL with passenger endorsement required or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
• State inspection license where required; ASE certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and vehicle systems with minimal supervision.
• Perform preventive maintenance, safety inspections, and annual inspections.
• Repair brakes, engines, suspensions, drivetrains, transmissions, clutches, and related systems.
• Use diagnostic computers and manufacturer software to identify defects.
• Lead road calls and provide emergency repair services when necessary.
• Review completed repairs to ensure vehicle safety before returning to service.
• Maintain accurate work orders, parts usage, and maintenance documentation.
• Mentor Technician I/II and maintain a clean, safe shop environment.

Skills

Advanced mechanical skills

Diagnostic and problem-solving

Communication and customer-service

Independent work

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational/technical certification in vehicle repair

ASE certifications

Class B CDL with Passenger endorsement

Tools

Diagnostic computers

Manufacturer software

Shop hand tools

Vehicle inspection equipment

Job description

Tech III / Technician in Charge

Location: Hicksville, NY
Pay: Starting at $36.07 per hour

First Student is hiring an experienced Diesel Tech III / Technician in Charge to help maintain our fleet of school buses and other vehicles in Hicksville, NY.

This is a senior, hands-on technician role for someone who can independently diagnose and complete complex repairs. While this is not a formal management or supervisor position, the Tech III will help mentor newer technicians, provide technical guidance, and support the overall workflow of the shop.

At First Student, our technicians play an essential role in ensuring our vehicles are safe, reliable, and ready to transport our passengers each day.

As a Tech III / Technician in Charge, you will:

• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and vehicle performance issues with minimal supervision

• Perform preventive maintenance, safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections

• Repair brakes, engines, suspensions, drivetrains, transmissions, clutches, and related systems

• Use diagnostic computers and manufacturer software to identify mechanical and electrical defects

• Remove, overhaul, and reinstall major mechanical components

• Lead road calls and provide emergency repair services when necessary

• Review completed repairs to ensure vehicles are safe before returning them to service

• Maintain accurate work orders, parts usage records, and maintenance documentation

• Identify potentially unsafe equipment and communicate required corrective actions

• Mentor and provide informal technical guidance to Technician I and Technician II employees

• Help maintain an organized, clean, and safe shop environment

• Safely move vehicles between work and parking areas

• Repair and maintain shop equipment

• Follow all First Student safety standards, policies, and procedures

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Five or more years of automotive or diesel repair experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Vocational or technical certification in vehicle repair preferred

• Advanced mechanical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills

• Class B CDL with passenger endorsement required or ability to obtain within three months of hire

• State inspection license, where required

• ASE certifications preferred

• Ability to participate in the ASE testing program and obtain six ASE certifications within six months of hire

• Valid driver's license

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong communication and customer-service skills

• Comfortable using hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and computer-based repair software

• Personal mechanic tool inventory adequate to complete assigned repairs

• Reliable attendance and the ability to maintain an organized work environment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds

• Ability to work in crouched, kneeling, and lying positions beneath vehicles

• Ability to work in a maintenance shop environment that may include dust, dirt, grease, and varying temperatures

• Ability to work in different weather conditions

In the state of New York, candidates must meet all applicable licensing, safety, and Department of Transportation requirements.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.