Diesel Mechanic

First Student; Niles (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid ASE testing and training

Company-paid CDL Class B training and

Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Boots allowance

PerkSpot discounts

EAP counseling

Job summary

First Student in Michigan is hiring a Diesel Technician to maintain and repair school buses for our local fleet serving Niles Community Schools. You will ensure safety, reliability, and on-time transportation for students, working on a full-time day shift with competitive pay and opportunities for ASE certifications.

Join a close-knit team that values safety, ongoing training, and community service, with company-paid CDL B training, benefits, and career advancement across our 540 locations in

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair experience, or equivalent technical school education and experience.
• Vehicle diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment – Company paid training provided.
• Possession of a mechanic’s tool set to complete all assigned duties.
• Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided).
• Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure vehicles are maintained and safe for our passengers.
• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance including the repair of brakes and brake inspections, engine tune-ups, suspensions, drive trains, transmission clutches and other repairs.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PMs), safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections.
• Complete work orders accurately.
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed.

Skills

Diesel/Auto maintenance

Vehicle diagnostics

Driver's license

CDL Class B

Tool set

ASE certification

Computer skills

Education

2+ years diesel/auto maintenance experience or technical school

Job description

About First Student

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving Niles Community Schools! If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. Our team keeps students safe and on time every day—because behind every bus is a skilled mechanic who ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind for families across our community. While First Student is North America’s leading school transportation provider—serving more than 1,250 districts and 5.4 million student journeys daily—our focus here is local. You’ll join a close‑knit team that values collaboration, safety, and community connection.

Hours/Schedule:

Monday–Friday, Full-time day shift 8:00am-5:00pm

Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic?

Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.

Hourly Rate: $28+ per hour, based on experience (NOT flat rate).

Bonus rate increase available for each ASE School Bus Series test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more).

Career Advancement Opportunities

Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!

Benefits

• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials.
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing.
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses.
• Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through the PerkSpot program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work‑related issues.

About the Diesel Technician Position

As a Diesel Technician with First Student, you will help maintain and repair school buses to ensure safety and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure vehicles are maintained and safe for our passengers.
• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance including the repair of brakes and brake inspections, engine tune‑ups, suspensions, drive trains, transmission clutches and other repairs.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PMs), safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections.
• Complete work orders accurately.
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed.

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair experience, or equivalent technical school education and experience.
• Vehicle diagnostic and problem‑solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment – Company paid training provided.
• Possession of a mechanic’s tool set to complete all assigned duties.
• Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided).
• Strong computer skills.

Additional Information

Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety‑sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49CFR Part40 does not authorize the use of ScheduleI drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

What It's Like Working Here

Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying day shift schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.

Language Requirement

This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job‑related communications be conducted in English.

Employment Equality

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 SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance, LosAngeles 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.

MISSION

Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

Safety is at the heart of everything we do.

CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS

Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure.

SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities.

FOSTER TEAMWORK

Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion.

SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence.