Diesel Mechanic

Bay Transportation; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Florida retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Bay Transportation in Florida is seeking a full-time heavy‑duty vehicle technician to perform repairs and maintenance on district buses, ensuring safety and reliability.

The role covers diagnostics, engine, brake and electrical systems, air conditioning, preventive maintenance, and monthly inspection programs, with a pay rate of $19.50+ per hour and benefits including health insurance and retirement plans. Weekends off by contract; full-time 12-month employment.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in heavy duty vehicle repair and maintenance.
• Specialized training in gas/diesel engines, air and hydraulic brakes, ABS, transmissions, electrical systems, and drive trains.
• ASE certification in air conditioning repairs preferred.
• Florida CDL with P & S endorsements within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and determine repairs needed.
• Perform general and major repairs on district owned vehicles.
• Conduct onboard diagnostics and ECM updates; read diagnostic codes.
• Repair electrical systems and brakes; tune-ups as needed.
• Maintain shop tools, assist in parts room and service window.

Skills

Heavy-duty repair

Diagnostics

Electrical systems

Preventive maintenance

Education

High school diploma

Tools

ASE certified (air conditioning)

Job description

We offer great benefits including excellent health insurance, Florida Retirement System participation and paid leave.

FULL TIME 8-HOUR POSITIONS AVAILABLE

• Analyzes and determines repairs needed
• Ensures that repairs are adequate and correct
• Observes and suggests repairs or preventive measures to eliminate/minimize road failures
• Ensures that vehicles are properly repaired and maintained for safe, dependable operation within minimum time and cost.
• Conducts general and major repairs on District owned vehicles
• Performs engine tune-ups; checks and/or changes plugs and points; changes oil and filters; lubricates chassis and checks tires and batteries.
• Cleans, adjusts, repairs, and rebuilds carburetors
• Adjusts, repairs, or replaces brakes to include wheel cylinders, lines, master cylinders, brake boosters, etc.
• Adjusts, repairs, or replaces clutches and torque converters
• Replaces items such as fan belts, hoses, radiators, wiper blades, tires lights, controls, etc
• Performs all phases of air conditioning repairs
• Performs monthly vehicle inspection program
• Overhauls vehicle motors, transmissions, and differentials
• Replaces universal joints, suspension components, and body and frame parts
• Operates welding and cutting equipment as required
• Furnishes and maintains adequate supply of hand tools necessary for repair and maintenance duties.
• Assists in keeping the shop, all tools, and equipment neat, clean, and organized
• Assists in the parts room and service window as needed
• Operates District vehicles and equipment in a safe manner
• Responds in emergency situations as required
• Conducts onboard diagnostics, including regeneration, cylinder cut-off tests, compressor tests, calibrations, and ECM updates.
• Reads and interprets diagnostic codes when performing repairs and maintenance
• Diagnoses and repairs electrical systems, including identifying shorts in various types of systems on school buses.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

2 years of experience in heavy duty vehicle repair and maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.

Specialized training in the following repairs and maintenance: gas and diesel engines, air and hydraulic brake systems, anti-lock brake systems, Allison and automatic transmissions, electrical systems, and drive trains.

ASE certified in all phases of air conditioning repairs (preferred)

High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)

Have a driver's license for 5 years with a good driving record.

Possess, or be willing to obtain, a Florida Commercial Driver's License with P & S endorsements within ninety (90) days of hire.

Pass state and federal fingerprint background investigation check.

Pass a Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol screening and federal Department of Transportation physical.

Manage heavy work: exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force as often as needed to move objects.

Additional information can be found on the web site https://www.bay.k12.fl.us/o/bds/page/careers, by contacting Transportation at 1-850-767-4495, or by Email: [e-mail].

Benefits

Full time 12-month employment.

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dental, Vision, Florida State retirement pension plan or 401k your choice! Drivers are guaranteed 6-8 hours minimum daily on school days by contract.

Weekends off! Holidays off! Some federal holidays are paid time off. Spring break is one week, winter break is two weeks. Earn additional paid time off and sick leave monthly.

Pay is $19.50+ per hour for 2026/2027 school year depending on experience.