Diesel Mechanic-Bus Fleet

North Lawrence Community Schools; Bedford (IN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

North Lawrence Community Schools seeks a Diesel Mechanic to maintain the district’s school buses and fleet, ensuring safety and reliability for daily routes and activities. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose mechanical and electrical problems, complete repairs, and prepare vehicles for required safety inspections.

Work closely with the Director of Transportation and drivers, maintain accurate service records, follow district procedures, and uphold shop safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems.
• Knowledge of brake systems, steering/suspension, electrical systems, and safe shop practices.
• Ability to organize work, maintain records, and exercise sound judgment on safety.
• Dependable attendance and ability to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair school buses and district vehicles (diesel engines, brakes, electrical systems).
• Perform preventive maintenance and prepare buses for Indiana State Police inspections.
• Maintain accurate service records and communicate with the Director of Transportation.
• Conduct road tests when licensed and safe to do so; respond to breakdowns as needed.
• Maintain shop safety and proper use of tools and PPE; protect district property.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Electrical repair

Brake systems

Record keeping

Safety practices

Education

High school diploma

Tools

ASE certification

Diesel diagnostics tools

Vehicle inspection software

Job description

North Lawrence Community Schools

Diesel Mechanic – School Bus Fleet

Department: Transportation

Reports to: Director of Transportation

Employment: Full-time, year-round

Classification: Classified employee; hourly, nonexempt

Compensation: $28 - $32 with placement based on relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and qualifications.

Position Summary

The Diesel Mechanic helps ensure students arrive at school and return home safely by maintaining reliable, safe school buses and district vehicles. This position performs preventive maintenance, diagnoses mechanical and electrical problems, completes repairs, and prepares vehicles for required safety inspections.

Working closely with the Director of Transportation and bus drivers, the mechanic identifies problems early, prioritizes safety-related repairs, maintains accurate service records, and helps keep the district’s transportation fleet ready for daily routes, field trips, and extracurricular activities. The position requires sound judgment, dependable work habits, and responsible use of district equipment and resources.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Vehicle maintenance and repair

Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair school buses and other assigned district vehicles. Work includes diesel engines, fuel and emissions systems, transmissions and drivelines, air and hydraulic brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and charging systems, tires, cooling systems, and heating and air-conditioning equipment. Service gasoline-powered or other district vehicles as assigned and within the employee’s training and qualifications.

School-bus safety equipment

Inspect and maintain school-bus-specific equipment, including warning lights, stop arms, crossing gates, entry doors, emergency exits, mirrors, seats, and child-check systems, as equipped. Inspect and service wheelchair lifts, accessibility equipment, and occupant-securement systems according to manufacturer instructions and applicable requirements.

Preventive maintenance and inspection readiness

Complete scheduled maintenance based on mileage, operating hours, manufacturer recommendations, and district procedures. Prepare buses for required Indiana State Police inspections, assist with the inspection process, and document completion of corrective repairs. Promptly identify unsafe conditions, notify the Director of Transportation, and follow district procedures to keep unsafe vehicles out of service until required repairs and return‑to‑service approvals are complete.

Diagnostics, road testing, and emergency support

Use diagnostic software, scan tools, electrical testing equipment, service manuals, and technical information to identify problems and verify repairs. Conduct authorized road tests when properly licensed and qualified. Respond to vehicle breakdowns and roadside service needs as assigned, using appropriate safety precautions and coordinating towing or additional assistance when necessary.

Maintenance records, parts, and purchasing

Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, parts, labor, mileage, and outstanding service needs. Monitor frequently used parts and supplies and request replacements through district purchasing procedures. Identify warranty opportunities and communicate recurring mechanical problems, significant repair costs, and possible outside‑service needs to the Director of Transportation.

Coordination with transportation staff

Review driver‑reported concerns and communicate clearly about vehicle condition, repair progress, and availability. Coordinate maintenance to support transportation schedules without compromising safety. Assist drivers in recognizing and reporting mechanical concerns and support consistent vehicle‑care practices.

Shop safety and care of district property

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Properly use and maintain tools, lifts, jacks, diagnostic equipment, and personal protective equipment. Follow safe practices for supporting vehicles, controlling hazardous energy, handling batteries and chemicals, and storing or disposing of fluids and other materials. Protect district vehicles, equipment, and supplies from damage, misuse, and unnecessary expense.

Professional Responsibilities

Participate in job‑related training and remain current on equipment, diagnostic methods, and school‑bus maintenance requirements. Work respectfully with drivers, coworkers, school personnel, vendors, students, and families. Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries in a school environment. Perform other related duties consistent with the position and the employee’s qualifications.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant vehicle‑maintenance experience, or an equivalent combination of technical education, apprenticeship, military training, and demonstrated repair experience.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems and perform preventive maintenance on diesel‑powered or medium‑and‑heavy‑vehicles.
• Working knowledge of brake systems, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and safe shop practices; ability to use diagnostic equipment and interpret service manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to organize work, maintain accurate electronic or written records, communicate clearly, and exercise sound judgment when identifying safety concerns.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to perform the position’s essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Licensing, Certification, and Employment Requirements

Maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable under district and insurance requirements.

ASE Master School Bus Technician certification strongly preferred. Relevant ASE Medium-Heavy Truck certifications and demonstrated school-bus or diesel-fleet maintenance experience will also be considered. Current certifications, directly related experience, and demonstrated skills will be considered in determining placement within the approved pay range.

Possess, or obtain within a district-approved timeframe, the commercial driver’s license and endorsements necessary to operate and roadtest assigned vehicles. For full-size buses, the district should require a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement and no air‑brake restriction when operating air‑brake‑equipped vehicles. Vehicle operation is permitted only after all applicable licensing, qualification, and district authorization requirements have been met.

Successfully complete required background screening and meet applicable medical qualification, drug and alcohol testing, and other requirements associated with assigned driving duties.

Obtain and maintain any certifications required for assigned technical work, including EPA Section 609 certification before performing covered motor‑vehicle air-conditioning service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining school buses, transit buses, or a public‑sector vehicle fleet, including familiarity with Indiana school‑bus inspection requirements.
• Technical training in diesel technology or a related field; Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) School Bus or Medium‑Heavy Truck certifications.
• Experience with computerized diesel diagnostics, emissions systems, school‑bus electrical and safety equipment, wheelchair lifts, or fleet‑maintenance software.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a transportation maintenance facility, with some outdoor and roadside work. Duties involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing into vehicles, and working beneath or around vehicles.

The employee must safely handle tools and vehicle components, using appropriate lifting equipment or assistance for heavy or awkward items. The work environment may include noise, moving equipment, vehicle exhaust, fluids, chemicals, and varying weather conditions. Required protective equipment and established safety procedures must be used.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Schedule

The regular schedule is established by the Director of Transportation to support district operations. Occasional early‑morning, evening, weekend, or emergency work may be required. Additional work hours must be reported and compensated in accordance with applicable law and district procedures.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated by the Director of Transportation in accordance with district procedures, with attention to safety, repair quality, preventive maintenance completion, documentation, reliability, teamwork, and responsible use of resources.

This description identifies the position’s primary responsibilities and does not establish an employment contract. Related duties may be assigned as district needs change.