Diesel Mechanic- Weekend Shift

First Student; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,289,280 - 108,885,504; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Annual boot and safety glasses alowv

EAP counseling and support

Job summary

First Student is seeking a Diesel Technician to help maintain and repair school buses serving Chicago Midway Airport. The role involves a full-time day shift split between our Chicago and Crestwood locations, with duties to keep passengers safe and on time.

Responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing brakes, engines, suspensions, drivetrains, and transmissions, performing PMs and safety inspections, and completing work orders.

Qualifications

• 3+ years diesel or automotive maintenance/repair experience
• Valid driver's license is required
• CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days – company paid training
• Willingness to participate in ASE certification program
• Possession of a mechanic's tool set
• Strong computer skills
• Subject to DOT drug testing as safety-sensitive employee

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair school buses to ensure safety and reliability
• Diagnose and repair brakes, engine tune-ups, suspensions, drive trains, and transmissions
• Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections
• Complete work orders accurately
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed

Skills

Diesel/Automotive maintenance

Problem-solving

Valid driver's license

CDL Class B or obtain within 60 days

Computer skills

ASE certification participation

Education

Technical school education

Tools

Mechanic's tool set

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving Chicago Midway Airport

Hours/Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday or Saturday through Wednesday, Full-time day shift split between our locations in Chicago and Crestwood.

If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. Our team keeps passengers safe and on time every day‑because behind every bus is a skilled mechanic who ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind for passengers across our community.

Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic?

• Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Hourly Rate: $35.00 – $38.00 per hour (NOT flat rate).
• Bonus rate increase available for each ASE test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more).
• 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.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
• 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.

Diesel Technician key responsibilities include:

• 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.

Diesel Technician Qualifications

• At least 3+ 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.
• Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety‑sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

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.

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.