Diesel Technician

Grand Prairie Transit, Inc.; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Company-paid ASE testing

CDL Class B training

Paid holidays and vacation

Boots allowance

PerkSpot discounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

First Student in Mount Prospect, IL is hiring a Diesel Technician to join our shop team. This full-time, day-shift role offers competitive hourly pay and opportunities for ASE certification and career growth within a nationwide transportation network.

You will diagnose and repair school buses, perform preventive maintenance, and keep vehicles safe and reliable. Requires 1+ years diesel/auto experience, valid driver's license, and CDL Class B within 60 days; company-paid training provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ year diesel/auto maintenance experience or equivalent technical school training.
• Vehicle diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days; company-paid training.
• Possession of a mechanic’s tool set.
• Willingness to participate in ASE certification.
• Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair school buses to ensure safety and reliability.
• Diagnose and repair brakes, engines, suspensions, transmissions, and other systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections.
• Complete work orders accurately.
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Problem-solving

Strong computer skills

Valid driver's license

Education

Diesel/automotive maintenance training

Tools

CDL Class B training

Mechanic hand tools

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving Mount Prospect, IL! Hours/Schedule: Monday–Friday, Full-time day shift 5:00am-1:30pm OR 9:00am-5:30pm 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.

Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic?

Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications. Hourly Rate: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour (NOT flat rate). Bonus rate increase available for each ASE School Bus Series test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more). Monday–Friday day shift schedule with consistent, year-round work.

• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials.
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing.
• 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.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!

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

• 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 1+ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.