Diesel Technician

First Student; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

First Student in Tacoma is hiring a Diesel Technician to maintain and repair school buses, ensuring safety and reliability for students.

The role features a Monday–Friday day shift with pay at $32.25 per hour under a union contract, plus company-paid ASE testing and CDL training. Excellent benefits are offered, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) with company match. Join a team focused on safety and community service.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair 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.
• 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

• Maintain and repair school buses to ensure safety and reliability.
• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance including brakes, engine, suspension, drive trains and transmissions.
• Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections.
• Complete work orders accurately.
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed.

Skills

Diesel maintenance

Diagnostic skills

Computer skills

Valid driver’s license

Education

Trade school education

Tools

Tool set

Vehicle diagnostics

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving Tacoma School District! Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-Time, 8-Hour Day Shift (AM Schedule) 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 in Tacoma 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: $32.25/hr per union contract (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.
• 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.
• Access to earned wages before payday through Chime® MyPay at Work™* Salt® Rewards Program for employee savings and rewards

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.

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.

Diesel Technician 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 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

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.