Fleet Mechanic

Cincinnati Metro; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 49,800 - 57,170; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,500 hiring bonus

Free Metro bus pass

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual uniform voucher

Paid training

Job summary

A public transit service is looking for a Fleet Mechanic to maintain public transit vehicles and ensure operational excellence in Cincinnati, Ohio. The role requires diagnosing and repairing various systems on buses while mentoring junior staff. The position offers competitive pay rates based on experience, a hiring bonus, and comprehensive benefits including training programs and a pension plan. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to obtain a CDL Class B license.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a Mechanical Aptitude Test.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Experience in diesel mechanics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair mechanical systems on buses.
• Conduct preventive maintenance tasks.
• Mentor junior technicians and apprentices.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational training in heavy-duty diesel repair

Tools

Advanced diagnostic tools

Hand/power tools

Job description

Help us keep Cincinnati moving!As a Fleet Mechanic at Metro, you’re more than a mechanic — you’re a highly trained professional in a specialized field, committed to maintaining the highest standards of public transit service. In this role, you will use your keen problem-solving and leadership skills to foster a culture of safety, innovation, and operational excellence while working with sustainable, state-of-the-art equipment that helps reduce our community’s carbon footprint.

Our fleet maintenance team handles everything from component-level rebuilds to paint and body repairs. Apply for the Fleet Mechanic position todayand enjoy competitive pay, paid training, performance-based career growth, and a generous benefits package. As a Metro Fleet Mechanic, you can build a meaningful career while helping thousands of riders reach their destinations safely and reliably. Join the Metro crew and help us keep Cincinnati moving!

Fleet Mechanic Compensation

Metro bases its Fleet Mechanic pay structure on education, ASE certifications, mechanical aptitude assessments scores, and possession of Class B CDL with passenger endorsement. Metro offers paid training for those who wish to become a Fleet Mechanic but do not currently possess a commercial driver’s license and passenger endorsement.

Experienced Fleet Mechanics and are broken up into two groups: A-Rate and B-Rate Mechanics.

Pay Rates for Current CDL Holders

• A-Rate Starting Pay Rate: $37.50 / HR up to $41.50* based on job and certifications
• B-Rate Starting Pay Rate: $36.15 / HR up to $40.15* based on job and certifications

* Additional $.50 / HR shift differential. Additional $.50 / HR per qualified ASE certification for up to 7 ASE certifications

Training Rates for non-CDL Holders

• A-Rate CDL Training Rate: $36.39 / HR
• B-Rate CDL Training Rate: $32.53 / HR

*Trainees without a CDL earn a reduced rate during training until CDL is obtained

Fleet Mechanic Job Duties, Physical Demands, & Qualifications

Job Duties

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems on diesel, hybrid, and electric buses.
• Conduct preventive maintenance tasks to meet regulatory, safety, and operational standards.
• Overhaul or replace major components, including engines, transmissions, brakes, and steering systems.
• Utilize advanced diagnostic tools and software for complex vehicle systems, including electronic fareboxes and multiplexed circuits.
• Perform thorough pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure fleet readiness and safety.
• Ensure all work complies with DOT, FTA, OSHA, and Metro safety regulations.
• Identify and report potential safety hazards, mechanical deficiencies, or operational risks promptly.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records for audits, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex vehicle issues, providing solutions and guidance to the team.
• Mentor and train junior technicians, apprentices, and new hires in advanced repair techniques and safety protocols.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to increase fleet reliability and minimize downtime.
• Operate and maintain specialized diagnostic equipment, lifts, and hand/power tools safely and effectively.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and storage of all tools and equipment.
• Accurately record all maintenance work, parts used, and labor hours in Metro’s maintenance management system.
• Prepare detailed service reports, maintenance logs, and technical documentation.
• Analyze fleet performance and repair data to recommend improvements and preventive measures.
• Work closely with operations, dispatch, and management to schedule maintenance with minimal service disruption.
• Provide clear updates on vehicle status, repair progress, and maintenance priorities.
• Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to implement new vehicle technologies and system upgrades.
• Stay current with emerging transit technologies, including alternative fuel systems and advanced diagnostics.
• Participate in training, manufacturer certifications, and professional development programs.
• Apply new tools, techniques, and best practices to improve maintenance efficiency and fleet reliability.
• Work safely in accordance with Metro policies and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Lifting, lowering, and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs. (F)
• Standing, walking, sitting, climbing ladders, balancing, kneeling, crouching/squatting, crawling, lower back movements, reaching (horizontal/vertical), elbow movements, wrist movements, fine motor finger movements (F)
• Operating motor coach for diagnostic purposes (F)
• Standing or walking in awkward or cramped positions (O)
• Neck movements, gripping, and foot action (F)
• Performing repetitive motions (F)
• Exerting moderate force to move objects (F)
• Maintaining focus in noisy environments (C)
• Using hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and visual acuity for detail-oriented tasks involving motor coaches and other machinery (C)
• Having mental alertness for safety and diagnostics (C)
• Using fine motor skills to manipulate tools with precision (C)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hours a day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hours a day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hours a day)

Qualifications

• Must possess high school diploma or GED
• Must be able to pass a Mechanical Aptitude Test
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must currently possess or have the ability to obtain a CDL Class B with passenger endorsement
• Must have open availability to work across all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to pass a DOT physical and drug screen and obtain at least a 1-year DOT medical certification
• Valid Driver's License
• Cannot have 4 or more points on motor vehicle report
• 2 years of Vocational training in heavy-duty diesel repair or mechanic experience preferred OR 5 years heavy-duty mechanic experience with no vocational training

Why Choose a Career at Metro?

Compensation

• $1,500 hiring bonus
• Competitive starting hourly wage and paid training
• Additional $.50 / HR shift differential
• Additional $.50 / HR per qualified ASE certification for up to 7 ASE certifications
• Overtime available across all shifts

Perks and Benefits

• Union / seniority based
• Regular schedule picks provide variability in your day-to-day responsibilities
• Annual uniform voucher after probationary period ends
• Free Metro bus pass for employees, spouses, and eligible dependents
• Ohio Public Employee Retirement Savings (OPERS) pension plan
• No longer have to pay into social security
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Optional flexible and health spending accounts
• Opportunity to retake assessments after six months of employment
• Paid training on diesel, hybrid, and electric fleet technology

Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other conditions of employment or career development.