Fleet Technician

First Student, Inc.; Town of Vernon, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Fleet Technician I to support inspection, repair, and preventive maintenance of buses, vans, and fleet vehicles in Vernon, NY.

This role offers hands-on learning under supervision and opportunities to advance through CDL training and ASE certification. You will work with experienced technicians, develop practical skills on the job, and contribute to safe, reliable transportation for students and communities served by First Student.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Vocational or technical training in automotive or vehicle repair preferred.
• 0-1 years of automotive, diesel, fleet, or related mechanical repair experience preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable using hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Reliable and predictable attendance.
• Basic mechanic hand tools sufficient to perform job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs including replacing light bulbs, fuses, lenses, wiper blades, belts, hoses, and batteries.
• Check and maintain vehicle fluid levels, change fluids and filters, and lubricate components.
• Assist Technician II and Technician III employees with preventive maintenance, safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections.
• Assist with mechanical repairs involving brakes, suspension, drivetrains, transmission clutches, and other vehicle systems.
• Diagnose and complete basic vehicle and equipment repairs under direct supervision.
• Inspect completed work and obtain approval when required before vehicles are returned to service.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and documentation of parts and supplies used.
• Identify potentially unsafe equipment and notify maintenance leadership of concerns and corrective actions.
• Move vehicles safely between work areas.
• Assist with road calls and emergency service when needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment.
• Clean vehicles when requested or required.
• Follow First Student safety standards, policies, procedures, and applicable DOT requirements.
• Perform additional maintenance duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Teamwork

Reliable attendance

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Vocational/technical automotive training preferred

Tools

Shop tools familiarity

Job description

Fleet Technician I

First Student is currently hiring a Fleet Technician I to join our maintenance team.

This is an entry-level fleet maintenance position supporting the inspection, repair, and preventive maintenance of our buses, vans, and other fleet vehicles. If you have basic mechanical experience, are comfortable working with tools, and want to build a career in fleet maintenance, this is an opportunity to develop your skills while working alongside experienced technicians.

Pay

$28.64 per hour

About the Position

The Fleet Technician I helps keep First Student vehicles safe, reliable, and ready for service by performing routine maintenance and basic repairs.

This position works under direct supervision and handles basic maintenance and repair tasks while assisting more experienced technicians with preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, and larger repairs.

You will also have the opportunity to continue developing your technical skills through hands‑on experience, CDL training, and ASE certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs including replacing light bulbs, fuses, lenses, wiper blades, belts, hoses, and batteries
• Check and maintain vehicle fluid levels, change fluids and filters, and lubricate components
• Assist Technician II and Technician III employees with preventive maintenance, safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections
• Assist with mechanical repairs involving brakes, suspension, drivetrains, transmission clutches, and other vehicle systems
• Diagnose and complete basic vehicle and equipment repairs under direct supervision
• Inspect completed work and obtain approval when required before vehicles are returned to service
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and documentation of parts and supplies used
• Identify potentially unsafe equipment and notify maintenance leadership of concerns and corrective actions
• Move vehicles safely between work areas
• Assist with road calls and emergency service when needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment
• Clean vehicles when requested or required
• Follow First Student safety standards, policies, procedures, and applicable DOT requirements
• Perform additional maintenance duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Vocational or technical training in automotive or vehicle repair preferred
• 0-1 years of automotive, diesel, fleet, or related mechanical repair experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
• Comfortable using hand tools and basic shop equipment
• Basic computer skills
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to maintain an organized and clean work environment
• Reliable and predictable attendance
• Basic mechanic hand tools sufficient to perform job requirements

CDL & ASE Development

• Class B CDL with passenger endorsement is highly preferred
• Employees are generally expected to obtain the required CDL within 3 months of hire, subject to approved exceptions from Maintenance Leadership
• ASE certification is preferred
• Employees are expected to participate in the ASE testing program within the first year
• Employees are expected to obtain at least one ASE certification within 24 months of hire

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This is a hands‑on maintenance position performed primarily in a fleet maintenance shop environment.

Employees must be able to:

• Work in environments that may include dust, dirt, grease, noise, and changing temperatures
• Work under varying weather conditions
• Lift at least 50 pounds
• Bend, kneel, crouch, and work underneath vehicles
• Work while lying on a mechanic's creeper beneath vehicle equipment
• Safely use hand tools, shop equipment, and vehicle maintenance equipment
• Move throughout the shop and vehicle work areas as needed

Safety-Sensitive Position

This position may be considered safety-sensitive depending on applicable state and local requirements and may be subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. This description reflects the primary functions of the role and does not prescribe or restrict all tasks that may be assigned.

Get Your Career on the Road with First Student!

If you are mechanically inclined and looking for an opportunity to build hands‑on experience in fleet maintenance, First Student offers a path to grow your skills while helping keep our vehicles safe and reliable.

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.

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. 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