Lead Diesel Mechanic

FIRST MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC; Berkeley Heights (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid ASE testing

CDL Class B training

Health insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Boots allowance

Safety glasses allowance

PerkSpot discounts

EAP

Job summary

First Student in Berkeley Heights, NJ is hiring a Lead Diesel Mechanic to lead preventive maintenance and technician development. You will oversee diagnostics, repairs, and road tests to ensure engines and systems operate safely and reliably.

The role is Monday–Friday day shift with competitive pay, company-paid training, and strong career advancement opportunities across 540+ locations in the U.S. & Canada, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of diesel or automotive maintenance & repair experience.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Willingness to obtain CDL and DOT compliance training as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs.
• Perform road tests when needed and ensure safety standards.
• Maintain knowledge of engines, emissions, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Skills

Diesel maintenance

Leadership

DOT compliance

English proficiency

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Inventory management

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Lead Diesel Mechanic in Berkeley Heights, NJ! Schedule: Monday–Friday, Full-time 1st shift As a Lead Diesel Mechanic, you will ensure every vehicle runs safely, efficiently, and reliably - keeping our communities moving with confidence.

Why join First as a Lead Diesel Mechanic?

Competitive starting hourly wage - (NOT flat rate). Bonus rate $.25 cents 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. Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada! Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, & 401(k). Paid holidays and vacation time. Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses. State-of-the‑art training programs. Discounts on cell phone plans, cars, and more through the Perk Spot program! Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work‑related issues.

About the Lead Diesel Mechanic Position

As a Lead Diesel Technician at First Student, you will help deliver excellence by leading the comprehensive preventive maintenance program, providing ongoing technician development, and streamlining operational practices. Other job duties include: Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs; perform road tests when needed. Maintain advanced knowledge of engines, emissions, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical, and HVAC systems for preventive and repair maintenance. Manage inventory control, approve expenses within scope, schedule fleet maintenance, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Conduct inspections, monitor performance, and maintain adherence to federal/state standards. Work closely with management on maintenance status, budgets, and special projects. Participate in ASE certification program. Perform hands‑on work activities as needed.

Lead Diesel Mechanic Qualifications

At least 5 years of diesel or automotive maintenance & repair experience or technical school education. Previous experience in a lead technician, supervisor, or other management role is preferred. Valid driver’s license required; Willingness to obtain CDL while employed – Paid company training provided. Strong computer skills. Possess a mechanic’s tool set. ASE certifications are preferred. PA State Inspection certification or willingness to obtain 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.

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.

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.