Lead Diesel Technician

Confidential; Pleasant Hill (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free training program for mechanics

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Lead Fleet Technician for a school bus fleet to set the tone for safety, quality, and uptime. You’ll handle advanced diagnostics and repairs on medium/heavy vehicles, oversee inspection readiness (DVIR, DOT/state), and guide technicians through preventive maintenance cycles so routes leave safe and on time.

You’ll partner with the Maintenance Leader to plan work, verify quality, and keep the shop running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in medium/heavy truck repair with leadership experience or training.
• Experience and verifiable record required by prior employer or documents.
• Proficient with diagnostic equipment for mechanical, electrical, and A/C issues.
• Advanced knowledge of major vehicle components in diesel/gas equipment.
• Ability to read/write/communicate in English.
• Valid state license; CDL preferred; ASE desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive and diesel systems including brakes, steering, suspension, and electrical.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify quality.
• Complete safety inspections and sign-offs before release of vehicles.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant work space per standards.
• Log labor hours and parts usage accurately in the system.
• Oversee day-to-day workflow and guide technicians in preventive maintenance.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs when needed.
• Identify complex issues requiring advanced support and escalate when necessary.

Skills

Diagnostic equipment proficiency

Diesel engine knowledge

Leadership / supervision

English communication

Safety compliance

Preventive maintenance

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or vocational automotive/diesel training

CDL preferred

ASE certification desirable

Tools

Basic hand tools for diesel technician

Job description

As the Lead Fleet Technician for a school bus fleet, you’ll set the tone for safety, quality, and uptime. You’ll handle advanced diagnostics and repairs on medium/heavy vehicles, oversee inspection readiness (DVIR, DOT/state), and guide technicians through preventive maintenance cycles so routes leave safe and on time. You’ll partner with your Maintenance Leader to plan work, verify quality, and keep the shop running smoothly.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive and diesel systems — including brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrains, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems — according to skill level.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify quality repairs.
• Complete required safety inspections and repair sign-offs before releasing vehicles.
• Keep a safe, organized, and compliant workspace following all Federal, State, and local standards.
• Identify and report additional service needs or complex issues requiring advanced support.
• Accurately log labor hours, parts used, and completed work in the maintenance system.
• Notify leadership of unsafe conditions, equipment misuse, or vehicle abuse immediately.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs when needed.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and integrity in every task.
• Oversee day-to-day workflow processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years medium or heavy truck fleet mechanic repair experience plus a minimum of one (1) year leadership experience or training.
• Experience must be verifiable via prior employer or acceptable documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, or equivalent).
• Proficient with diagnostic equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and A/C issues.
• Advanced technical knowledge of major vehicle components in diesel and gas equipment.
• Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a diesel technician.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• High school graduate or equivalent education and/or training and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Valid applicable state license (CDL preferred) — Company has a free training program for mechanics.
• ASE Certification is desirable but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a technical or vocational training program in automotive or diesel repair.
• ASE Certifications or willingness to pursue certification is a plus.
• Prior lead technician or supervisory experience, or demonstrated leadership in a shop/fleet maintenance environment.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with computers and maintenance software systems.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and effective cross-team communication.