Lead Diesel Technician

First Student, Inc.; Texarkana (AR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)

Paid holidays & vacation

CDL Class B training paid

Company-paid ASE testing

Perk Spot discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

First Student is seeking a Lead Diesel Technician for our Texarkana, AR shop. You will lead preventive maintenance, mentor technicians, and drive fleet safety and reliability.

This full-time, day-shift role offers $33.00 per hour with potential for bonus via ASE tests, plus company-paid CDL training and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of diesel or automotive maintenance/repair experience.
• Lead technician or supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; willing to obtain CDL while employed (company-paid training).
• Strong computer skills and ability to use diagnostic tools.
• ASE certifications preferred.
• DOT drug testing as safety-sensitive employee per DOT Part 40.

Responsibilities

• Oversee diagnostics and repairs; perform road tests as needed.
• Lead preventive maintenance program and technician development.
• Supervise shop staff, conduct daily huddles, and assist hiring decisions.
• Manage inventory, approve expenses within scope, schedule fleet maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with management on maintenance status and budgets.

Skills

Diesel maintenance

Team leadership

Diagnostics

Electrical systems

Safety compliance

Education

ASE certifications

Tools

Mechanic's tool set

Computer skills

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Lead Diesel Technician for our shop serving Texarkana, AR!

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time day shift

As a Lead Diesel Technician, you will ensure every vehicle runs safely, efficiently, and reliably - keeping our communities moving with confidence.

Why join First as a Lead Diesel Mechanic?

• Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Hourly Rate: $33.00 per hour (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.
• 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 Technician 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.
• Supervise shop technicians, conduct daily huddles, training, performance evaluations, and assist with hiring decisions.
• 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 Technician 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.
• 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.

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.