Lead Technician

Durham School Services; Lake Villa (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit School Services is seeking a Lead Fleet Technician to supervise diagnostics and repairs on our school bus fleet, ensuring safety and uptime. You will guide technicians through preventive maintenance cycles and work with the Maintenance Leader to plan work, verify quality, and keep routes running on time.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of medium/heavy truck repair experience with leadership exposure, proficiency with diagnostic tools, and a CDL or equivalent licensing.

Qualifications

• Five years of medium/heavy truck repair experience with at least one year in leadership.
• Proficient with diagnostic equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and A/C issues.
• Valid state license (CDL preferred); ASE certification desirable.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair diesel and gas systems across brakes, steering, suspension, and driveline components.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify repairs.
• Complete required safety inspections and repair sign-offs before releasing vehicles.
• Maintain a safe, organized workspace following Federal, State, and local standards.
• Identify and report additional service needs or complex issues requiring advanced support.
• Log labor hours, parts used, and completed work in the maintenance system.
• Notify leadership of unsafe conditions or vehicle abuse.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs as needed.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and integrity in every task.
• Oversee day-to-day workflow processes.

Skills

Diagnostic equipment proficiency

Leadership experience

Mechanical troubleshooting

English communication

Diesel/gas vehicle knowledge

A/C systems knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools (diesel)

Maintenance software

Job description

Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of transportation safety, quality transportation, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. Our corporate headquarters, located in Warrenville, Illinois, houses the administrative and corporate support functions for the organization. Our 250+ local customer service centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams located throughout North America.

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.

$42.00/hr

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.

Why work with Summit

• Purpose with impact: Your expertise keeps students and communities moving—safely and reliably every school day.
• Professional development: Build your career with ongoing training and internal advancement opportunities.
• Training & tools: Access to industry-leading complimentary fleet/OEM training, modern diagnostic equipment, and school-bus system training
• CDL & ASE support: CDL preferred—company training available for mechanics; Industry-leading ASE Training & Incentive program.
• Modern fleet focus: Predictable preventive maintenance (PM) cycles, and a safety-first culture tailored to pupil transportation. Robust telematics platform.

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.

At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and/or training and experience, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Summit School Services LLC’s independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer

The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions.