Lead Technician

First Student, Inc.; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Boots and safety glasses allowances

Perk Spot discounts

EAP counseling

Company-paid ASE testing

CDL training and licensing

Job summary

First Student, Inc. is hiring a Lead Diesel Technician for our San Rafael shop. The role focuses on leading preventive maintenance, coaching technicians, and improving operational practices to keep buses safe and reliable.

You will oversee diagnostics, maintain engines and systems, and coordinate scheduling and budgets. The position offers a day shift, competitive hourly pay, and company-paid training and benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of diesel or automotive maintenance & repair experience or technical school education.
• Willingness to obtain CDL; driver’s license required; paid company training provided.
• DOT drug testing applies to safety-sensitive role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs; perform road tests as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of engines, emissions, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical and HVAC systems.
• Supervise shop technicians; conduct daily huddles, training, and evaluations.
• Manage inventory control, approve expenses, schedule fleet maintenance, ensure safety compliance.
• Monitor performance, participate in budgeting, and support special projects.
• Lead ASE certification pursuits and perform hands-on work when required.

Skills

Leadership

Diesel maintenance

Diagnostics

Supervision

Computer skills

Education

Technical school education

Tools

Tool set

Diagnostic tools

Fleet maintenance software

Job description

First Student is now hiring a Lead Diesel Technician for our shop serving San Rafael School District!

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time day shift, 6 am - 3 pm

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: Per Union Contract, wage is set at $46.45 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.

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.