Lead Vehicle Technician

Fort Smith Public Schools; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Smith Public Schools Transportation in Fort Smith, Arkansas seeks a Lead Vehicle Technician to manage the maintenance shop and supervise vehicle technicians. The role requires mechanical knowledge, CDL preferred, ability to lift heavy loads, and proficiency with basic computer tools.

Beginning October 1, 2026, this is a 240‑day contract with benefits as specified in the employee contract. Starting date is October 1, 2026, and the job emphasizes safety, adherence to standards, and effective

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Mechanic knowledge required.
• Preferred CDL.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to push/pull at least 20 pounds frequently.
• Ability to perform physical labor in hot and cold outdoor environments.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills including email.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance shop operations and assign work orders to vehicle technicians and assistant mechanics.
• Conduct final quality control inspections on repaired school buses and district fleet vehicles before returning them to service.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to shop staff on complex mechanical and electrical diagnostic procedures.
• Perform advanced diagnostic troubleshooting and repairs.
• Execute complex repairs on engine systems, transmissions, air brake systems, steering/suspension, and hydraulic equipment.
• Inspect and service specialized school bus equipment, including wheelchair lifts, passenger restraint systems, and emergency exit doors.
• Ensure all fleet vehicles comply with federal, state, and local school bus safety standards and pass mandatory state inspections.

Skills

High school diploma

Mechanic knowledge

CDL preferred

Lift 50 lbs or more

Push/pull 20 lbs

Outdoor physical labor

Basic computer skills incl. email

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Lead Vehicle Technician

Fort Smith Public Schools TRANSPORTATION - Fort Smith, Arkansas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Arkansas Jobs In Ed , and Fort Smith Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5905836

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Sep 11, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Oct 1, 2026

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Lead Vehicle Technician

FLSA: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation

Terms of Employment: A full contract for this position is 240 days, with benefits as specified in employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on actual start date.

Beginning: October 1, 2026

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs ?rst.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED.
• Mechanic knowledge required.
• Preferred CDL
• Required Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to push/pull a minimum of 20 pounds frequently.
• Ability to perform physical labor in hot and cold outdoor environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills including email.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance shop operations and assign work orders to vehicle technicians and assistant mechanics.
• Conduct final quality control inspections on repaired school buses and district fleet vehicles before returning them to service.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to shop staff on complex mechanical and electrical diagnostic procedures.
• Perform advanced diagnostic troubleshooting and repairs.
• Execute complex repairs on engine systems, transmissions, air brake systems, steering/suspension, and hydraulic equipment.
• Inspect and service specialized school bus equipment, including wheelchair lifts, passenger restraint systems, and emergency exit doors.
• Ensure all fleet vehicles comply with federal, state, and local school bus safety standards and pass mandatory state inspections.
• Maintain comprehensive digital and physical records for vehicle history, preventive maintenance schedules, and warranty work.
• Enforce shop safety protocols, hazardous material handling (OSHA standards), and proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Monitor inventory levels for spare parts, fluids, and tools; place orders and liaise with parts vendors.
• Assist the Transportation Director in forecasting maintenance budgets and estimating repair costs.
• Serve as on-call support for emergency roadside assistance, breakdowns, and severe weather fleet preparations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on vehicles and small engines.
• Install, assemble and test new machines and equipment.
• Schedule, perform and record routine preventative maintenance and service for each piece of equipment.
• Inspect machines regularly for signs of malfunctions, including visual and sound inspections.
• Use a variety of power and hand tools to perform job functions.
• Complete repairs and parts replacements.
• Work effectively with other team members in a loud environment.
• Repair, install, adjust or maintain machines or vehicles.
• Must be willing to work overtime or after hours whenever needed.
• Maintain record of work orders completed on vehicles.
• Service and maintain all school vehicles assigned to the Transportation department.
• Keep the maintenance shop in an orderly manner.
• Follow safety procedures to protect themselves and others from exposure to fumes, chemicals, and other hazards.
• This includes using proper ventilation, wearing personal protective equipment as necessary, and following safety protocols when working at heights or with power tools.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Must be able to work independently, sometimes with minimal supervision.
• Attend meetings as scheduled by supervisors and district administration.
• Maintain a professional relationship with students, faculty, administration, and community patrons.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, and squatting.

SeeTransportation Staff Salary Schedule

For our salary schedule, click this link to visit our district website.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Support Staff > Maintenance

Support Staff > Transportation

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jennifer Six , Human Resources Specialist
• HUMAN RESOURCES
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]