Maintenance IV - Auto Mechanic

Topeka Public Schools; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Topeka Public Schools is seeking an experienced automotive and vehicle maintenance professional to assist the Supervisor of Warehouse & Distribution/Vehicle Operations. The role focuses on keeping district vehicles, buses, trucks, and heavy equipment operational to minimize interruptions to education.

You will supervise shop tasks, estimate costs, maintain records, and ensure repairs meet safety standards, while coordinating with district personnel to deliver reliable transportation services.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Automotive mechanics coursework with 5+ years as automotive mechanic; 3+ years heavy truck experience preferred.
• ASE certifications and Freon license required or obtainable.
• Familiarity with EPA, KDHE, Federal Clean Air Act etc.
• Extensive knowledge of automotive, bus, and heavy equipment parts and maintenance.
• Ability to operate diagnostic tools, engines, brakes, transmissions, and related components.
• Experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, welding, fabrication, and machining.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee daily workflow for automotive and heavy equipment repairs.
• Estimate time, material, and labor costs for maintenance and contracted work.
• Maintain repair records and prepare for inspections of vehicles transporting students.
• Direct personnel in removing and repairing engines, brakes, transmissions, and related systems.
• Ensure safety, proper standards, and timely completion of maintenance tasks.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and recommend major repairs or replacements.
• Operate and maintain district vehicles and shop equipment as required.
• Assist with training and development of department staff.

Skills

Automotive diagnostics

Diesel and heavy equipment repair

Hydraulic systems

Fabrication & welding

Reading manuals & schematics

MS Office proficiency

Work order & inventory software

Supervisory ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive mechanics training (college/university/tech school)

Tools

ASE certifications

Freon license

KS CDL preferred

Job description

Reports To: Supervisor of Warehouse & Distribution/Vehicle Operations

Position Purpose: To assist the Supervisor of Warehouse & Distribution/Vehicle Operations in the efficient operation of vehicle operation services. To keep the District’s vehicles (Including buses, vans, trucks, cars, tractors, mowers, heavy equipment, small engines, etc.) operational so that there are minimal problems or interruptions to the education program.

Qualifications:

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of a course of study in automotive mechanics from a college, university, trade or technical school and a minimum of five years experience as an automotive mechanic; three years experience as a heavy truck mechanic is preferred. Any equivalent experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be taken under consideration.
3. Possession of or ability to obtain appropriate ASE certifications.
4. Possession of or ability to obtain Freon license.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of national, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations (EPA, KDHE, Federal Clean Air Act, etc.).
6. Thorough knowledge of the parts, equipment, fluids, tools, techniques, and terminology associated with the automotive, bus, and heavy equipment mechanics trade.
7. Demonstrated skill in operating front-end repair equipment and shop-testing equipment such as high tech diagnostic tools and scanners in diagnosing, repair, and maintenance of computerized vehicles and equipment.
8. Experience and training in diesel engine repair, small engine repair, hydraulic systems, body repair, fabrication and welding repair, machining, vehicle painting, equipment operation, etc. with the ability to maintain vehicles and equipment. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as determined to be appropriate and acceptable.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of methods and techniques for lubricating automobile and equipment parts.
10. Ability to operate drill presses, lathes, welding and burning equipment, and other associated tools.
11. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office software programs to include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc.
12. Demonstrated proficiency with work order management software, inventory management software, fuel control management software, etc.
13. Demonstrated ability to supervise, direct, and engage personnel in carrying out multiple work assignments.
14. Knowledge of standard practices, tools, and terminology in the assigned skill areas.
15. Ability to handle multiple priorities in a highly demanding team atmosphere, make decisions with limited data, and process information in an orderly, accurate, and timely manner.
16. Ability to efficiently read, thoroughly understand, and apply technical information in maintenance manuals, technical publications, circuit diagrams, mechanical curve charts, blueprints, and maintenance directives.
17. General knowledge of automotive diagnosis and repair as well as service and maintenance techniques.
18. Ability to modify components to meet job requirements in the assigned skill areas.
19. Must have or obtain a valid Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (C.D.L.) and possess a good driving record.
20. Ability to work in varied weather and temperature conditions.
21. Ability to work from heights and in confined areas.
22. Ability to work in an environment with exposure to noise, fumes, odors, gasoline solvents, cleaners, oils, and other related liquids.
23. Ability to perform work independently according to prescribed standards and procedures with a minimum of supervision.
24. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
25. Dependability and the ability to get along with others.
26. Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, hazardous materials, and proper ways necessary to perform the assigned tasks.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:

1. The incumbent may be required to use the below requirements during any part of the working day.
2. The incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
3. Speaking, reading, hearing, manual dexterity.
4. Standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, walking.
5. Reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing, driving.

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Reports to the Supervisor of Warehouse & Distribution/Vehicle Operations to receive each day’s assignments.
2. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and oversee the workflow of department personnel in performing minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs on automotive, medium and heavy equipment vehicles, buses, etc.
3. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and oversee the workflow of department personnel in the maintenance and repair of District cars, trucks, vans, buses, bulldozers, front-end loaders, snow plows, tractors, gasoline and diesel powered maintenance equipment, and various mowers, pumps, etc.
4. Estimate time, material, and labor costs for various work carried out by department personnel as well for contracted work.
5. Research and run reports for Auto Shop related to daily operations.
6. Ensure that department personnel respond to work requests in a timely and courteous manner.
7. Ensure that department personnel perform maintenance and repair tasks in accordance with appropriate standards and procedures.
8. Assign and oversee a variety of work assignments including such things as removing and repairing gasoline or diesel combustion engines (Including crankshafts, pistons, pins, bearings, hydraulic high pressure cylinders, valve pumps, fuel systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and related components), assembly and timing engines, removing, overhauling, and repairing brakes, final drives, transmissions, torque converters, and accessories.
9. Direct and assist department personnel in removing and adjusting fuel and ignition systems, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems, computerized ignition, fuel, and analog systems, chassis units, and accessories.
10. Diagnose and repair District vehicles and equipment as directed in maintenance manuals and technical publications.
11. Inspect and prepare all vehicles that transport students for highway patrol inspections.
12. Provide technical assistance to other personnel as necessary.
13. Maintain accurate service and repair records for all vehicles and file them for future reference.
14. Direct and assist department personnel with development and carrying out preventive maintenance programs.
15. Recommend replacement and/or major repairs of vehicles and equipment.
16. Follow the District’s system for the receipt and issuance of parts and supplies as well as maintaining recordkeeping and inventories.
17. Attend appropriate training sessions, meetings, and classes as part of professional development.
18. Ensure that department personnel accomplish assigned tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
19. Direct and assist department personnel in operating and caring for equipment used in daily work assignments.
20. Must be able to operate District vehicles and equipment such as cars, trucks, vans, buses, bulldozers, front-end loaders, tractors, mowers, etc.
21. Ensure that department personnel maintain accurate and complete repair order forms.
22. Obtain and maintain qualifications as a school bus driver, and be available as a substitute driver.
23. Assist other maintenance areas with work requests as assigned.
24. Demonstrate professional image through appearance, language, and work ethic.
25. Require good attendance record for continuity of operations.
26. Perform other duties as assigned.

Term of Employment: Twelve (12) months

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board policy on evaluation of Classified Personnel.

Significant Associations: The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.