Maintenance Technician I

Durham School Services; Freehold (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit School Services is hiring a Fleet Technician I to maintain our school bus fleet in New Jersey. You will perform diagnostics, inspections, and repairs on a Summit fleet, supporting safety and uptime across multiple bus systems and configurations.

This role involves collaboration with Lead Technician/maintenance supervisor, and includes opportunities for training and advancement. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of medium/heavy truck repair, proficiency with diagnostic tools, and a strong

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years medium/heavy truck fleet mechanic repair experience.
• Experience verifiable via prior employer or documentation (pay stubs, W-2, etc.).
• Knowledgeable in using 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.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Valid applicable state license (CDL preferred)—training provided.
• ASE Certification desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive and diesel systems—brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrains, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify quality repairs.
• Complete required safety inspections and repair sign-offs before releasing vehicles.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant workspace following all standards.
• Log labor hours, parts used, and completed work in the maintenance system.
• Notify leadership of unsafe conditions or vehicle abuse immediately.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs when needed.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and integrity in every task.

Skills

Diagnostic equipment usage

Diesel & gas systems troubleshooting

English communication

Teamwork & safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ASE Certification desirable

Tools

Diesel technician hand tools

Job description

As a Fleet Technician I supporting our school bus fleet, you’ll handle advanced diagnostics, inspections, and repairs on Summits Fleet of vehicles so routes leave safe and on time. You’ll work across yellow-bus systems—preventive maintenance, DOT/state inspections and DVIR readiness, air/hydraulic braking, steering/suspension, electrical/charging, HVAC, drivetrains/transmissions, and engine performance—while modeling craftsmanship, safety, and uptime. You’ll work with the Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor to identify and complete repairs.

$39.00 per hour

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.
• Other duties as assigned.

$39.00 per hour

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years medium/heavy truck fleet mechanic repair experience.
• Experience must be verifiable via prior employer or acceptable documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, or equivalent).
• Knowledgeable in the use of 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.
• Ability to use good judgment and sound 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 desirable but not required.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

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. 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.

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.

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 individual qualifications, 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.