Mechanic

Palmer Bus Service, Inc.; Waseca (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer Bus Service, Inc. is seeking a skilled Mechanic to diagnose, repair and maintain school buses and fleet vehicles. The role involves inspections, testing, DOT compliance, record-keeping and ensuring shop efficiency.

You will work on diesel engines, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, steering and hydraulics, with emphasis on safety and reliability. A valid Minnesota CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements is required, with ongoing training supported by the company.

Qualifications

• Possession of Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus and air brake endorsements.
• Strong technical knowledge and diagnostic abilities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and MNDOT inspection requirements.
• Ability to perform diesel engine troubleshooting and electrical/electronic repairs.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostics, repairs and maintenance on school buses and company vehicles.
• Inspect and test drive vehicles to verify performance.
• Maintain vehicle records and keep shop organized.
• Ensure DOT compliance and manage parts inventory.
• Communicate repairs to shop/site manager.

Skills

Strong diagnostic skills

Diesel engine troubleshooting

Electrical/electronic systems repair

Safety knowledge

Record keeping

Independent work

Job description

Job Purpose

The Mechanic is responsible for performing a wide range of diagnostics, repairs and maintenance on school buses and other company vehicles.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Determine vehicle condition by conducting inspections and diagnostic tests; identifying worn and damaged parts.
• Keep equipment DOT compliant by completing preventative maintenance scheduled, including, but not limited to; installing components, parts, or systems, such as, power and drive trains, electrical, fuel, exhaust system, braking, steering, hydraulics; air/hydraulic brakes; making adjustments and alignments including bearing loads, valve mechanisms, oil systems, control linkages, clutches, and traction units.
• Verify vehicle performance by conducting test drives and visual inspections.
• Maintain vehicle records by service and repair orders.
• Ensure all shop equipment is maintained and in good operating condition.
• Contain costs by using warranty; evaluating service and parts options.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of supplies, ensuring orders are placed and inventory is received.
• Maintain job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical and regulation publications.
• Enhance maintenance department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Keep shop clean and organized.
• Keep shop manager / site manager updated on repairs and maintenance.

Other Functions

• Attend meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the maintenance department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Strong technical knowledge acquired through education or work experience.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus and air brake endorsements. Must maintain once acquired
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of MNDOT inspection requirements.

Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Able to perform diesel engine troubleshooting, overhaul procedures and tune-up on both mechanical and electronic engines.
• Able to perform maintenance and repair on electrical and electronic systems, steering and suspension, air and hydraulic brake systems.
• Able to diagnose, repair and overhaul of clutch, transmission and drive axles.
• Able to adhere to all safety practices.
• Able to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Be reliable and capable of working independently.
• Strong diagnostic skills to identify service requirements.
• Be attentive to detail.
• Display tact and courtesy, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Able to communicate with diverse groups.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

• Usually work indoors. May occasionally repair buses on the road.
• Sometimes work with hazardous equipment, tools, situations, and conditions.
• Wear company issued uniform.
• Work inside various types of buses. Often test drive them before, during, and after repairs.
• Wear protective / safety gear as required.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.