Mechanic Assistant

Portlandk12; Portland (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public School Employees retirement

Paid time off

Annual raises

Job summary

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Mechanic Assistant to support the Transportation team. The role emphasizes hands-on training, repairs and maintenance of school vehicles, and potential to drive routes as needed.

Successful candidates will work closely with the District Head Mechanic, pursue required Michigan certifications, and contribute to a safe, organized garage and efficient transportation operations.

Qualifications

• CDL Type B.P.S within 30 days or obtain after hire.
• Good driving record.
• Knowledge of vehicle repairs and maintenance; strong base in core standards.
• Ability to stand, sit, or walk long periods.
• Lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Work inside and outside; climb, move around parts.
• Develop and sustain positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and colleagues.
• Obtain Michigan MV mechanic trainee permit within 30 days.
• Obtain Michigan MV mechanic certificate with Master HD endorsement within one year.

Responsibilities

• Assist the mechanic with repairs and maintenance of school vehicles.
• Repair bus seats.
• Maintain a clean, well-organized garage.
• Use school vehicle to pick up parts.
• Assist with snow removal.
• Assist with grounds and maintenance duties as needed.
• Drive a bus route or trip as needed.
• Clean Transportation facility and provide light maintenance.
• Perform minor repairs or adjustments to buses.
• Train under the District Head Mechanic to earn Mechanic Certifications.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Diesel knowledge/training

Certifications pursuit

Substitute bus driving

Education

CDL Type B.P.S within 30 days

Motor Vehicle Mechanic Trainee Permit (MI)

Motor Vehicle Mechanic Certificate with Master HD endorsement

Job description

Portland Public Schools: Mechanic Assistant, Transportation

Portland Public Schools is welcoming applicants for a Mechanic Assistant vacancy.

Portland Public Schools’ seeks an innovative and passionate candidate, who is willing to learn and train through hands-on training to join our transportation team to continue the forward progress of our district.

Desired Candidate Attributes

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem solving skills
• Understanding of, or demonstrated training in, diesel vehicles
• Impeccable character, a good sense of humor, a self motivator and compassion for students, families, and staff
• Possess or willingness to earn mechanic certifications
• Willingness to also serve as a substitute bus driver, as needed.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Valid or obtain CDL Type B.P.S. within 30 days
• Good driving record
• Knowledge of vehicle repairs and maintenanceStrong base in the subject area content, common core standards
• Ability to stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift or move up to 100 pounds
• Ability to work inside and outside
• Ability to climb, move over and under, and twist as needed to change and repair parts.
• Ability to develop and sustain positive working relationships with students, staff, parents, and district colleagues
• Valid or obtain a Motor Vehicle Mechanic Trainee Permit from the State of Michigan within 30 days
• Valid or obtain a Motor Vehicle Mechanic Certificate from the State of Michigan with a Master Heavy Duty Mechanic endorsement within one year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the mechanic with repairs and maintenance of school vehicles
• Repair bus seats
• Maintaining a clean well organized garage
• Use school vehicle to pick up parts
• Assist with snow removal
• Assist with grounds and maintenance duties as needed
• Drive a bus route or trip as needed
• Clean Transportation facility and provide light maintenance
• Perform minor repairs or adjustments to bus
• Train under the support of the District Head Mechanic to earn Mechanic Certifications

Position Details

• Title: Mechanic Assistant
• Reports to: Director of Operations
• Calendar: Year round employment: 5 days a week, Monday-Friday
• Compensation: In accordance with the Transportation contract. Benefits include: Public School Employees retirement plan, Paid time off: vacation, sick, and holiday time, and yearly raises.
• Posting date: November 4, 2026
• Application deadline: November 20, 2026

No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.