School Bus Fleet Diesel Powertrain Specialist

Torrey Holistics; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Torrey Holistics in Kankakee, IL is seeking a skilled bus maintenance technician to keep a fleet safe and on time. The role covers inspections, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance on gasoline and diesel school buses, with opportunities to perform engine, transmission, and system overhauls.

You will service brakes, air compressors, fuel/ignition, HVAC, and wheelchair lifts, maintain A/C units, and support DOT inspections.

Qualifications

• Experience with medium-duty school buses.
• Familiarity with IDOT inspection standards.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and repairs.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and triage bus service and repairs.
• Diagnose mechanical issues and plan preventive maintenance.
• Repair engine and transmission from minor to major overhauls.
• Service brakes, air compressors, fuel/ignition systems, HVAC, wheelchair lifts.
• Maintain and repair A/C units and support DOT inspections and repairs.
• Document work with time and materials.

Skills

Bus maintenance

Truck/Bus experience

Tools full set

Pupil transport rules

CDL B with air brake

AC certification

Electrical systems

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Air brake tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Make Every Route Run RightStep into a day where you keep a community moving. Based in Kankakee, IL, you’ll open the shop on a Monday–Friday, first-shift schedule and take ownership of a bus fleet that relies on your skill and care. From quick turn maintenance to full system overhauls, your craftsmanship keeps students safe and on time.What your day looks likeStart with inspections, triaging a mix of gasoline and diesel school buses for routine service and urgent repairs.Diagnose mechanical concerns and execute a preventive maintenance plan that prevents downtime.Perform engine and transmission work — from minor fixes to major overhauls.Service brakes, air compressors, fuel/ignition systems, HVAC, and wheelchair lifts.Maintain and repair vehicle A/C units; support compliance through DOT inspections and repairs.Document all work precisely, tracking time and materials.What you’ll bringHands-on medium-duty bus background; International Truck/Bus experience preferred.Your own complete tool set.Working knowledge of pupil transportation regulations, including IDOT inspection standards.CDL Class B with air brake endorsement preferred.A/C Certification preferred.Clear, professional communication with internal teams and outside partners.Calm under pressure, deadline-driven, and customer-service oriented.Self-directed; able to take a job from intake to quality finish.Technical strengthsElectrical Systems Diagnostics & RepairEngine Performance & DrivabilityDiesel Engine SystemsSuspension and SteeringElectrical / Electronic SystemsLight Vehicle Diesel EnginesCompensation$30–$40 per hour, commensurate with experience.Location & ScheduleKankakee, IL | First shift, Monday–FridayLegal and physical requirementsInserted verbatim from the job posting:Physical Requirements:Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance as attendance is an essential function of the positionMust be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephoneMust be able to lift and carry 50 lbs