School Bus Technician

Chesterfield County; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms

Quarterly tool allowance

Technical training provided

Job summary

Chesterfield County in Virginia seeks a Motor Vehicle Technician responsible for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics of medium-heavy school buses. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and 2–3 years of related experience, or an associate degree in automotive technology with two years hands-on work.

A trainee rate is offered during ramp-up. Candidates must provide their own tools and obtain a Virginia State Inspection Certificate, a CDL, and EPA 609 certification within nine months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2–3 years in maintenance and repair of medium-heavy truck faults.
• Or an associate degree in automotive technology with two years hands-on experience.
• Equivalents including automotive trade school or apprenticeship may substitute for two years.
• ASE certification preferred; must have or obtain Virginia CDL and DMV Certificate within nine months.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose bus problems and plan repair procedures.
• Use charts, manuals, and high-tech diagnostic equipment.
• Perform state safety inspections and road service calls.
• Complete preventive maintenance and repair diesel engines, powertrain, and related systems.
• Maintain records and comply with pre-employment and safety checks.
• On-call duties; designated essential staff during adverse conditions.

Skills

Maintenance and repair

Diesel engines

Automotive diagnostics

ASE certification preferred

CDL (within nine months)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in automotive technology

Automotive trade school or apprenticeship

Equivalent training and experience

Tools

Automotive tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

High school diploma or GED and two to three years of experience in the maintenance, repair, and computerized diagnosis of medium-heavy truck faults at a journeyman technician rating; or an associate degree in automotive technology from an accredited college plus two years of hands- on automotive experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduation from an accredited automotive trade school or apprenticeship program may be substituted for two years of experience. A Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification preferred. Must have knowledge of the standard practice, methods, materials, and tools used in the repair of school buses. Must be familiar with the design, operation and repair of heavy-duty diesel engines and diesel equipment. Ability to lift items up to 50 pounds; ability to stand for prolonged periods. Applicants with lesser experience may be considered at a trainee rate of $50,644. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicant must provide his/her own tools. Must possess or be able to obtain a Virginia State Inspection Certificate, a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and an EPA-Approved Section 609 Refrigerant and Recovery Certification within nine months of employment. Current Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications preferred.

Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

This position is a federally regulated DOT position and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.

Work under the general supervision of the Automotive Maintenance Supervisor. Examines vehicle and communicates the nature and extent of damage or malfunction. Diagnose bus problems and plan work procedures. Use charts, technical manuals, and high tech computerized diagnostic equipment to identify and fix problems. Performs state safety inspections, conduct road service calls, test drive vehicles, prepares and maintains records and reports concerning repairs of equipment. Performs daily and monthly preventive maintenance and repair of diesel engine school buses to ensure compliance with state and federal safety guidelines and regulations. Repair tasks include, but are not limited to diesel engine, fuel, electrical/electronic, power train, suspension, air brakes, steering, heating/cooling, and exhaust systems. Other duties include repair and replacement of school bus lighting systems, wheelchair lift equipment, tire service, and seat repairs. Conditions may include occasional work in adverse weather conditions and/or extreme temperatures. Perform other work as required. On-call hours required. Considered Designated/Essential Staff during adverse weather or emergency events.

PLEASE NOTE: Position open until filled (first review to begin November 16, 2026).

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Uniforms, quarterly tool allowance and technical training provided.

This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications and experience.

Various shifts:

• Monday - Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Monday -Thursday; 12:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• General Services