Senior School Bus Technician

Chesterfield County; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms

Tool allowance

Technical training

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Chesterfield County in Virginia seeks a Journeyman Automotive Technician specializing in heavy-duty trucks. The role requires expertise in maintenance, repair, and computerized diagnosis of medium-heavy truck faults, with preferred ASE certifications.

Duties include complex engine, transmission, and rolling stock work, plus extensive use of diagnostic tools and manuals. The position involves inspections, road tests, and maintaining detailed repair records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3–5 years of experience maintaining, repairing, and diagnosing medium-heavy truck faults at journeyman level.
• Or an associate degree in automotive technology plus 3 years of hands-on automotive experience.
• Substitutions for experience allowed via accredited automotive trade school or apprenticeship; ASE certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose bus problems and plan work procedures using diagnostic tools and manuals.
• Perform state safety inspections and road tests; maintain repair history and work orders.
• Repair diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical/electronic systems, and powertrain components.
• Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment and tools; read technical manuals and schematics.

Skills

Truck maintenance

Diagnostics

Diesel engines

Tool usage

Education

Associate degree in automotive technology

ASE certifications

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Maintenance software

Hand tools

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED, and three to five 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 three 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. Current Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications are preferred. A senior school bus technician must possess advanced working knowledge of the fundamental operation of internal combustion engines; principles of electricity, electronics, computer systems, sensor and actuator operation, control applications such as engine and emission controls, dashboard instrumentation, climate control, door/window locking and alarm systems; mobile air conditioning systems, anti‑lock brake and traction control systems, and wheelchair lift and restraint systems. Ability to perform complex work to include, but not limited to, engine replacement, transmission replacement, king pin and steering repair, turbo charger replacement and fuel tank replacement. Ability to diagnosis equipment for proper operation using various high‑technology diagnostic tools and test equipment, operational tests, and/or road tests; to use and maintain hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and machine tools used in all phases of automotive repair and maintenance; to read, interpret and apply information from technical manuals, service manuals (including electronic services manuals), schematic diagrams, diagnostic aids, flow charts, and graphs; to use a maintenance management computer system to look up vehicle repair history and enter work order information; to perform physically demanding work including, but not limited to, walking up and down stairs, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety. Must have knowledge of the standard practices, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED, and three to five 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 three 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. Current Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications are preferred. A senior school bus technician must possess advanced working knowledge of the fundamental operation of internal combustion engines; principles of electricity, electronics, computer systems, sensor and actuator operation, control applications such as engine and emission controls, dashboard instrumentation, climate control, door/window locking and alarm systems; mobile air conditioning systems, anti‑lock brake and traction control systems, and wheelchair lift and restraint systems. Ability to perform complex work to include, but not limited to, engine replacement, transmission replacement, king pin and steering repair, turbo charger replacement and fuel tank replacement. Ability to diagnosis equipment for proper operation using various high‑technology diagnostic tools and test equipment, operational tests, and/or road tests; to use and maintain hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and machine tools used in all phases of automotive repair and maintenance; to read, interpret and apply information from technical manuals, service manuals (including electronic services manuals), schematic diagrams, diagnostic aids, flow charts, and graphs; to use a maintenance management computer system to look up vehicle repair history and enter work order information; to perform physically demanding work including, but not limited to, walking up and down stairs, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety. Must have knowledge of the standard practices, 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.

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The 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.

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.

Duties

Work is under the general supervision of the Automotive Maintenance Supervisor. Examines vehicles 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, including 45‑day inspections, conducts road service calls, tests vehicles, and 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. Perform complex work, including engine replacement, transmission replacement, king pin and steering repair, turbo charger replacement, fuel tank replacement and major engine repairs. Perform other work as required. Conditions may include occasional work in adverse weather conditions and/or extreme temperatures.

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.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Uniforms, quarterly tool allowance, and technical training are provided.

PLEASE NOTE: Position open until filled (first review to begin November 9, 2026).

Shift

Monday - Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; rotating on‑call after hours required (evenings and weekends).

Work Location

General Services

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion