Tech in Charge / Diesel Shop Foreman

First Student, Inc.; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 4,624,499 - 6,586,408; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASE training

CDL training

Tool allowance

Boot allowance

Medical benefits

401(k)

Job summary

First Student in Fitchburg, MA is seeking a Lead Diesel Technician to manage a shop team and oversee preventive-maintenance programs for school buses. You will diagnose complex vehicle issues, perform road tests, and mentor technicians to uphold safety and reliability.

The role offers a Monday–Friday day shift, competitive hourly pay of $40.69/hr, and company-paid training. Strong benefits, safety focus, and opportunities for career advancement across 540+ locations.

Qualifications

• Five years of diesel or automotive maintenance experience or relevant technical school education.
• Lead technician, supervisor, or maintenance manager experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL optional with company training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs.
• Perform road tests when needed.
• Maintain knowledge of engines, emissions, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical and HVAC systems.
• Supervise shop technicians and conduct daily huddles, training and evaluations.
• Assist with hiring decisions and manage inventory/expenses within scope.
• Schedule fleet maintenance and ensure timely completion.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Diesel maintenance

Leadership

Diagnostics

Computer skills

Education

Technical-school education

Tools

Tool set

Job description

Lead Diesel Technician - Fitchburg, MA

First Student is now hiring a Lead Diesel Technician for our shop serving the Fitchburg, MA district.

Location: Fitchburg, MA
Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time day shift
Hourly Wage: $40.69 per hour wage

As a Lead Diesel Technician, you will help ensure every vehicle operates safely, efficiently, and reliably-keeping students and communities moving with confidence.

Why join First Student as a Lead Diesel Technician?

• $40.69 per hour wage.
• Monday-Friday day shift with consistent, year-round work
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing
• Tool and boot allowance
• Career advancement opportunities into maintenance, operations, management, and leadership roles across more than 540 locations in the United States and Canada
• Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Prescription safety-glasses allowance
• State-of-the-art training programs
• Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through the PerkSpot program
• Employee Assistance Program offering counseling and support for personal and work-related concerns

About the Lead Diesel Technician Position

As a Lead Diesel Technician at First Student, you will support the shop's preventive-maintenance program, help develop technicians, and promote safe, efficient maintenance practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs
• Perform road tests when needed
• Maintain advanced knowledge of engines, emissions systems, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical systems, and HVAC systems
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities
• Supervise shop technicians and conduct daily huddles, training, and performance evaluations
• Assist with hiring decisions
• Manage inventory control and approve expenses within the scope of the position
• Schedule fleet maintenance and help ensure work is completed on time
• Conduct inspections and monitor shop and technician performance
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, company, and safety requirements
• Communicate with management regarding fleet status, budgets, and special projects
• Participate in the ASE certification program
• Perform hands-on maintenance and repair work as needed

Lead Diesel Technician Qualifications

• At least five years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair experience, or relevant technical-school education
• Previous experience as a lead technician, supervisor, or maintenance manager is preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• Willingness to obtain a CDL while employed; company-paid training is provided
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to provide a mechanic's tool set
• ASE certifications preferred

This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive role. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Take the wheel and move your career forward with First Student. Join a team where your leadership and technical expertise will directly support safe, reliable transportation for the Fitchburg community.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.