Mechanic (School Bus) - Houston R-1 School District

Position Title:  Mechanic (School Bus)

Payroll/Personnel Type: 12 Month

Reports to: Director of Transportation and/or Superintendent of Schools  

***Please be advised that the current organization of the position is a Director of Transportation and Mechanic position for one person. Consideration may be given to dividing up the director and mechanic duties/position.***

Position Summary:

The Mechanic independently performs and oversees vehicle maintenance and repairs of considerable difficulty on any of the District’s vehicles and buses. This person will examine, analyze and diagnose mechanical problems as well as implement or direct the repairs on all District vehicles and buses.   

Essential Functions:

• Maintain a current bus drivers license.
• Coach drivers on safe driving practices to ensure passenger safety and extend the life of the vehicles.
• Diagnose complex malfunctions independently
• Inspects assigned vehicles, buses and other district vehicles, (e.g. brake system, oil levels, coolant, tire pressure, wiper blades, fan belts, exterior and interior condition, etc.)
• Maintains vehicle inventory, tools and equipment, and cleanliness of shop.
• Track maintenance and repairs on all District vehicles and provide updates to leadership, as requested.
• Serve as back-up school bus driver, as requested.
• Diagnose, remove, and assemble body and chassis components from any vehicle; clean, inspect, rebuild, and assemble new or original parts; reinstall components and make necessary adjustments.
• Diagnose potential vehicle malfunctions (e.g. using computer diagnostic equipment) for the purpose of determining needed repairs and/or replacement.
• Inspect, clean, adjust, tighten, and / or repair minor items such as lights, bulbs, lenses, reflectors.
• Repair items such as kingpins, springs, shocks, leaf springs, spring pins.
• Perform tune-ups.
• Replace and repair brakes, steering repairs, electrical repairs, air conditioning, and heat repairs.
• Replace or repair minor body parts, floors, fenders, and dents.
• Service buses for maintenance.
• Perform minor repairs as requested on daily vehicle inspection reports in a timely fashion.
• Tire repairs; lube oil and filter changes; minor electrical repairs (bulbs, flashers, fuses); mirror replacement; minor road service; service fuels and fluids.
• Maintain maintenance and repair computer and paper records on vehicles as required.
• Performs tire work (e.g. changing, balancing) for the purpose of ensuring all buses and equipment are operating on safe tires.
• Responds to emergency situations during and outside regular work hours for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns, including emergency breakdowns and service, snow removal, general property maintenance, etc.
• Service buses and transportation equipment for the purpose of ensuring a qualified person is able to run the bus on the route.
• Substitute as a bus driver when needed for the purpose of ensuring qualified person is able to run the bus on a route.
• Train mechanic helpers for the purpose of helping them learn the correct and safe way to repair and maintain vehicles.
• Transport various items (e.g. tools, equipment, supplies) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required at the job site.
• Perform snow removal and general property maintenance, which may occur outside the regularly scheduled work hours.
• Assist in the starting of vehicles during winter months.
• Coordinates with Transportation Manager on warranty and recall services.
• Be “on call” outside of regular work hours as necessary for emergency breakdowns and service, as well as snow removal and general property maintenance.
• Inspect and repair vehicles prior to Registry of Motor Vehicle inspections.
• Maintain inventory of parts and supplies.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Director of Transportation, Superintendent of Schools, or local Board of Education. 

Requirements:

• Must have a current Missouri Driver’s License, with a clean driving record.
• Commercial Driver’s License - Class B (CDL-B), with with passenger & air brake endorsements, and Missouri School Bus Permit, required within 12 months of start date (TRAINING PROVIDED)
• State Vehicle Inspector Certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check. (DOT physical exam, drug test, and criminal justice fingerprint/background clearance)

Experience:

• Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility (preferred)

Education:

• High School Diploma (required)

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle
• Must be able to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
• Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree

Working Conditions and Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands including significant finger dexterity to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 pounds, such as student equipment and wheelchairs. The employee may occasionally physically assist students with disabilities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision, and close vision such as reading typewritten material. The noise level in the work environment can be low to moderate to loud. The employee may be required to interact with the public, parents and other staff. The employee may be responsible for the safety and well-being of students. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and some hazardous conditions.