The Transportation Mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing the school district’s fleet of buses and support vehicles to ensure their safe and reliable operation. The mechanic ensures compliance with State of Michigan and Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, as well as Michigan State Police (MSP) annual bus inspection requirements. The mechanic must hold the appropriate credentials to transport empty school buses for maintenance or mechanical purposes, in order to assist with bus transfers, preventive repairs, and emergency response support within qualification levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Additional duties assigned as needed.

Perform manufacturer-recommended vehicle preventive maintenance (e.g., lubrication, battery testing, replacing bulbs, etc.) and meet all regulatory requirements.
Schedule and execute repairs in a cost-efficient and effective manner; coordinate with vendor partners for specialized maintenance.
Conduct random inspections of vehicles, including checking fluids, belts, wipers, tire pressure, and general interior/exterior conditions.
Prepare district vehicles for annual Michigan State Police bus inspections and promptly address inspection findings.
Install vehicle components, parts, and accessories (e.g., bus seats, wheelchair tie-downs, restraint systems).
Perform minor cosmetic body work and welding (e.g., MIG welding of bus floor cross members) as needed for safety and appearance standards.
Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic issues; replace defective parts as required.
Maintain accurate service and repair records as required by state and federal law.
Provide emergency roadside repair assistance for disabled vehicles.
Assist in fuel, oil, coolant, and parts inventory management.
Maintain shop equipment and tools in safe working order.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with MIOSHA, Federal, State, and local guidelines.
Be available outside normal working hours to provide support in the event of accidents, incidents, or emergency situations involving district vehicles.
Monitor road and weather conditions and advise school administration regarding student transportation safety.
Work cooperatively with transportation staff and provide technical guidance to drivers regarding vehicle operation and safety.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or Director of Transportation.

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED required

One (1) to three (3) years of medium/heavy fleet mechanic repair experience or completion of an apprenticeship-training program required.
High School Diploma or GED required. Two-year Fleet Diesel Technician certificate from an accredited college or technical school preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, certifications and experience.
Valid Michigan Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with school bus endorsement and airbrake certification (or ability to obtain within 120 days), required solely for transporting empty school buses for maintenance or mechanical purposes.
Must pass criminal justice fingerprint/background clearance.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Technical knowledge of major vehicle systems, diesel equipment, and standard diagnostic tools.
Experience with MIG welding preferred.
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with staff, students, and families.
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to read and interpret rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to operate standard office equipment.
Commitment to student safety and confidentiality.
Positive attitude, reliability, and excellent attendance record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and use hands and fingers for tool operation.
Frequently lift and/or move up to 50–75 pounds of materials such as bus parts and chemical containers.
Requires continuous hand strength to grasp tools and operate mechanical systems.
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work performed in a transportation garage and outdoor settings.
Exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, petroleum products, degreasers, gases, and fumes.
Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, with moderate to loud noise levels.
Risk of injury or illness associated with working around heavy equipment and moving vehicles.

REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor/Director of Finance & Operations

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: As needed

SALARY: Full-time, 12-month/260-day position, eight (8) hours per day. Wages, benefits, and work year established by the Board of Education.

For questions concerning this position, contact:

Amy Christman, achristman@alleganps.org
Allegan Public School

Allegan Public Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, political belief, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected characteristic - in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent, 550 Fifth St, Allegan, MI 49010 or by phone at (269) 673-5431.