Demo

Mechanic I

Ben Franklin Transit
Ben Franklin Transit Salary
Richland, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/26/2026
Salary

Position Range: $37.53 - $42.24

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!

  • We may be hiring up to five positions for this role.*

OUR MISSION

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES

We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION

Perform skilled mechanical work to diagnose, maintain, repair, service, and inspect transit vehicles and related equipment; assist Mechanic II in more difficult mechanical work.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

  • Perform minor repair, inspection, and lubrication of transit vehicles, such as buses, trolleys, vans, and support vehicles.
  • Remove, repair, and install component parts of vehicles per manufacturer specifications.
  • Conduct safety and preventative maintenance inspections as required by applicable Federal, State, and Agency guidelines.
  • Troubleshoot systems to locate causes of problems.
  • Locate and repair minor air leaks, short circuits and water leaks.
  • Perform full brake lining replacement including wheel bearing replacement.
  • Remove, repair, or replace vehicle tires as needed.
  • Perform pressure tests of cooling systems.
  • Test battery condition and voltage output.
  • Maintain and install lighting circuits, alarms, safety circuits, interlocks, ignition systems, environmental systems, and related components.
  • Inspect fare box vaults to ensure proper functioning; make repairs and/or replace when necessary.
  • Perform maintenance on destination signs.
  • May perform necessary service and minor repairs on road calls.
  • Prepare accurate records of each repair performed on vehicles.
  • Maintain cleanliness in the shop.
  • Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Operation and basic techniques of materials, tools and methods used in the diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and servicing of diesel and gasoline vehicles and related equipment.
  • Operation and basic theory of cooling, heating, fuel, ignition, hydraulic/air, electrical, automatic transmission, and brake systems.
  • Operate shop equipment and other tools necessary to maintain and diagnose vehicle problems.
  • Understand and apply industrial safety rules, regulations, and procedures as applied to a transit maintenance facility.
  • Operate a variety of equipment, i.e. forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.
  • Effectively read, understand, and use technical information found in repair manuals, service change bulletin, and applicable technical documents, including parts and supply manuals.
  • Keep legible and accurate records.
  • Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
  • Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
  • Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
  • Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
  • Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

Other Characteristics

  • Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
  • Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
  • Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
  • Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
  • Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
  • Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
  • Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and two years of experience in mechanical work on diesel and gasoline powered equipment. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements

  • Must have a complete set of hand tools.
  • Must obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications:
  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B with passenger endorsements and no air brake restrictions, and corresponding medical certification, or ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.
  • First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.
  • Forklift Certification, or the ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Five years of experience in mechanical work on diesel and gasoline powered equipment and/or ASE Certified.

Physical Requirements

Frequently stands and walks for prolonged periods on concrete surfaces; lifting and carrying parts, tools, and equipment; pushing/pulling or forcibly moving heavy parts and equipment. Continuous use of both hands in reaching, handling, grasping, and fingering while performing duties operating/working on various vehicles, equipment, and machinery. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders, and inclines while maintaining balance. Continuously bends/twists at knees, waist, neck, and wrists while performing mechanical repairs and maintenance items. Occasionally kneels, crouches, and crawls while making repairs in an awkward position. May work at heights alone or with others. Continuously moves, sits, or stands for excessive periods of time. Visual acuity to inspect and operate vehicles. Frequent use of foot controls to depress pedals. Occasionally lift, push/pull, or carry up to 50 pounds. On rare occasions, may be required to lift heavier weight with assistance of others or mechanical devices, up to 100 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Performed in both a shop environment and outside in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Exposed daily to a dry atmosphere, constant loud noises and vibrations, dust, silica, fumes, smoke, gases, grease, oils, and toxic and/or caustic solvents and chemicals; exposure to electrical energy. Occasionally subjected to excessive humidity. May be exposed to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens. Operate motor vehicles and equipment. Must be available to work up to six days a week (Monday-Saturday), including weekends during all hours of operation.

If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that's going places!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT’s policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a drug-free workplace.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure worker fitness for duty and to protect our employees, passengers, and the public from the risks posed by the use of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

Participation in BFT’s zero tolerance drug-free workplace policy is a condition of employment.

Salary : $38 - $42

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