What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Bus Mobile Alignment Mechanic position at Dean Transportation?
Description
School Bus Mobile Alignment Mechanic
This posting is for positions that require travel throughout the state. Therefore, we are ideally seeking candidates who reside in the Mid-Michigan area to effectively support travel to our various locations.
Keep Our Buses Running. Keep Our Students Moving.
The Mobile Alignment Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and performing wheel alignments on fleet vehicles at company facilities and/or field locations. This position supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective fleet operations by identifying steering, suspension, tire, axle, and alignment-related concerns; completing repairs; and documenting work accurately. The role requires strong mechanical ability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while traveling between locations.
Specific Requirements
School Bus Mobile Alignment Mechanic
This posting is for positions that require travel throughout the state. Therefore, we are ideally seeking candidates who reside in the Mid-Michigan area to effectively support travel to our various locations.
Keep Our Buses Running. Keep Our Students Moving.
- Benefits packages are available to eligible employees. Employer contribution levels vary based on established qualifying factors.
- A 401(k)-retirement plan is available after completion of one (1) year of service, contingent upon satisfying all other eligibility requirements.
- Employees play a vital role in contributing to a positive and meaningful experience for students/passengers every day.
The Mobile Alignment Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and performing wheel alignments on fleet vehicles at company facilities and/or field locations. This position supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective fleet operations by identifying steering, suspension, tire, axle, and alignment-related concerns; completing repairs; and documenting work accurately. The role requires strong mechanical ability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while traveling between locations.
Specific Requirements
- Meet all general qualifications for employment.
- Can obtain/maintain State and/or ASE requirements for appropriate mechanic licensing.
- Meet State and/or Federal physical examination requirements.
- Pass drug and alcohol screening as established by Company, State and Federal requirements.
- Meet Company, State, and School District standards (where applicable) for criminal history check.
- Travels to assigned company locations to perform mobile wheel alignments, inspections, diagnostics, and related repairs on fleet vehicles.
- Inspect tires, wheels, steering, suspension, axles, bushings, tie rods, bearings, shocks, springs, and related components to identify wear, damage, or alignment concerns.
- Performs vehicle alignments using appropriate alignment equipment and manufacturer specifications.
- Diagnoses and resolves tire wear patterns, vehicle tracking issues, steering wheel centering concerns, vibration complaints, and other wheel alignment-related conditions.
- Makes necessary adjustments and repairs or recommends additional corrective actions when issues extend beyond alignment adjustments.
- Completes road tests or operational checks when appropriate to verify repair quality and vehicle performance.
- Accurately documents inspections, repair findings, labor, parts used, alignment measurements on a work order and recommendations in the fleet maintenance system.
- Communicates professionally with shop leadership, fleet managers, mechanics, drivers, and other team members regarding vehicle condition and repair needs.
- Schedules site visits with facilities and documents schedule in a shared calendar.
- Maintains company assigned tools, mobile equipment, service vehicle, and alignment equipment in safe, clean, and working conditions.
- Follows all company safety procedures, OSHA requirements, DOT-related safety expectations, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Supports preventive maintenance efforts by identifying conditions that could affect tire life, vehicle handling, safety, or long-term operating cost.
- Performs other duties asassigned.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Experience in performing vehicle alignments, suspension repairs, steering system repairs, tire inspections, or heavy-duty fleet maintenance.
- Strong understanding of steering, suspension, axle, tire, and wheel-end components.
- Ability to use alignment equipment, hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and basic computer systems.
- Ability to read and understand work orders, service information, repair procedures, and manufacturer specifications.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work independently, manage travel between locations, and prioritize work based on operational needs.
- Strong communication, documentation, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with heavy-duty buses, trucks, or commercial fleet vehicles.
- Experience using computerized alignment systems, including Hunter or similar alignment equipment.
- State mechanic certification or ASE certification, CDL, or other transportation-related credentials.
- Diesel, brake, suspension, tire, or preventive maintenance experience.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, reach, climb, and work around vehicles for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier items with assistance or appropriate equipment.
- Ability to work in shop, yard, and field environments with exposure to weather, noise, dust, grease, vehicle fluids, and moving equipment.
- Ability to safely operate a service vehicle and travel to multiple work locations as needed.