What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bus Fleet Maintenance Technician — Diesel, HVAC & Lift Systems position at LAUNCH?
Keep students moving. Keep standards high.
Every safe, on-time route starts with a technician who cares. In Kankakee, IL, you’ll own the reliability of a school bus fleet on a steady Monday–Friday, first-shift schedule — diagnosing, repairing, and documenting work that directly impacts passenger safety.
Your mission
Be the expert who can pivot from a drivability complaint to an HVAC fault, then finish the day validating a DOT inspection repair. You’ll combine hands-on skill with regulatory know-how to keep buses compliant and ready.
Impact you’ll make
- Deliver end-to-end service on diesel and gasoline buses: routine maintenance through full vehicle service.
- Diagnose issues methodically and run a proactive preventive maintenance schedule.
- Execute engine and transmission work, from minor fixes to full overhauls.
- Repair and maintain brakes, air compressors, fuel/ignition, HVAC, and wheelchair lift systems.
- Service vehicle A/C units; perform repairs and inspections to meet DOT requirements.
- Keep accurate records of time and materials for every job.
What sets you up for success
- Experience with medium-duty buses; International Truck/Bus preferred.
- Personal, professional-grade tool set on day one.
- Fluency in pupil transportation codes and IDOT inspections.
- CDL Class B with air brake endorsement preferred.
- A/C Certification preferred.
- Excellent communicator who partners well with internal teams and external customers.
- Calm under deadlines; service-minded and reliable.
- Self-starter who completes assignments independently.
Technical toolkit
- Electrical Systems Diagnostics & Repair
- Engine Performance & Drivability
- Diesel Engine Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical / Electronic Systems
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
Pay
$30–$40 per hour, depending on experience.
Physical requirements (provided verbatim)
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance as attendance is an essential function of the position
- Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
Salary : $30 - $38