Technician

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing preventive maintenance, diagnostics, inspections, and repairs on motorcoach, school bus, shuttle, and support vehicles to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant fleet operations. Technicians perform work commensurate with their skill level and experience, ranging from routine maintenance and inspections to advanced troubleshooting, major component repairs, and technical leadership. This position supports fleet availability by maintaining vehicles in accordance with company standards, manufacturer specifications, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Maintenance Technicians work collaboratively with Operations, Safety, and Maintenance leadership to minimize vehicle downtime, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide safe transportation services. As technicians progress through Levels I, II, III, and Master Technician, they assume increasing responsibility for complex diagnostics, mentoring junior technicians, quality control, and technical expertise within the maintenance department.

Level Differentiation

Maintenance Technician I

·      Performs routine preventive maintenance, inspections, fluid services, tire repairs, and basic component replacements under supervision.

·      Assists senior technicians with repairs and diagnostics.

·      Develops technical skills and knowledge of fleet maintenance procedures.

Maintenance Technician II

·      Performs preventive maintenance and intermediate repairs with limited supervision.

·      Diagnoses and repairs brake systems, HVAC systems, electrical components, suspension systems, and other vehicle systems.

·      Completes assigned repairs independently and supports troubleshooting efforts.

Maintenance Technician III

·      Performs advanced diagnostics and repairs on diesel engines, transmissions, electrical systems, multiplex systems, and other major vehicle components.

·      Serves as a technical resource for lower-level technicians.

·      Assists with training, quality assurance, and complex troubleshooting.

Master Technician

·      Recognized as the highest technical level within the maintenance organization.

·      Performs expert-level diagnostics, root cause analysis, and major component overhauls.

·      Provides mentorship, technical leadership, and guidance to all technician levels.

·      Assists management with training programs, maintenance best practices, quality control initiatives, and fleet reliability improvements.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining fleet safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness while supporting the organization's commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintenance Technician I:

·      PM Execution: Performs assigned PM tasks (fluids, filters, basic inspections, lubrication, tire checks/rotation when applicable).

·      Safety (LOTO): Follows Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures and shop safety standards; participates in daily safety routines.

·      Housekeeping & Environmental: Maintains clean work area; handles fluids/batteries/filters per EPA and site procedures.

·      Documentation: Records labor, findings, and parts usage in MIS SYSTEM with accurate notes and required inspection fields.

·      Learning & Development: Completes assigned onboarding training and shadowing; escalates issues beyond capability.

·      Basic hand tools appropriate for entry-level work (socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, torque wrench, etc.).

·      Company-required PPE and basic diagnostic access as provided (tablet, scanner access as assigned).

Maintenance Technician II:

·      Diagnostics: Troubleshoots and repairs brakes, suspension, steering, HVAC, basic electrical, and driveline components assigned.

·      Safety Leadership: Acts as a second-person verifier for LOTO when required; models safe work behaviors.

·      Mentorship: Coaches Level I technicians on PM quality, tooling, and safe work practices.

·      Communication: Coordinates professionally with dispatch/drivers and documents vehicle out-of-service conditions clearly.

·      EV/Hybrid locations (non-HV): Performs routine maintenance on non-high-voltage systems per OEM guidance; escalates HV work.

·      Comprehensive hand and power tools appropriate for intermediate repairs.

·      Digital multimeter (DVOM), Battery Testing and Charging, proficiency required; shop-provided diagnostic tools used appropriately.

Maintenance Technician III:

Key Responsibilities:

·      Advanced Diagnostics: Performs high-level troubleshooting (electrical, aftertreatment, drivability, multiplex, HVAC, steering/suspension root-cause).

·      Quality & Compliance: Ensures repairs meet DOT/FMCSR requirements; supports inspection readiness and audit responses.

·      Mentorship & Training: Leads on-the-job coaching; supports ASE study plans and preparation routines.

·      Safety & Risk: Enforces LOTO discipline; participates in incident reviews and corrective actions.

·      EV/Hybrid locations (HV-capable): Serves as the EV/HV technical lead after completing required HV qualification; leads safe isolation/verification steps; mentors others on EV safety boundaries.

Required Tooling:

·      Full professional-grade tool set, including advanced electrical/diagnostic tooling as required by the role.

·      High proficiency with diagnostic software, scan tools, and service information systems.

Maintenance Technician - Master:

Key Responsibilities:

·      Complex Repairs: Executes the highest-complexity diagnostics and repairs; provides final review on difficult repeat issues.

·      Inspection & Compliance: Supports or performs inspection programs (where applicable) and ensures FMCSR/DOT compliance readiness.

·      Training Leadership: Creates structured coaching plans for Level I–III technicians; supports ASE attainment and retention strategy.

·      Reliability Focus: Identifies chronic failure trends and proposes corrective actions (process, training, parts quality, vendor).

·      EV/Hybrid locations (HV authority): Serves as the site HV authority after qualification; validates safe work procedures; leads incident prevention and post-event reviews.

Required Tooling:

·      Complete master-level tool set including specialized diagnostic and electrical tools.

·      Demonstrated proficiency with advanced diagnostic platforms and OEM portals.

Qualifications:

Maintenance Technician I:

·      0–2 years of mechanical experience (including vocational or military experience).

·      High school diploma/GED; valid driver’s license.

·      CDL or CDL permit per location requirements (recommended within 180 days where applicable).

·      (Automotive & School Bus) recommended as an on-ramp credential.

·      At least 1 ASE certification required within 18 months of hire (aligned to the location’s designated series where possible).

·      EV/Hybrid locations: EV/Alt-Fuel Safety Awareness training required prior to working around EV/Hybrid assets.

Maintenance Technician II:

·      2–5 years of relevant experience (or demonstrated equivalent competency).

·      Ability to interpret service information, wiring diagrams, and repair procedures.

·      Can work independently on routine repairs with limited oversight.

·      Minimum of 3 ASE certifications required; must include Brakes certification in the designated location series (e.g., School Bus/Transit/Auto as applicable).

·      EV/Hybrid locations: Completion of EV safety fundamentals training is required prior to assisting in EV work areas.

Maintenance Technician III:

·      5–10 years of relevant experience (or demonstrated equivalent capability).

·      Eligible and qualified to perform inspections per 49 CFR 396.25 where required by the location.

·      Proven ability to diagnose independently and mentor effectively.

·      Minimum of 5 ASE certifications required, must include Brakes in the location’s designated series.

·      L1/L2 Advanced Diagnostics strongly preferred where fleet mix supports it.

·      EV/Hybrid locations: L3/L4 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist) strongly preferred; HV qualification required to perform HV work as the site lead.

Maintenance Technician - Master:

·      8 years of relevant experience (or demonstrated equivalent mastery).

·      Meets 49 CFR 396.25 qualification where inspections are performed.

·      Documented leadership behaviors (mentoring, training, safety leadership).

·      Master status in the designated location series required (e.g., School Bus Master, Transit Bus Master, Auto Master as applicable).

·      Advanced diagnostics credentials (L1/L2) preferred based on fleet.

·      EV/Hybrid locations: L3/L4 recommended; maintains HV qualification and required refresher cadence.