Diesel Technician 2

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician II for our shop serving Yonkers Public Schools, Mount Vernon City School District, City School District of New Rochelle, and New York City Public Schools in Yonkers, New York!

Hours/Schedule: Monday–Friday, full-time second shift, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
Union: TWU Local 100

If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. Our team keeps students safe and on time every day—because behind every bus is a skilled mechanic who ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind for families across our community.

While First Student is North America’s leading school transportation provider—serving more than 1,250 districts and 5.4 million student journeys daily—our focus here in the greater Yonkers area is local. You’ll join a close-knit team that values collaboration, safety, and community connection.

Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic?

Pay Details: Pay is established by the TWU Local 100 union contract.

Hourly Rate: $33.86 per hour — not flat rate.

• Monday–Friday second-shift schedule with consistent, year-round work.
• $700 annual tool allowance.
• $200 annual boot allowance.
• $200 safety bonus.
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials.
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing.
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into maintenance, operational, management, and leadership roles across more than 540 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Annual allowance for prescription safety glasses.
• Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, electronics, appliances, and more through the PerkSpot program.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling and support services for personal and work-related matters.
• Union representation through TWU Local 100.

About the Diesel Technician Position

As a Diesel Technician II with First Student, you will perform preventative maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, and repair work on school buses, vans, and other fleet vehicles.

You will work independently on routine repairs while partnering with senior technicians and maintenance leadership on more complex mechanical issues. Your work will directly support the safety, reliability, and daily availability of the fleet serving students throughout the community.

Diesel Technician Key Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and safe for our passengers.
• Diagnose and perform repairs on school buses, vans, and related fleet equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance, safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections.
• Repair brakes, suspensions, drivetrains, transmission clutches, electrical systems, and other vehicle components.
• Replace belts, hoses, batteries, filters, fluids, lights, fuses, lenses, and wiper blades.
• Inspect vehicles and identify mechanical, safety, and compliance concerns.
• Complete work orders accurately and document all labor, parts, and supplies used.
• Evaluate completed work before releasing vehicles back into service.
• Notify supervisors of potentially unsafe equipment and corrective action taken.
• Assist senior technicians with complex repairs and diagnostic work when needed.
• Support and guide less-experienced technicians during routine maintenance and repairs.
• Move vehicles safely between work and service areas.
• Assist with road calls and mobile emergency repair services when needed.
• Maintain an organized shop and clean work environment.
• Follow all First Student safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Diesel Technician Qualifications

• At least three years of automotive or diesel maintenance and repair experience, or an equivalent combination of technical education and hands-on experience.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Vocational or technical certification in automotive or diesel repair preferred.
• Strong vehicle diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, and mechanical repairs.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement preferred.
• Ability to obtain a CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement within three months of employment; company-paid training is provided.
• ASE certification preferred.
• Willingness to participate in First Student’s ASE certification program.
• Possession of a mechanic’s tool set sufficient to perform all assigned duties.
• Strong computer skills and ability to complete electronic work orders.
• Good customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and full attendance.
• Commitment to maintaining safe and reliable vehicles for our customers.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a maintenance shop environment with dust, dirt, and grease.
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in crouched, kneeling, standing, and lying positions.
• Ability to work beneath vehicles while using a mechanic’s creeper.

Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying consistent hours, strong union benefits, competitive pay, and unmatched career support.

First Student is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.