Lead Mechanic

Position: Lead Mechanic
Location: Transportation Department / Bus Garage
Schedule: Full-Time Year-Round
Rate of Pay: Per Board Authorized Pay schedule
Reports To: Director of Transportation

Kenowa Hills Public Schools seeks an experienced organized and safety-focused professional to serve as Lead Mechanic for the districts Transportation Department. This position oversees daily maintenance operations and supports the safe reliable and efficient operation of the districts school bus fleet and transportation vehicles.

The ideal candidate will possess strong diagnostic and repair skills knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations leadership experience and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational or technical training in diesel automotive or heavy equipment repair preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in school bus diesel heavy truck or fleet maintenance
• Lead mechanic supervisory or shop coordination experience preferred
• Valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required or ability to obtain within a district-established timeline
• Ability to pass and maintain annual Department of Transportation (DOT) physical requirements
• Michigan School Bus Mechanic Certifications and/or experience related to:
  • Brake systems
  • Steering and suspension
  • Diesel and gas engines
  • Electrical and fuel systems
  • Preventative maintenance inspections
  • Heating air and hydraulic systems
  • Drive train and transmission systems
• ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications preferred
• Knowledge of Michigan pupil transportation regulations bus inspection requirements and preventative maintenance programs preferred
• Experience with inventory management purchasing shop safety and maintenance record systems
• Ability to supervise train and support mechanics and transportation staff
• Ability to prioritize tasks work independently and respond effectively to operational needs and emergencies
• Proficiency with transportation software diagnostic systems repair manuals and computerized maintenance tracking systems preferred
• Michigan School Bus Inspector Certification preferred or ability to obtain within a district-established timeline
• Basic welding and fabrication experience preferred

• Coordinate maintenance operations for the districts bus fleet vehicles and transportation equipment
• Perform advanced diagnostics repairs inspections and preventative maintenance
• Assist in developing and maintaining preventative maintenance schedules and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all local state federal and Michigan Department of Education transportation safety standards
• Prepare vehicles for required inspections and compliance reviews
• Maintain maintenance records repair histories inspection documentation and operating cost reports
• Supervise train and support mechanics and shop personnel
• Promote professionalism safety and positive communication within the department
• Assist in evaluating transportation shop personnel
• Maintain inventory of parts tools fuel equipment and supplies
• Assist with purchasing recommendations for vehicles equipment tools and repair parts
• Maintain a safe organized and efficient shop environment
• Respond to transportation emergencies breakdowns and urgent repair needs including outside regular work hours as needed
• Collaborate effectively with transportation staff administrators vendors and service providers
• Train staff on vehicle safety procedures and equipment operation
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand walk bend kneel crouch climb crawl twist and reach frequently
• Work underneath inside and around buses and district vehicles for extended periods
• Lift carry push and pull equipment and vehicle parts weighing up to 75 pounds
• Safely operate hand tools power tools hydraulic lifts jacks and diagnostic equipment
• Climb into buses under vehicles and onto ladders safely
• Perform repetitive hand and arm motions during repairs
• Operate district vehicles and buses in varying weather and road conditions
• Communicate effectively with staff vendors drivers and administrators

Work conditions may include:

• Exposure to loud noise vibrations dust fumes grease fuel oils chemicals and cleaning agents
• Indoor and outdoor work in varying Michigan weather conditions
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and vehicle traffic
• Frequent interruptions changing priorities and emergency repair situations

This role also requires the ability to maintain a safe and organized work environment respond calmly during emergencies and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced setting.

This is an in-person position requiring regular on-site attendance. The essential functions of this role cannot be performed remotely.

Pursuant to PA 131 the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment. The candidate is responsible for the background check fee.

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion national origin or ancestry sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity) age disability height weight marital status genetic information military status or any other legally protected status in its programs services activities or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2325 Four Mile Road NW
Grand Rapids MI 49544
Phone:

Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.