Diesel Technician

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician III 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, technical excellence, and community connection.

Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic?

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

Hourly Rate: $39.11 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 senior 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 III with First Student, you will serve as an advanced member of the maintenance team, performing complex diagnostics, repairs, preventative maintenance, and inspections on school buses, vans, and other fleet vehicles.

You will work independently on advanced mechanical and electrical issues, support road-call and emergency repair needs, and help guide less-experienced technicians. Your technical expertise will directly support fleet safety, vehicle availability, regulatory compliance, and the reliable transportation of students throughout the community.

Diesel Technician Key Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and safe for our passengers.
• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Perform advanced diagnostics on mechanical, electrical, engine, transmission, emissions, and related vehicle systems.
• Repair brakes, suspensions, drivetrains, transmission clutches, engines, steering systems, and other major vehicle components.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, starting, charging, lighting, and electronic control systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance, safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections.
• Identify mechanical and safety concerns before vehicles are returned to service.
• Complete complex repairs accurately and efficiently.
• Evaluate completed work and verify that repairs meet First Student and regulatory standards.
• Complete work orders accurately, including all labor, parts, supplies, diagnostic findings, and corrective actions.
• Notify maintenance leadership of potentially dangerous equipment and recommend corrective action.
• Assist with road calls, breakdowns, and mobile emergency repair services.
• Support and mentor Tech I and Tech II employees with diagnostics, repairs, inspections, and technical development.
• Assist maintenance leadership with troubleshooting difficult or recurring fleet issues.
• Move vehicles safely between work and service areas.
• Maintain an organized shop and clean work environment.
• Follow all First Student safety standards, policies, procedures, and applicable DOT requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Diesel Technician Qualifications

• At least five 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.
• Advanced vehicle diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Strong experience diagnosing and repairing diesel engines, brakes, suspensions, drivetrains, transmissions, electrical systems, and related components.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance, safety inspections, and annual vehicle inspections.
• Ability to work independently on complex repairs with minimal supervision.
• Ability to guide and support less-experienced technicians.
• 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 certifications preferred.
• Willingness to participate in and maintain required certifications through First Student’s ASE program.
• Possession of a complete mechanic’s tool set sufficient to perform all assigned duties.
• Strong computer skills and experience completing electronic work orders and maintenance records.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and full attendance.
• Strong commitment to fleet safety, quality repairs, and reliable service.

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.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding maintenance and repair duties throughout the shift.

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! Bring your technical expertise to a team where your experience matters, your skills are valued, and your work makes a direct impact on students and families throughout the community.

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