Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Braking Systems, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Coaching, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Skills, Corrective Action, Dental Insurance, Diesel Engine, Disability Accommodations, Disability Insurance, Driver's License, Electrical Engineering, Employee Assistance Plan, English Language, Flexible Spending Accounts, Green Transportation, Hand Tools, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, High School Diploma, Hydraulic Engineering, Identify Issues, Lift/Move 20 Pounds, Maintenance - HVAC, Maintenance Services, Maintenance Software, Organizational Skills, Physical Demands, Preventative Maintenance, Record Keeping, Regulations, Regulatory Requirements, Retirement Plan, Safety Process, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Team Player, Technical Writing, Testing, Time Management, Vehicle Fleets, Vision Plan, Welding, Writing Skills
Ontario Bus Mechanic
Reports To: Manager of Regional Maintenance East
Salary Range: $27.78 per hour (Increases to $28.30 per hour upon successful completion of the probationary period)
Schedule: Monday Friday
Shift: Scheduled between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Make an Impact at RTS
At Regional Transit Service (RTS), we connect our community to the people, places, and opportunities that matter most. With more than 1,000 employees serving eight counties, we provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation for nearly 8 million riders each year.
As an Ontario Bus Mechanic, you'll help keep our regional fleet operating safely and efficiently by performing inspections, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repairs on revenue and non-revenue vehicles. Your work directly supports reliable transportation for the communities we serve.
Why Join RTS?
Staying Healthy
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Feeling Secure
- RTS Pension Plan
- NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
- Life, Disability & Supplemental Insurance
Work-Life Balance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Culture & Inclusion Council
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Employee Discounts & More
Career & Professional Growth
- Competitive union wages
- Stable, full-time employment
- Paid training and professional development
- Opportunities for career advancement within RTS
- Work with a modern regional transit fleet
About the Role
The Ontario Bus Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing revenue and non-revenue vehicles throughout the RTS Regional fleet. This position performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and emergency repairs while ensuring vehicles meet company safety standards, regulatory requirements, and operational expectations.
What You'll Do
- Inspect and test revenue and non-revenue vehicles at scheduled service intervals or following mechanical failures.
- Diagnose vehicle malfunctions and determine appropriate repairs.
- Disassemble, inspect, repair, and replace worn or damaged components.
- Install and adjust new or repaired parts.
- Perform required test drives to verify repairs.
- Notify supervisors of unsafe equipment and recommend corrective actions.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Respond to disabled vehicles using service vehicles and perform roadside repairs or vehicle changeovers.
- Repair and maintain bus radio, CAD/AVL, electronic destination sign, and camera systems.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records using the fleet maintenance software system.
- Perform other maintenance-related duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid New York State driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Must provide own hand tools.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to safely perform essential job duties and understand technical manuals, work instructions, and safety procedures.
- Strong computer literacy skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two (2) years of vehicle maintenance experience.
- Vocational or technical training in automotive or diesel mechanics.
- Experience maintaining heavy-duty diesel or commercial vehicles.
- Experience using computerized fleet maintenance software.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to diagnose and repair vehicle electronic and engine management systems.
- Knowledge of hydraulic and air brake systems, including replacement and adjustment of brake components.
- Ability to diagnose and repair air conditioning systems.
- Familiarity with charging, cranking, lighting, wheelchair lift, and interlock electrical systems.
- Experience mounting and balancing tires using commercial tire equipment.
- Ability to safely use torches and welding equipment.
- Ability to learn and effectively utilize computerized fleet maintenance software.
- Ability to interpret written instructions, diagrams, technical manuals, and work schedules.
- Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to accept coaching, follow direction, and maintain high performance standards.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, use hands, talk, and hear.
- Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Frequently lift or move up to 20 pounds.
- Occasionally lift or move up to 75 pounds.
- Must possess close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision with the ability to adjust focus.
- Regularly works around moving mechanical equipment.
- Frequently works outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
- Occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and hazardous materials.
- Work environment includes moderate to loud noise levels.
Additional Information
RGRTA maintains a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. All applicants for this safety-sensitive position must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and will be subject to ongoing drug and alcohol testing throughout employment as required by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity
RGRTA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship.