Transit Bus Technician

Transit Bus Technician

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Transit Avon Street Extended, 1545 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville (22902), VA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

260500013-1

Department

Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)

Division

Maintenance Shop

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

Transit

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

The Transit Bus Technician performs difficult technical work in the inspection, maintenance and repair of heavy diesel-powered transit buses, diesel-electric hybrid powered buses, minibuses/paratransit buses (cutaway buses), City vehicles and equipment. The work is performed under the general supervision of and report to the Transit Maintenance Supervisor.

Work Schedule: The Transit Bus Technician position operates within a shift-based schedule determined by operational needs and employee seniority. Current shifts are generally scheduled between the hours of 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, with two days off per week.

The current shift available for this position is typically 12:30 PM-9:00 PM. Schedules may change periodically based on operational needs and seniority. Evening and Saturday availability is required.

In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220 and the City of Charlottesville, the pay rates listed below shall apply to individuals hired into this position on or after July 1, 2026, with placement on the applicable rate schedule based on achievement of the following qualifications:

• C Rate:

• $31.79 an hour - meets minimum qualifications.

• B Rate:

• $34.67 an hour - achievement of Diesel Engine (H2) and Brakes (H4) certifications, along with any 2 other certifications available under the Certified Transit Bus Technician test series.

• A Rate:

• $37.56 an hour - achievement of Master Transit Bus Certification (all 8 ASE certifications available under the Certified Transit Bus Technician test series).

This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, Citys retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the benefits tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the Citys Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Diagnoses, adjusts, repairs, overhauls, and services heavy diesel-powered transit buses, diesel-electric hybrid powered buses, cutaway buses, City vehicles and related equipment.
• Removes, breaks down, and rebuilds components and assemblies, such as engines, multi-speed transmissions, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, and power trains.
• Operates various types of shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, and devices.
• Performs repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, cleaning and lubricating parts and rotating tires.
• Inspects City vehicles for compliance with safety and emission control standards.
• Reads and interprets diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems.
• Reviews appropriate checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined.
• Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training.
• Follows appropriate procedures for data and records of work performed.
• Responds to road calls and other emergency calls for service, ensuring passenger and employee safety.
• Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties, including test driving vehicles.
• May install bus stop amenities such as signs, sign poles, benches, and shelters as needed.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area and garage shop.
• Performs all requirements and has knowledge of Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements for transit bus operation.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.

Other Duties:

• Supports departmental goal to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Technical or trade school in automotive maintenance and one (1) year of work experience in problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of automotive equipment.

OR

• High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of work experience in problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of automotive equipment.

OR

• Five (5) years of work experience in problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of automotive equipment.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• Experience working with heavy and/or specialized diesel equipment.
• ASE certification(s) in H Series for Transit Bus, preferred but not required.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (Virginia Department of Transportation), pre-employment physical, and a pre-employment DMV driving record review.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and must obtain a Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia within ninety (90) days of start date and maintain an acceptable driving record according to City criteria. (To view our driving eligibility requirements, visithttps://www.charlottesville.gov/faq.aspx?qid=166).

• CDL Training will provided by the department.

• Must be able to obtain a Virginia State Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection License from the MVIP (Motor Vehicle Inspection Program) within 6 months of hire.

• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

• Ability to work weeknights, weekends, holidays, and/or weather-related emergency on-call time periods.

• Required to provide basic tools to perform the job duties, as determined by the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety requirements, methods, tools, and equipment, including electronic diagnostic equipment, used in the in the diagnoses and repair of complex mechanical issues of City buses, vehicles, and other related equipment.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in the use and operation of shop tools and machinery, such as drills, presses, grinders, brake lathe, and so forth in the repair and maintenance of heavy diesel and industrial equipment.
• General knowledge of the use and operations of related software programs specific to the duties of the position.

Reading

• Intermediate: Ability to read and understand written materials such as magazines, technical journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.
• Understands and applies state, departmental and City processes, and procedures, as required.

Writing

• Basic: Ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or a series of numbers, names, and addresses in a simple report format.

Math

• Intermediate: Ability to deal with numbering systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement.

Communication Skills

• Basic: Provides simple information to others outside direct reporting relationships. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach an understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.
• May provide communication support or consultation as a formal or informal team leader or project leader.
• Effectively supports and participates with co-workers to benefit the team or work group.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: Normally completes work according to their own judgement, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance is reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Skill in performing difficult mechanical repairs and in the use of advanced and standard mechanical tools and equipment, including welding equipment and cutting torches. Examples include using and instructing others in using hand and power tools and equipment associated with the diagnosis, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Utilizes related software programs to complete job responsibilities.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary responsibilities, but accountable for the management of invoices related to City bus/vehicle repair.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for the supervision of others. May assist others to find answers to the more difficult and/or complex questions. May coach or assist in the training of other employees.

Other Characteristics

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Establishes rapport with co-workers and others.
• Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.
• Performs tedious or exacting work.
• Works closely with others as part of a team.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• May perform work with interruptions and requests for service.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, such as weeknights, weekends, holidays, and/or weather-related emergency on-call time periods.
• May require a non-traditional work schedule.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Very Heavy Work: Exerts more than up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. (Specific to this position, maximum weight-lifting capacity may be up to 213 lbs. using assistive equipment.)
• Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling, crouching, standing, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling, twisting, and grasping. Requires adequate vision, hearing, and talking.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Work also typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related industry-specific software.
• Specialized equipment used for shoring, lifting of vehicles, computer diagnosis equipment, welding, cutting torches, hand tools and other tools of the trade.
• Computer equipment for entering data on parts, repairs, and vehicle records.
• Work may require the use of plans and drawings, and the use of blueprints/design plans.
• Responsible for the vehicle(s)/equipment assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed inside, in a shop/garage environment.
• The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.
• Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, loud noise, vibration, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards.
• The position works:
• Near moving mechanical parts;
• In and around fumes, gases/gas leaks, and/or airborne particles.
• In and around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens.
• In areas where there is vibration and/or electrical currents.
• High and/or precarious places.
• In and around traffic/roadways.
• In confined spaces.
• In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting.
• With acidic or harsh substances.
• With allergens and fuels.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Updated February 9, 2026

Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.

1. LEAVE:

Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:

Years Worked

0 - <3

3 - <5

5 - <10

10 - <15

15 - <20

20 - <25

25+

Hours Accrued Biweekly

3.09

3.85

4.62

5.4

6.16

6.93

7.7

Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.

Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):

OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS

New Years Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Presidents' Day

Liberation & Freedom Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

1 Floating Holiday

Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.

2. INSURANCE:

Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Choose from two options:

• Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)

• Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)

• Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)

• Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)

Delta Dental Plan:

• Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
• Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
• $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
• $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)

MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)

• $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
• Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay
• $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.

Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.

Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.

Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection

3. RETIREMENT:

Pension:

• Choose from two (2) options:

• A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).

Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.

4. VOLUNTARY:

Wellness:

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)

• Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses

• Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Employee Assistance Program:

• A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.

01

Which of the following best describes your education related to the minimum qualifications for this position?

• I have completed a technical or trade school program in automotive maintenance or repair.
• I have a high school diploma or GED
• None of the above.

02

How many years of work experience do you have in problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of automotive equipment?

• No experience related to this position.
• Less than one (1) year of experience.
• One (1) to less than three (3) years of experience.
• Three (3) to less than five (5) years of experience.
• Five (5) to less than seven (7) years of experience.
• Seven (7) years or greater.

03

Which types of automotive or fleet equipment have you diagnosed, repaired, or maintained? (Select all that apply.)

• Public transit buses or commercial buses
• Heavy-duty diesel trucks or fleet vehicles
• Light-duty trucks or vans
• Passenger vehicles
• Construction or heavy equipment
• Small engine equipment
• Other automotive equipment
• None of the above

04

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid drivers license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid drivers license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?

• Yes; I possess a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record by my employment start date.
• No; I do not have a valid drivers license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.

05

Have you provided the expiration date and name of each certification you possess in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application?

• Yes
• No

06

To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.

• Yes
• No

07

I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Charlottesville

Address P. O. Box 911

605 East Main Street

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902

Phone (434) 970-3490

Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs