Job Description

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop supporting the Rochester, Dover, Barrington, Wakefield, Rollinsford, Somersworth, and York, ME school districts.

Hours/Schedule: Monday–Friday | 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Compensation: $36.00 per hour (set per union contract)

If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. Our technicians help keep students safe and on time every single day—because behind every school bus is a skilled mechanic ensuring reliability, safety, and peace of mind for families throughout the communities we serve.

While First Student is North America’s leading school transportation provider—serving more than 1,250 school districts and completing 5.5 million student journeys daily—our focus here is local. You’ll join a close-knit maintenance team that values safety, teamwork, reliability, and quality workmanship.

We maintain and repair all vehicle types across our fleet, including large school buses, small buses, and minivans, giving technicians the opportunity to work on a wide variety of equipment and systems.

Why Join First Student as a Diesel Technician?

• $36.00 per hour set by union contract
• Monday–Friday | 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM schedule with consistent, year-round work
• Additional hourly increases available for ASE School Bus Certifications
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses
• Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, travel, and more through PerkSpot
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Advancement opportunities into Lead Technician, Shop Foreman, Maintenance Manager, and operational leadership roles across North America

About the Diesel Technician Position

This is a Tech III-level position requiring a highly skilled technician with strong diagnostic and repair abilities. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of hands-on diesel or automotive repair experience and be comfortable working independently on complex repairs and diagnostics.

As a Diesel Technician with First Student, you will play a critical role in maintaining and repairing our fleet to ensure vehicles remain safe, reliable, and road-ready for students and drivers every day.

Diesel Technician Responsibilities

• Ensure vehicles are maintained safely and in compliance with DOT and company standards
• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle repair and maintenance
• Complete brake repairs and inspections
• Perform engine diagnostics, tune-ups, suspension work, drivetrain repairs, and transmission work
• Conduct preventive maintenance inspections and annual inspections
• Complete repair orders and maintenance documentation accurately
• Assist with mobile or emergency repairs when needed
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Support the overall reliability and safety of the fleet serving our school districts

Diesel Technician Qualifications

Advanced mechanical aptitude with a minimum of 5 years of automotive or diesel repair experience preferred, or equivalent technical education and hands-on experience

• Ability to adhere to standards set by state DOT regulations for motor vehicle inspections and safety compliance
• Valid driver’s license required
• Advanced diagnostic and problem-solving abilities
• Strong computer and documentation skills
• Comfortable using hand tools and diagnostic equipment
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Maintain an organized shop and clean, safe work environment
• Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of this position
• Commitment to ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and safe for our customers and communities
• Must possess an adequate mechanic tool inventory to complete assigned duties, with tools maintained in a clean and safe manner
• CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement preferred, or ability to obtain within 60 days (company-paid training provided)
• Willingness to participate in ASE certification program

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to DOT drug testing. 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. Join a team that values your skills, supports your growth, and gives you the tools to succeed while making a direct impact in the communities we serve.

At First Student, our commitment to safety, dependability, and customer care creates an environment where you can thrive. With more than 120,000 employees across North America, we offer stability, growth, and exceptional training.

Apply today to join our team!

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf