REPORTS TO: Transportation Director and Assistant Superintendent of Operations
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SUPERVISES: Mechanic Assistants and Support Staff (if applicable)
POSITION STATUS: Contracted / Salaried
EVALUATION: Position evaluated by Transportation Director
WORK YEAR: 220 days / 40 hours per week
EVALUATION INSTRUMENT: Local
SALARY SCHEDULE: Mechanic Personnel
RETIREMENT: TRS
VACATION: No

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Salary and benefits shall be paid according to the system’s approved salary schedule.
• Length of work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.
• Employees must work 130 hours/month to be eligible for health insurance.
• Any non-Teacher Retirement System (TRS) eligible employee will have a FICA deduction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with P (Passenger) and S (School Bus) endorsements.  Can be obtained through the district.
3. Experience in diesel mechanics, preferably in school bus repair and maintenance. 5 years of experience is preferred.
4. Certified in air brake and hydraulic systems (preferred).
5. Ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain all aspects of bus mechanics.
6. Knowledge of vehicle repair equipment and safe operation procedures.
7. Experience in supervising employees and managing a bus garage (preferred).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certification in diesel engine repair (ASE Certification or equivalent).
2. Proficiency in fleet management software.
3. Advanced knowledge of electrical systems in school buses, including multiplex wiring systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of diesel engine repair and school bus safety standards.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and repair equipment.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to supervise and coordinate mechanic staff.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies governing school bus operations.
• Ability to inspect and maintain vehicle safety standards, prepare work records, and manage inventory.
• Strong communication skills to provide clear guidance and maintain records.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

JOB GOAL:

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the school system's transportation fleet by maintaining all buses and related equipment in optimal working condition and managing the daily operations of the bus garage.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Inspects buses for abuse, neglect, or damage and ensures safety compliance.
2. Creates and maintains a safe and secure bus shop facility.
3. Schedules and conducts vehicle inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs.
4. Supervises mechanic staff, monitors work schedules, and trains employees as needed.
5. Maintains complete and accurate records for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and shop inventory.
6. Collaborates with the Transportation Director and Assistant Superintendent of Operations to plan and prioritize repairs and inspections.
7. Orders, stocks, and inventories vehicle parts and equipment.
8. Prepares buses for annual inspections and ensures compliance with state and federal standards.
9. Conducts regular control and inventory inspections of the bus shop.
10. Assists in developing specifications for supplies and equipment.
11. Diagnoses mechanical problems and ensures timely resolution.
12. Serves as an on-call mechanic for emergency repairs and breakdowns.
13. Performs other tasks consistent with supporting the mission of the Evans County School System.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Frequent standing, bending, and working in confined spaces.

REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE AS A BUS DRIVER:

1. Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with P and S endorsements.
2. Meet state certification and training requirements for school bus drivers.
3. Pass a physical examination and drug screening and random drug testing.
4. Demonstrate a clean driving record.
5. Exhibit strong communication skills to interact with students, parents, and staff.

Disclaimer:  Board Policy GCRA(1): Drug Screening of Bus Drivers

The Board of Education is dedicated to providing safe and efficient transportation for students transported on school buses.  The Board recognizes that safe student transportation depends on unimpaired judgment, physical dexterity, reflex action, and unimpaired senses of sight and hearing, of employees in safety-sensitive functions.  The goal of this Board is to provide its employees and students with an environment that promotes health and safety.

In order to meet this goal, the Board hereby endorses the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration's anti-alcohol and controlled substances policies, regulations and procedures for transportation workplace drug and alcohol testing programs.  The Board shall require testing for alcohol and controlled substances by employees engaged in safety sensitive functions in accordance with federal and state law, which shall include pre-employment, post-accident, random, follow-up and reasonable suspicion testing.

Operating a school bus or other commercial vehicle requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and is considered a safety-sensitive function.  Individuals who are employed by the Board of Education to operate safety-sensitive vehicles include, but are not limited to: mechanics, school bus drivers, substitute school bus drivers, maintenance workers, coaches, teachers, and administrators.

The Board will not tolerate unauthorized use, abuse, possession or sale of alcohol or controlled substances by its employees. Individuals who have positive controlled substance test results shall be terminated, as shall individuals whose test results reveal blood alcohol concentrations 0.04 and above and individuals who refuse to submit to a required alcohol or controlled substance test.  Individuals whose tests results reveal blood alcohol concentrations of at least 0.02, but less than 0.04, and individuals who engage in other conduct prohibited by the regulations may, in the Board of Education's discretion, be terminated.

Drivers must inform their immediate supervisor of any therapeutic drug use, whether by prescription or "over the counter", and must provide a statement from their treating physician that the substance does not adversely affect the driver's ability to operate the bus.

The Superintendent or designee shall establish the procedures needed to ensure that all employees who are subject to the alcohol and drug testing requirements of this policy are provided information that explains the testing requirements with which they must comply.