• Lead Diesel Mechanic

    First Student (Lake Charles, LA)


    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.

     

    We are now hiring a Lead Diesel Mechanic – responsible for maintaining a fleet of 25 school buses at our Lake Charles location.

     

    Who Are We?

     

    Twice the size of our next largest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. Every day, we complete 5 million student journeys — moving more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality service to more than 1,100 school districts.

     

    Why Join First as a Shop Foreman / Lead Diesel Mechanic?

     

    + $36.00 - $38.00 hourly rate based on experience and qualifications (not a flat rate) overtime pay available!

    + Additional $0.25/hour for each ASE certification held or obtained

    + Company-paid ASE testing and training materials

    + Monday–Friday full-time day shift, with year-round work

    + Tremendous career advancement opportunities

    + Benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

    + Paid holidays and vacation

    + Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses

    + Access to cutting-edge training programs

    + Employee discounts on phones, cars, and more through the Perk Spot program

    About the Position:

    This is a unique opportunity to take full ownership of our Lake Charles location as the sole technician supporting a fleet of 25 school buses. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert, trusted with overseeing every aspect of maintenance and repair. We’re looking for a seasoned professional who thrives working independently, takes pride in running a shop, and is dedicated to keeping our fleet safe, reliable, and fully compliant. If you’re ready for the challenge — and the reward of being the one who keeps our buses and community moving — this is the role for you.

    Responsibilities include:

    + Performing diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance on school buses and vehicles

    + Managing all work orders, service records, and parts inventory

    + Ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards

    + Communicating with local leadership on shop performance and needs

    + Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient work environment

    What You’ll Need to Succeed:

    + A minimum of 5 + years of hands-on experience as a diesel mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic is required

    + Ability to work independently in a shop environment

    + Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred, or willingness to obtain — we’ll train)

    + Possess your own mechanic’s tool set

    + Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided)

    + Previous experience in a lead technician, foreman, or similar role is strongly preferred

    + Must pass DOT drug screening (Note: DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason)

     

    _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_ _._