Bus Technician/Mechanic I (3rd Shift)

Bus Technician / Mechanic I (3rd Shift)

Reports To: Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Salary Range: Starting Pay: $33.17 per hour | Top Rate Within 3 Years: $41.48 per hour

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 11:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Days Off: Friday & Saturday

Union Representation: ATU Local 282

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 a Bus Technician / Mechanic I, you''''ll play an essential role in keeping our fleet operating safely and reliably by performing preventive maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and overhauls on buses and support vehicles.

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
• Union representation through ATU Local 282

Work-Life Balance

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 Fitness Center
• Wellness Program
• Culture & Inclusion Council
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Discounts & More

Career & Professional Growth

• Advance to top pay of $41.48/hour within 3 years
• Stable, consistent work with weekly pay
• Paid training on current vehicle technologies
• Tool allowance and boot allowance
• Opportunities for advancement within Fleet Maintenance

About the Role

The Bus Technician / Mechanic I is responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling RTS buses and fleet vehicles to ensure safe, reliable service. This position performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, component replacement, and emergency repairs while maintaining high standards of safety and workmanship.

What You''''ll Do

• Maintain, repair, and overhaul RTS buses and fleet vehicles.
• Perform inspections, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance.
• Replace, adjust, and repair mechanical and electrical components.
• Complete required test drives following repairs.
• Operate diagnostic software and equipment, including Cummins InSite and Allison diagnostic systems.
• Perform welding, brazing, and cutting torch work as required.
• Operate tow trucks and respond to road calls when assigned.
• Report safety concerns, equipment defects, and maintenance issues to supervisors.
• Maintain accurate maintenance documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We''''re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) years in an accredited diesel mechanics program or comparable technical coursework;

OR

• Equivalent verifiable work experience (two years of work experience may substitute for one year of education).
• Must provide own tools.
• Must obtain a New York State CDL Class B permit with passenger and air brake endorsements prior to employment.
• Must obtain a CDL Class B license within 90 days of hire.
• Must obtain a CDL Class A permit with towing endorsement (may be obtained after hire).
• Must obtain a CDL Class A license within 90 days of receiving the permit.
• Must successfully complete a post-offer physical examination.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English for safety, communication, and use of technical manuals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining heavy-duty diesel vehicles or transit buses.
• Experience using computerized diagnostic systems.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Commercial fleet maintenance experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of diesel engine repair and preventive maintenance practices.
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency using computerized diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to safely operate shop equipment and towing vehicles.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Commitment to safe work practices and quality workmanship.

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 in varying weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet or humid environments, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and chemicals.
• 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.