For best consideration, please apply by 04/28/2026 for initial consideration of screening qualified applicants. 

JOB TITLE:    BUS MECHANIC I

SUMMARY:  The Mechanic I is responsible for assisting the Mechanic II in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of mechanical and electrical systems in the district's fleet (yellow and white), including buses, vehicles, and related equipment so all remain in a state of readiness to prevent disruptions to the educational program. Additionally, incumbents must maintain accurate records, adhere to safety standards, and collaborate with the Mechanic II and Transportation Director to ensure smooth operations. The Mechanic I will also serve as a substitute bus driver when needed.

GENERAL LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS: 

1. Take ownership of understanding and contributing to the District's goals, mission, and strategic plan, while using your insights and skills to drive success in alignment with our values.
2. Encourage teamwork and help people with different ideas and needs work together to make decisions.
3. Take part in meetings, workshops, and training sessions that help improve your ability to do your job well.
4. Focus on finding practical solutions to a range of issues, helping to meet both immediate and long-term needs of the District.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as an automotive/diesel mechanic, or fill journeyman status as an automotive/diesel mechanic, or a minimum of three years applicable work experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Work experience in repair and maintenance of diesel vehicles.
• A valid motor vehicle operator's license with class B or higher Commercial Driver Endorsement (CDL).
• Must possess a set of auto mechanic hand tools and storage cabinet.
• Must be in good physical condition; heavy lifting is required.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to relate to students, staff, and parents.
• Valid first aid and CPR certification.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The list of duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Depending upon individual assignment, the employee may perform all or a combination of several of the following duties.

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and engine defects in buses and other automotive equipment.
• Perform general trouble shooting and tune-ups, utilizing diagnostic equipment.
• Make road-side repairs as required, and/or tows disabled vehicles to the maintenance shop.
• Repair and replace seats, glass, sheet metal, latches and other body components and assemblies.
• Change oil and filters, install anti-freeze and snow chains, change and repair tires, adjust brakes, lubricate chassis, wheel bearing, and other assemblies as required.  Perform all required preventative maintenance and regular bus safety inspections.
• Operate battery chargers, compression gauges, torque wrenches, welding (acetylene and mig) equipment, grinders, reamers, timing lights, hoists, jacks, presses, air wrenches, small lather, spark plug tester for performing repair and maintenance of motor vehicles.
• Clean and organize the shop, parts room and other vehicle maintenance areas.
• Complete vehicle maintenance forms and records: (i.e. work orders, stock records, etc.)
• Possess ability to effectively prioritize all work and multi-task.
• Effectively use two-way radio to communicate with drivers and respond to service calls and roadside emergencies as needed.
• Lock up tools, building and fuel tanks at end of shift.
• Apply WISHA standards to all aspects of work and report potential hazards to immediate supervisor.
• Present bus fleet and vehicles for annual state bus inspections.
• Thorough knowledge of how to use and interpret repair manuals, shop manuals, electrical schematic and manufacturer's specification manuals.
• Drive school bus in case of emergency.
• Fill in as a substitute bus driver on trips and routes when assigned.
• Be in good health, physically capable of proficiently performing all tasks normal to mechanical work.
• Perform related duties as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Mental Demands:

• Ability to think logically and analytically.
• Concentrate for long periods of time.
• Comprehend technical concepts and applications.
• Exercise creativity, persistence and patience in problem resolution.

Working Conditions 

• Automotive/bus repair shop environment.
• Subject to noise form equipment, fumes and performing heavy physical labor.

REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor

EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated by the Transportation Supervisor.
 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work Year       260 days per year (includes paid holidays)
Hours              Eight (8.0) hours paid per day plus 30-minute duty free lunch 
Schedule         8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Salary             2025-26 PSE Salary Schedule A         
                       Bus Mechanic I ($34.03 - 36.62 DOE)

BENEFITS:
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours an employee is anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability and the employee assistance program.

The district's healthcare benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Benefit eligible employees also qualify to optionally participate in deferred compensation/403B plans, dependent care flexible spending/health savings accounts, and additional life insurance and/or added long-term disability coverage through employee contributions.  Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and any paid holidays are aligned with bargaining agreements by association, as listed on our website.

Other benefits include VEBA, which is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and serves as a way to contribute dollars on a pre-tax basis for out of pocket benefits costs, whether it be for medical, dental or vision premiums, or any other out of pocket medical expenses. This benefit is available, based on the outcome of annual voting of employees by group.


The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills, or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.  The District reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Orting School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, marital status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination and their offices are located at 121 Whitesell St NE, Orting, WA 98360:

Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/ADA Coordinator
Carrie Joy, Director of Human Resources
360-893-6500, ext. 4028
[email protected]

Section 504 Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Westover, Executive Director for Student Support Services
360-893-6500, ext. 4027
[email protected]

Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint can be accessed here.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.