Diesel Technician

Now Hiring: Diesel Technician – New Haven, CT

Location: New Haven, CT
Supporting: New Haven Public Schools
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM

If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. At First Student, our technicians play a critical role in ensuring students arrive safely to and from school each day. Behind every school bus is a skilled mechanic committed to safety, reliability, and excellence.

While First Student is North America’s leading school transportation provider—serving more than 1,250 school districts and completing over 5 million student journeys daily—our focus in New Haven is local. You’ll join a dedicated team that values safety, teamwork, and supporting the students and families of New Haven Public Schools.

Why Join First Student?

Competitive Compensation

• $38.13 per hour (set by union contract)

• Not a flat-rate shop
• Additional hourly increases available through our ASE incentive program
• Stable, year-round employment
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule

Outstanding Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing
• Annual boot allowance
• Annual prescription safety glasses allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot employee discount program featuring discounts on vehicles, cell phone plans, travel, entertainment, and more

Career Growth Opportunities

At First Student, we believe in promoting from within. With more than 540 locations across the United States and Canada, opportunities exist to advance into Lead Technician, Shop Foreman, Maintenance Manager, Regional Maintenance Leadership, and Operations Management positions.

About the Diesel Technician Position

As a Diesel Technician with First Student, you will help maintain and repair a fleet of school buses to ensure they remain safe, reliable, and ready to serve students every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure vehicles are maintained and safe for our passengers

• Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance and repair
• Repair and inspect brakes, suspension systems, drivetrains, steering components, and transmissions
• Perform engine diagnostics, tune-ups, and repairs
• Complete preventative maintenance services (PMs)
• Conduct safety inspections and annual maintenance inspections
• Accurately complete work orders and maintenance documentation
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services as needed
• Maintain compliance with company safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Work collaboratively with fellow technicians and operational staff to maximize fleet readiness

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on diesel, heavy-duty truck, and bus experience preferred
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills
• Valid driver’s license required
• CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment (company-paid training provided)
• Must possess a professional mechanic’s tool set
• Willingness to participate in ASE certification program
• Strong computer and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional Information

This position is classified as safety-sensitive and is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 40), the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited regardless of state or local laws.

Join the First Student Team

Whether you’re an experienced diesel technician or looking to continue growing your maintenance career, First Student offers the training, support, and advancement opportunities to help you succeed.

Apply today and help keep New Haven Public Schools moving safely every day.

Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

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.