Shop Foreman / Tech In-Charge

First Student•East Hartford, CT

About The Position

Now Hiring: Shop Foreman – Lead Diesel Mechanic Location: Serving CREC Schools Schedule: Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Compensation: The hourly wage of $36.58 is set per union contract. First Things First: Who We Are Twice the size of our closest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation provider in North America. Every day, we move 5 million students—more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With unmatched safety performance, highly trained teams, and a national footprint supporting over 1,100 school districts, we are the industry benchmark. Why Join First Student as a Shop Foreman / Lead Diesel Mechanic? The hourly wage of $36.58 is set per union contract Additional $0.25/hour for each ASE certification held or earned Company-paid ASE testing, training materials, and certification participation Monday–Friday, 11:00–19:00 schedule with year-round stability Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) Paid holidays and paid vacation Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses Industry-leading training and OEM support Employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through PerkSpot Clear advancement pathways into Maintenance Manager and higher technical leadership roles What You’ll Do As the Shop Foreman / Lead Fleet Technician, you’ll oversee maintenance operations for a mixed fleet of vehicles ranging from vans to large school buses. This role combines hands-on advanced mechanical work with leadership, shop oversight, and compliance responsibilities. Ready to Lead? If you’re looking for a stable, skilled trade leadership opportunity with long-term growth and a culture built around safety and teamwork, this is the role to move your career forward. At First Student, our commitment to safety, dependability, and customer care creates an environment where you can thrive. With more than 120,000 employees across North America, we offer stability, growth, and exceptional training. Apply today to join our team! We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, 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 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. MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence

Requirements

Valid driver’s license required
Ability and willingness to obtain a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement (training available)
Minimum 5 years diesel or automotive repair experience, OR relevant technical certification with experience
At least one year in a lead, supervisory, or similar role
Advanced mechanical aptitude with experience in complex diagnostics and repair
Ability to read, interpret, and use computerized diagnostics and repair software
Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and customer service skills
Mechanic tool set required
Willingness to participate in ASE certification and advancement program
This is a safety-sensitive position under federal DOT regulations. Per federal law, Schedule I substances including marijuana are not permitted.

Responsibilities

Supervising, supporting, and mentoring all technician levels
Assigning and reviewing work orders, tracking completion, and ensuring productivity targets are met
Performing advanced diagnostics and repairs on engines, emissions systems, electrical systems, HVAC, brakes, hydraulics, and transmissions
Conducting quality control inspections and ensuring repairs meet DOT, OSHA, state, federal, and company safety standards
Planning and scheduling preventive maintenance (daily, weekly, monthly)
Communicating unit availability with dispatch, operations, and maintenance leadership
Monitoring shop inventory and approving routine purchases
Assisting with budget forecasting and repair trend analysis
Participating in shop safety meetings, fleet walks, and compliance audits
Leading performance reviews, corrective coaching, onboarding, and—when required—hiring or separation decisions
Fueling oversight and occasional facility support
Completing special projects and performing hands-on repairs as needed

Benefits

The hourly wage of $36.58 is set per union contract
Additional $0.25/hour for each ASE certification held or earned
Company-paid ASE testing, training materials, and certification participation
Monday–Friday, 11:00–19:00 schedule with year-round stability
Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
Paid holidays and paid vacation
Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses
Industry-leading training and OEM support
Employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through PerkSpot
Clear advancement pathways into Maintenance Manager and higher technical leadership roles