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Diesel Mechanic Technician III at Summit School Services

Summit School Services McKinney, TX

Job Description



Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

About the Role

Help keep our school-bus fleet safe, reliable, and route-ready. As a Tech 3 you'll focus on preventive maintenance inspections (PMIs) and light-duty repairs that support uptime, safety, and on-time performance.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provide support to the Maintenance Department and Technicians.
  • Perform preventive maintenance inspections and light-duty repairs.
  • Arrange for and obtain appropriate inspections/approvals of major repairs before vehicle release.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, productive, and efficient work area in compliance with all Federal, State/Provincial, and local guidelines.
  • Identify and report any additional maintenance/repairs found during assigned work, including items requiring a higher qualification level.
  • Record time spent, parts used, and all repairs/maintenance in the appropriate system.
  • Advise the Lead Technician or Supervisor of unsafe conditions/practices and/or vehicle abuse.
  • Exhibit the highest ethical best practices and personal integrity; share concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with a supervisor/manager.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

Qualifications
  • High school diploma/equivalent education and/or training and experience.
  • Minimum of 1 year truck or automotive repair experience.
    • Must be verifiable via prior employer or acceptable documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, or equivalent).
  • Minimum recommended hand tools for a Class III Mechanic.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
  • Preferably prior fleet experience; familiarity with diesel and gasoline systems.
  • Valid applicable state license (CDL preferred). The Company has a free training program for Technicians, and you will be expected to obtain a valid CDL.
  • Preferred: ASE Certifications or willingness to pursue certification.


Why Work With Summit

• Purpose with impact: Your expertise keeps students and communities moving-safely and reliably every school day.
• Professional development: Build your career with ongoing training and internal advancement opportunities.
• Training & tools: Access to industry-leading complimentary fleet/OEM training, modern diagnostic equipment, and school-bus system training
• CDL & ASE support: CDL preferred-company training available for mechanics; Industry Leading ASE Training & Incentive program.
• Modern fleet focus: Predictable preventive maintenance (PM) cycles, and a safety-first culture tailored to pupil transportation. Robust telematics platform.

We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.

At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer

The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions.

Typical mid-level pay: $61k for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$61k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$42k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $86k

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+2%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024