Transportation Mechanic

JOB SUMMARY

The Transportation Mechanic plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Houston ISD’s vehicle fleet. In alignment with the district’s operational excellence standards and unwavering commitment to student safety, this position is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing school buses, vans, and support vehicles to meet or exceed all federal and state safety regulations.

Working as part of a high-performing team, the Transportation Mechanic contributes to maintaining a ready and reliable fleet that supports timely, secure, and uninterrupted transportation services for students and staff. This role is essential to HISD’s service-to-schools model and supports continuous improvement through proactive maintenance, attention to detail, and a commitment to professionalism.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Diagnose and perform a wide range of mechanical repairs on district vehicles—including engines, transmissions, suspensions, steering systems, air conditioning, and fuel systems—for both gasoline and diesel-powered units to ensure maximum vehicle uptime.
2.    Conduct structural repairs and replacements, including bodywork, interior repairs, glass installation, and engine rebuilds, to maintain vehicle safety and appearance standards.
3.    Perform preventive maintenance inspections and safety checks in accordance with HISD policies and regulatory requirements to ensure all vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant.
4.    Respond to on-road service calls and perform emergency roadside repairs such as jump-starts, flat tire changes, towing coordination, and fuel delivery to minimize service disruptions.
5.    Operate all district vehicles and shop equipment safely, in full compliance with HISD safety protocols and procedures. Use Electronic Vehicle Inspection Reports (EVIR) and diagnostic tools to determine service needs and inform repair decisions.
6.    Adhere to all district safety procedures while using tools, lifts, and machinery; maintain shop tools and equipment through scheduled preventive maintenance.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7.    Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repair work, including time, materials, and labor used, ensuring accuracy and compliance with operational documentation standards.
8.    Support inventory and parts management, helping maintain sufficient stock of tools, equipment, and vehicle components to minimize repair time and ensure operational readiness.
9.    Participate in mandatory safety meetings and training sessions to stay up to date on district expectations, regulatory requirements, and evolving best practices in transportation maintenance.
10.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned, supporting the district’s goal of maintaining a safe, high-performing transportation fleet that meets the needs of HISD students and schools.
 

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED
Formal Automotive Training preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

1-3 years

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier), hand and power tools, and all district Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift)
•    Must be computer literate and able to navigate Outlook and a web browser without assistance.
•    Must obtain a Class B CDL, with School Bus & Passenger endorsements, required.  
•    A/C Recovery Certification is required within 90 days from time of hire.
•    Current ASE/TASBT or Manufacturers Master Technician Certification preferred.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities.  May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work and tasks are often straightforward, routine, structured and guided by established policies and procedures. Little, if any, independent judgment is required, outside of making basic choices in the selection and application of established methods. The job receives frequent, ongoing supervision.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on routine matters affecting few individuals and usually within the confines of the job's own department. Specific job activities and results are typically reviewed closely.  There are limited requirements for developing new ideas or changes in methods, procedures or services.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Follows rules and procedures. Decisions can have minimal or no impact to HISD. Errors can be readily detected, usually by the employee, and, if made, would result in minor expense for correction.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Basic communication - very little communication required such as receiving basic instructions.  Interactions are mostly with customers, own supervisor and co-workers in own department.
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Follows through with customer inquiries, requests and complaints. Forwards difficult and non-routine inquiries or requests to appropriate level for resolution.

Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs.  Responds promptly and accurately to customer complains, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up.  May handle escalated issues passed on from co-workers or subordinates.
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. 
•    Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage. 
•    Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals 
•    Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting 
•    Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching 
•    Ability to carry and/or lift up to 15 to 44 pounds.
•    Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel 
•    Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced