Garage Leader/Mechanic

LOCATION: Transportation Department

REPORTS TO: Garage Supervisor

DATE AVAILABLE: As soon as possible

POSTING DATES: March 20, 2025 – April 2, 2025 (or until filled)

Position Description

Livonia Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified fleet garage mechanic to maintain our fleet of buses, trucks, and other vehicles. The fleet mechanic works with a team to ensure the safety of our bus and maintenance fleets. The Livonia Public Schools Garage is a full-service, twelve-month, all-season repair facility. Technicians perform everything from regular vehicle inspections and service, to engine, transmission, and drive train repair. In addition, engine and transmission electronic diagnostics are performed with the latest software programs.

DISTRICT OVERVIEW:

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,900 staff members, serving approximately 13,300 students pre-K – post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the school district. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $175 million, with a state funding of $9,608 per pupil.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.

As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping thousands of students grow and learn, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
• The district’s contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
• Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
• Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
• Optional “cash in lieu” of medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance:
• The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
• Long-term disability coverage:
• The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members.
• Completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
• Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
• Longevity pay.
• Annual work clothing allowance.
• Earn overtime pay beyond 8 hours per day.
• Paid “act of God” days, such as snow days.
• Opportunity for career advancement.
  
  

Additionally, the children of employees living outside the district’s attendance boundaries are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following is a list of minimum qualifications for this position, any one of which may be waived by the Administration in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have an ASE or State of Michigan certification in vehicle repair.
• ASE or State of Michigan certification in School Bus or Med-Heavy Truck repair is preferred. Or willingness to pursue these certifications upon hire.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must have working experience with shop service and repair equipment; Tire machine and wheel balancer, battery chargers, hydraulic press, electrical test equipment, and computer diagnostic equipment.
• Knowledge and experience with Allison Doc, Cummins INSITE, OTC Encore, Ford IDS, and General Motors software programs is preferred.
• Must have a CDL Class A or B with an S and P endorsement or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• OEM Air Conditioning experience is preferred.
• Experience with Cummins engine equipment is preferred.
• Experience with Ford & Chevrolet diesel and gasoline engines in light trucks and buses is preferred.

• Experience with Ford & GM diesel, gasoline, and propane powered engines is preferred.
• Experience with Propane fuel systems and propane powered engines is preferred.
• Experience with heavy and light lawn equipment is preferred.
• Must be flexible with work schedule. Overtime is mandatory at times, state inspections, attendance shortages, vacation coverage etc.
  
  

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assign daily work requests and assist the technicians in their work assignments under the direction of the Garage Supervisor.
• Communicate necessary repair details and priorities to technicians for timely resolution.
• Work closely with fleet supervisors to identify recurring issues and recommend preventive maintenance solutions.
• Oversee garage operations in the absence of the Garage Supervisor. Leader will report to the Transportation Supervisor in the absence of the Garage Supervisor
• Assign after hours service calls to technicians if the Garage Supervisor is unavailable or unable to do so. In the event a technician cannot be reached to perform the service call, the Leader is expected to perform the service call.
• Act as the primary liaison between the bus drivers (or other LPS employees filing work requests) and the technicians while ensuring efficient vehicle repairs.
• Serve as the main receiver/communicator for bus breakdowns and respond accordingly.
• Manage Mobile 3 radio traffic communications related to vehicle issues and breakdowns.
• Coordinate roadside assistance or towing services as needed.
• Act as the main coordinator for the annual Michigan State Police inspection of the LPS fleet, working and cooperating with the Vehicle Safety Inspector to ensure a complete and successful inspection.
• Assist the Garage Supervisor in maintaining a safe working environment in the garage and bus yard.
• Coordinate split shift time (opening or closing) assignments with the Garage Supervisor.
• Maintaining an excellent attendance record is required.
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities assigned by the Garage Supervisor, Transportation Supervisor, or Director of Operations.
• Ability to manage multiple issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with drivers, technicians, and management teams.
  
  

POSITION INFORMATION:

• Normal work hours are 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 12 months a year. Normal garage hours are between 5:30am to 5:30pm during the school year. And 5:30am to 3:30pm during the summer. Hours may be subject to change.
• Class I position
• Subject to 24-hour emergency calls
• All Tools are provided by Livonia Public Schools
  
  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO Local 118, Council 25. . This position will remain open until the position is filled.

APPLICATIONS:

All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. All applicants must also upload a cover letter, professional resume, copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates), and three current letters of recommendation to their online application.

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.