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Mechanics &
technicians
School bus mechanics have a
responsibility every bit as profound as commercial airline
mechanics. Every morning, when the buses roll out of the yard,
children's safety depends entirely on the diligence and
professionalism of the operation's mechanics. The prospect of an
accident caused by poor maintenance is something even the most
hard-boiled school bus mechanic dreads.
Years ago, the main requirements
for being a school bus mechanic were basic mechanical skills and
the willingness to work hard. Today, constant technological
innovations from manufacturers (computerized drive trains,
emission controls, etc.) have made ongoing professional
development an absolute necessity for school bus mechanics.
Range of
responsibilities
As challenging as it is, for most
school bus mechanics "turning a wrench" is the easy part.
Responsibilities of the maintenance program range from handling
breakdowns and making repairs, scheduling and documenting
preventive maintenance, parts purchasing and inventory control,
"specing" new buses, prompt attendance to
voluntary or mandatory vehicle or equipment recalls to
compliance with a wide range of OSHA and environmental
regulations.
In small school districts and
contract operations, a single mechanic may be responsible for
every aspect of the maintenance program. These individuals have
to be some of the hardest working people on the planet. In
larger operations, the lead mechanic is responsible not only for
maintaining vehicles, but managing a staff of line mechanics or
driver-mechanics, with all the challenges any supervisory
position involves.
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