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Diesel Mechanic Assistant/Fueler

First Student · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a job where you had to work outside in all kinds of weather.

What they are checking: Readiness for a hands-on outdoor role in Chicago conditions.

Tell me about a time you kept a work area clean and safe without being asked.

What they are checking: Initiative and pride in keeping the fuel island and grounds safe.

How do you stay focused on accuracy when doing repetitive tasks every day?

What they are checking: Consistency, since fueling and records must be right every single time.

What would you do

Your fuel readings don't match the delivery ticket. What do you do?

What they are checking: Honesty and following up on discrepancies rather than adjusting numbers to make them match.

You notice body damage on a vehicle during inspection that wasn't reported. What do you do?

What they are checking: Thorough inspection habits and reporting accurately, which protects drivers and the company.

How would you keep the yard organized so every vehicle can dispatch on time in the morning?

What they are checking: Planning and awareness of how yard layout affects on-time service for riders.

About the work

Walk me through the safety steps you'd follow before, during and after a fuel delivery.

What they are checking: Fuel safety knowledge and respect for procedures that prevent spills, fires and contamination.

How do you take accurate stick and meter readings, and why do they matter?

What they are checking: Understanding that fuel records feed variance and month-end reports that management relies on.

What fluid levels would you check on a vehicle, and what would make you report it to a mechanic?

What they are checking: Basic mechanical awareness to catch problems before a paratransit vehicle goes out.

What's your experience moving larger vehicles in tight spaces?

What they are checking: Comfort and safety when repositioning vehicles in a busy yard.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

First Student is the largest school transportation provider in North America, with more than a century of experience providing safe and reliable transportation. We work with school districts across the U.S. and Canada, helping millions of students and passengers get where they need to go safely each day. Hourly Rate: $23.84/hr About the Role The Fueler / Mechanic Assistant supports daily transit operations by fueling vehicles, checking fluid levels, maintaining accurate fuel records, inspecting vehicles for visible damage, and helping keep the yard, fuel island, buildings, and grounds clean and safe. This is a hands-on, outdoor operations role that helps ensure paratransit vehicles are ready to dispatch on time each day. What You’ll Do • Open gates and prepare the parking lot and fuel island for daily operations • Check parking areas to ensure vehicles can be dispatched safely and on time • Reposition vehicles in the yard as needed to maintain traffic flow • Fuel paratransit vehicles and complete accurate stick and meter readings • Move vehicles between locations • Maintain fuel-related records, including: • Bulk Fuel Receiving Reports • Fuel Variance Reports • Month-End Closing Reports • Meter Calibration Reports • Notify management when fuel deliveries are needed • Follow proper procedures before, during, and after fuel deliveries • Check and fill vehicle fluids, including oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid • Inspect belts and report any issues to the appropriate maintenance contact • Check tires twice per week for damage and proper air pressure • Report tire damage or vehicle damage immediately to the shop or management team • Maintain required spill-barrel inventory and assist with spill containment procedures when needed • Keep the fuel island stocked with supplies needed for daily vehicle checks • Clean vehicle interiors and exteriors as needed to maintain fleet cleanliness • Assist with light building and grounds maintenance, including yard cleanliness, weeds, grass, and assigned projects • Complete additional tasks as assigned by management What We’re Looking For • Class A or B CDL or the ability to obtain one once hired • High school diploma or equivalent • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively • Strong attention to detail when completing logs, reports, and inspections • Ability to communicate professionally with drivers, managers, maintenance staff, and operations team members • Reliable attendance and punctuality • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions • Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays based on business needs • Ability to follow safety procedures, especially around fuel, fluids, vehicles, and spill containment Physical Requirements This role requires regular outdoor and hands-on work. Candidates should be comfortable with: • Working in wet, cold, hot, or seasonal weather conditions • Standing for extended periods • Bending, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and stooping during vehicle checks and inspections • Using hands and fingers to complete paperwork, inspections, and basic tasks • Hearing, speaking, and seeing clearly enough to perform job duties safely • Writing clear, legible reports and records • Moving around a vehicle yard and fuel island throughout the shift Why Join First Student? • Steady, hands-on operations role • Opportunity to support essential paratransit service • Team-oriented work environment • Training provided on fuel procedures, vehicle checks, safety expectations, and reporting requirements • A role that directly supports safe and reliable daily transportation Disclaimer Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Language Requirement This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English. 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 .

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