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Diesel Mechanic

First Student · Chicago, IL · $35.00–$38.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 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

First Student pays more for each ASE School Bus test you pass. Which ones do you have or plan to take?

What they are checking: Whether they are committed to building certifications and growing their skills.

Tell me about a tough repair you figured out that others couldn't.

What they are checking: Whether they have real problem-solving skills and persistence with hard repairs.

The company pays for CDL Class B training. How do you feel about getting your CDL to road test buses?

What they are checking: Whether they are willing to get the license that lets them test drive and move buses.

What would you do

A bus is due out for a route in thirty minutes, and you find a safety defect. Dispatch is pressuring you. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they put student safety above schedule pressure and keep an unsafe bus off the road.

How do you keep yourself and others safe in the shop?

What they are checking: Whether they follow shop safety practices like lockout, jack stands, and proper PPE.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd diagnose a school bus that cranks but won't start on a cold morning.

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot diesel no-start problems systematically, including fuel, glow plugs, and electrical.

What do you check on an air brake system during a preventive maintenance inspection?

What they are checking: Whether they know air brake systems well, since brakes are the top safety item on a school bus.

Tell me about your experience with DPF and aftertreatment systems. What usually goes wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle modern emissions systems, which cause many diesel breakdowns.

How do you use diagnostic software and scan tools on diesel engines?

What they are checking: Whether they can use electronic diagnostics to find faults quickly and accurately.

How do you document your repairs so the next tech knows what was done?

What they are checking: Whether they keep clear records, which matter for safety audits and repeat problems.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at First Student from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving Chicago Midway Airport Hours/Schedule: Monday through Friday, 12:00pm-8:00pm, Full-time day shift split between our locations in Chicago and Crestwood. If you take pride in keeping your community moving, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. Our team keeps passengers safe and on time every day—because behind every bus is a skilled mechanic who ensures reliability, safety, and peace of mind for passengers across our community. Why Join First as a Diesel Mechanic? • Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications. • Hourly Rate: $35.00 – $38.00 per hour (NOT flat rate). • Bonus rate increase available for each ASE test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more). • Company-paid ASE testing and training materials. • Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. • Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match. • Career Advancement Opportunities : Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada! • Paid holidays and vacation time. • Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses. • Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through the PerkSpot program. • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. About the Diesel Technician Position As a Diesel Technician with First Student, you will help maintain and repair school buses to ensure safety and reliability. Diesel Technician key responsibilities include: • Ensure vehicles are maintained and safe for our passengers. • Diagnose and perform all phases of vehicle maintenance including the repair of brakes and brake inspections, engine tune-ups, suspensions, drive trains, transmission clutches and other repairs. • Perform preventive maintenance (PMs), safety inspections, and annual maintenance inspections. • Complete work orders accurately. • Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed. Diesel Technician Qualifications • At least 3+ years of diesel or automotive maintenance and repair experience, or equivalent technical school education and experience. • Vehicle diagnostic and problem-solving skills. • Valid driver’s license required. • CDL Class B or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment – Company paid training provided. • Possession of a mechanic’s tool set to complete all assigned duties. • Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided). • Strong computer skills. • Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying day shift schedules, great pay, and unmatched support. 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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