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Lead Diesel Mechanic

First Student · Danville, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 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 time you trained a less experienced mechanic. What did you teach them?

What they are checking: Whether they help others improve, which is a big part of being a lead.

Tell me about the most complex engine or transmission job you've done.

What they are checking: Whether their hands-on experience matches the level expected of a lead technician.

How many ASE School Bus certifications do you hold, and how did you prepare for them?

What they are checking: Whether they have invested in their skills and can guide others toward certification.

What would you do

As lead in the Danville shop, how would you assign work to the other technicians on a busy morning?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize the shop so safety-critical repairs and route needs are handled first.

A tech tells you a bus is ready, but you check and find the brakes weren't adjusted. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they hold others to safety standards while coaching rather than just redoing the work.

Dispatch needs a bus right away but it isn't safe yet. How do you explain that to them?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate firmly and clearly to protect safety while working with operations.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd diagnose an intermittent electrical fault that other techs couldn't find.

What they are checking: Whether they have the deep diagnostic skill a lead tech needs for the hardest problems.

How do you inspect a school bus to make sure it'll pass a state safety inspection?

What they are checking: Whether they know state inspection standards and prepare buses to meet them.

How do you decide whether a part should be repaired or replaced?

What they are checking: Whether they think about cost, safety, and downtime when making repair decisions.

How do you keep the shop clean, organized, and safe for everyone?

What they are checking: Whether they take responsibility for shop safety standards as a lead.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

First Student is now hiring a Lead Diesel Technician for our shop serving Danville, IL! Hours/Schedule: Monday–Friday, Full-time day shift As a Lead Diesel Technician , you will ensure every vehicle runs safely, efficiently, and reliably - keeping our communities moving with confidence. Why join First as a Lead Diesel Mechanic? • Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications. • Hourly Rate: $38 per hour (NOT flat rate). • Bonus rate increase available for each ASE School Bus Series test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more). • Monday–Friday day shift schedule with consistent, year-round work. • Company-paid ASE testing and training materials. • Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. • Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada! • Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, & 401(k). • Paid holidays and vacation time. • Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses. • State-of-the-art training programs. • Discounts on cell phone plans, cars, and more through the Perk Spot program! • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. About the Lead Diesel Technician Position As a Lead Diesel Technician at First Student, you will help deliver excellence by leading the comprehensive preventive maintenance program, providing ongoing technician development, and streamlining operational practices. Other job duties include: • Oversee complex vehicle diagnostics and repairs; perform road tests when needed. • Maintain advanced knowledge of engines, emissions, transmissions, brakes, hydraulics, electrical, and HVAC systems for preventive and repair maintenance. • Supervise shop technicians, conduct daily huddles, training, performance evaluations, and assist with hiring decisions. • Manage inventory control, approve expenses within scope, schedule fleet maintenance, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. • Conduct inspections, monitor performance, and maintain adherence to federal/state standards. • Work closely with management on maintenance status, budgets, and special projects. • Participate in ASE certification program. • Perform hands-on work activities as needed. Lead Diesel Technician Qualifications • At least 5 years of diesel or automotive maintenance & repair experience or technical school education. • Previous experience in a lead technician, supervisor, or other management role is preferred. • Valid driver’s license required; Willingness to obtain CDL while employed – Paid company training provided. • Strong computer skills. • Possess a mechanic’s tool set. • ASE certifications are preferred. • 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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