Lead Vehicle Mechanic

Job Title: Lead Vehicle Mechanic

Location: Student Transportation Center, 3833 North 72nd Street, 68134-4407

Reports To: Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12 Month 261 days

Salary Schedule: This is a full-time position. Salary Grade: 85A

Position Purpose:  Primary job responsibilities include but are not limited to leading and guiding the daily work of mechanics in the automotive vehicle repair shop ensuring the timely and accurate completion of repairs.  This position assigns, checks, guides, corrects and participates fully in the work of the employees they supervise.

Essential Performance Responsibilities 

• Plan and schedule vehicle maintenance shop daily.


• Assist in maintaining vehicle maintenance records and computer generation of maintenance work orders.


• Assist mechanics in diagnosis and repair of vehicles as needed.


• Maintain reliable judgment and leadership in following all necessary precautions and procedures to assure the safety of all.


• Assign specific tasks to shift mechanics as necessary.


• Must complete tasks as assigned by the Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor.


• Maintain a satisfactory attendance record.


• Maintain accurate and confidential work and inventory records.


• Perform job duties efficiently and complete tasks in a timely manner.


• Other duties assigned.

Additional Duties 

Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

Equipment:  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Local travel may be required. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to engage in heavy physical activities (exerting force equal to 100 pounds).


• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, kneel, reach, stoop and walk while maintaining body balance in performance of job-related tasks.


• Must successfully complete a pre-employment assessment of physical abilities related to the position.  The assessment will be arranged by OPS.

Interrelations: 

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors. 


• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.


• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.


• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.


• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance 

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. 


• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. 


• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• High school diploma or equivalent; post high school or technical training. (preferred)


• Ten years (preferred) of verified experience as a mechanic with commercial firms.


• Leadership and organizational skills pertinent to supervising a mechanics shop.


• The ability to establish and maintain positive human relationships and to work effectively with the mechanics within the shop.


• Must work with a very diverse group of drivers and other Transportation staff.


• Experience with maintenance and repair of diesel engines and systems as required.


• Computer literacy and keyboard skills are required. Experience in Fleet Soft program is desirable.


• Ability to use all job-related tools, instruments, and equipment.


• Knowledge and demonstrated performance of all necessary job-related safety procedures.


• Knowledge of school fleet operations. (preferred)


• Must have a good driving record. All applicants must possess or obtain a class A CDL drivers license with a passenger endorsement.


• Must meet the insurability requirements of the School District’s carrier.


• Must be willing and able to be on call, particularly during winter snow removal.


• Good communication skills and a pleasant demeanor are a must.

Terms of Employment 

This position is treated as a classified full-time exempt position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative. 

The offer of employment is contingent upon: 

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for your position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified. 


• A thorough background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students. 


• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. 


• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered). 


• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered). 


• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.