FAQs about the Diesel and Automotive Mechanic Role

The Vehicle Maintenance Department operates three shifts (day, swing and graveyard) seven days a week. Employees work a 40 hour per week schedule with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. The position is eligible for overtime. Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority system and bid on at least once per year. Graveyard and/or swing shift vacancies will be the most likely opening. Employees must be able to work any shift, including any combination of days off.

Our Mechanics are highly skilled professionals that are responsible for the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty diesel engines and other systems on Community Transit coaches. They work in a clean facility where safety and injury prevention are emphasized. Harmony and unity within and between departments and work groups is obligatory. Job accountabilities include:

• Inspecting, diagnosing and repairing mechanical defects in hybrid and diesel-powered buses, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
• Operating and maintaining electronic diagnostic and related equipment, including computer programs and scanning tools.
• Diagnosing, dismantling, repairing and overhauling all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic systems.
• Performing wheel alignments, adjusting/replacing brakes and repair of pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators and air conditioning systems.
• Installing, maintaining and repairing a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment and electronics including fare collection, communication, and related components.
• Operating hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, cranes, diagnostic computers and software.
• Documenting work done, material used and how time is spent.
• Responding to service calls and performing emergency repair work in the field.

• You need to be able to get a Washington CDL Class B with a P1 endorsement and air brake restriction removed.  See below for more information on drivers licenses.
• You will need a complete set of tools and suitable tool box.  Here is a list of required tools.
• Be able to clearly communicate (comprehend, read, write and speak) English
• Pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen.
• Meet physical requirements for the job:
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, carrying, driving.

1. Log-in to our employment application site using the same user name and password you used when you created your account.
2. Select the box named ‘Attachments.’
3. Choose the type of attachment (driver’s abstract, resume, etc.) from the drop down list
4. Select the upload button and locate your document on your PC where you saved it
5. Select 'Open' and the file will be uploaded. (Remember, if this is a change to your previously submitted applications, you will need to hit the submit button to make sure we get the new application with the attachments).

1. Create an online account.To do this you need to establish a user name and password. Click on the "Apply" tab to begin your application.
2. Once you have created an account, you can use it to apply for other jobs at Community Transit. It can save you a lot of time later!
3. Complete the entire application. An incomplete application could prevent you from being considered or getting a call back. (Not providing work history for the last 10 years, for example, would make your application incomplete.)

If you have questions, call our HR Department at (425) 348-2315. 

Following the date the posting closes, we will contact you by email.  We use the email account that you gave us when you created your online account.

Most of our initial communications will be by email.  Please remember to update your email address for your online account if it changes so we can reach you.

CDL’s aren’t required at the time you are hired, but you will need a CDL permit.  We will provide you paid training to get your full CDL when you are hired. Read more about our CDL requirements here.

No, you do not need a WA state driver’s license to apply, but you will need one to acquire a WA State CDL permit.  You are required to have a documented history of a good driving record. See our CDL requirements here.

1. Log back into your account (use the same user name and password you used when you created your account).
2. Update your application.
3. Submit the application. Each time you make a change to your application, you must hit the ‘submit’ button so that Community Transit will get a copy of the newest application with the changes.

New hires start with a CDL permit and we provide training for both acquiring the CDL and preparing individuals to work on our vehicles.

The Training for new Mechanics is four weeks in duration (whether they start with a CDL or not).

At the end of the new hire training we provide in-house testing for the CDL Licensing. (Mechanics must be able to obtain a WA State CDL license with P1 endorsement, airbrake restriction removed, within 90 days of hire).

Training includes:

• Bus Air Brake Systems Repair
• Diesel Engine Repair
• Allison Transmission Repair
• Air Conditioning Systems Repair
• Vehicle Electronics/Multiplex Systems Repair
• Articulating Joint Repair
• Hybrid Systems Safety and Repair
• Certifications in Forklift Operator and First Aid
• Continued professional development and training continue throughout your Community Transit Career.                       

Yes, Mechanics are represented by the International Associations of Mechanics (IAM) Local 160.

We are looking for people who have:

• Four or more years of experience maintaining diesel- or gasoline-powered equipment along with work on other vehicle systems such as electrical, suspensions and brakes.
• Alternatively, those with formal education in the trade (usually completion of a certificate program or Associates degree) can be eligible with at least two years’ experience.
• Completed a state-sanctioned apprenticeship program as a diesel mechanic are also qualified with the additional two years’ experience in the trade.  Currently all our coaches have diesel or diesel-electric hybrid power.
• Most of our Journey Mechanics have a diesel background, but we have found that people with automotive backgrounds can be successful if they have some knowledge of and experience with diesel engines.

If you don’t think you meet these requirements, but are still interested you should look out for our Apprentice Mechanic openings.

Applicants for positions defined as safety sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to commencement of employment will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.

Journey, or journey-level, mechanic is a common term in the transit business.  It distinguishes the positon from apprentices and lower-skill mechanics.  At Community Transit our Journey Mechanics are qualified to work on any mechanical or electrical aspect of our coaches.