Description

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About UMass Transit

UMass Transit Services (UMTS) offers an exceptional shop experience, working on the best maintained heavy transit equipment in the North America. UMTS is the heart and soul for campus and regional mobility services, and we are proud to be an integral part of learning environment for UMass students and our professional staff, and offer a proud tradition and future of inclusivity, informality, and innovation for all co-workers, in a fun, safe and supportive culture. UMTS is the nation's best and largest student public transit cooperative, with over 150 student employees operating a full-service fixed route, campus ADA paratransit, and special charter services. UMTS is a proud operating contractor to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and carries up to 3.5 million transit passengers on a fleet of 35, 40 and 60' transit buses, including battery electric buses. UMass Amherst is a subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is part of the State Retirement Board and the Group Insurance Commission benefit programs, and offers variable tuition reimbursement to incumbents and their families.

Job Summary

Motor Equipment Mechanic II (Heavy Bus Transit) performs the inspection, diagnostics and repair of transit buses and bus systems, ensures compliance of vehicles with federal safety, emissions, and repair regulations. Must be proficient with component systems in transit buses, vans, and a variety of other cars and trucks. Rebuilds/overhauls defective parts and/or systems; inspects, tests, and repairs for proper performance; performs other related work as required. Performs Massachusetts State Safety and Emissions testing, road calls, and preventive maintenance of transit vehicles.

Essential Functions

• Performs diagnostics for transit coaches, school buses, vans, and a variety of other vehicles. Specific systems diagnostics include brakes, wheelchair lifts, engine and transmissions, climate control, and door systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance inspections per Federal Transit Administration guidelines on a regular basis; ensures all regulatory safety standards are met; and updates preventive maintenance database as needed.
• Repairs, rebuilds, and troubleshoots diesel, electric, electric hybrid, and gasoline powered buses by inspecting and testing systems through standard and advanced manufacturers' procedures in order to render vehicles safe and legal for operating purposes.
• Maintains wheelchair ramps/lifts per federal preventive maintenance requirements.
• Completes annual EH&S Hazmat OWL certifications per University policy.
• Answers road/trouble calls as assigned by supervisor at all hours and makes repairs on the road or at the garage. If unrepairable, makes arrangements for proper towing of vehicle.
• Always Complies with Federal Transit Administration CFR 49 drug and alcohol testing requirements while on duty.
• Maintains a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate) and remains self-certified through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles throughout employment.
• Operates motor vehicles for transportation and testing purposes.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Applicants must have at least two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, relevant experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy transit vehicles, or experience in a related mechanical field. Substitutions: a certificate or diploma from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school, at the high school level or above, with a major in automotive shop practice or heavy transit bus shop may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Must be medically qualified by successfully obtaining and maintaining a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate).
• Demonstrated knowledge of autobody repair, painting, and refinishing.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques for the repair of large diesel and gasoline engines, as well as heavy-duty systems including automatic transmissions, drive trains, brake systems, steering, air conditioning, air suspensions, and electrical systems.
• Ability to follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Must have working knowledge of computers, computer aided diagnostic analyzers and scopes, and fleet software applications.
• Must be capable of reading and interpreting wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Knowledge of the use and storage of hazardous materials.
• Must pass a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 5 pre-employment drug screen as required by the Federal Transit Administration per Federal CFR 49.
• Required within twelve (12) months of hire date:
• Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B with passenger endorsement. Must be able to be certified in brakes and refrigeration per Federal Regulations.
• Both Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle Massachusetts State Inspection Licenses.
• ASE H3-H5 certification or OEM equivalent and NFPA 70E Electrical high voltage safety (incumbent will have twelve (12) months to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• 2B or 1C Hoisting License.
• Knowledge of transit, school bus, and van components and systems.
• Knowledge of applicable heavy-duty testing, analyzing, special tools, and repair machinery.
• Knowledge of basic transit operations such as bus & route assignment, prioritizing of service and preventative maintenance.
• Working knowledge of fleet software, multiple software diagnostic systems, electric and hybrid powertrains.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in confined and small/dirty spaces. Heavy lifting is also a condition of the job.
• Must be medically qualified by successfully obtaining and maintaining a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate).
• Ability to balance, carry, pull/push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to comply with ongoing Federal CFR 49 requirements throughout employment.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
• 40 hours per week.

Salary Information

• AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 14.
• Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Dec 5 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 5 2026 Eastern Standard Time