Diesel Mechanic (Transit Fleet)

TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT INC•Ithaca, NY

4d•$30 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

If you're the kind of mechanic who likes being trusted to do the job right and works best when provided with the support, space, and equipment to see it through... you'll fit right in at TCAT! TCAT’s mechanics are central to ensuring the safety of our drivers, passengers, and the community at large. To support our safety-first culture, you will receive regular training opportunities that will enable you to build on your current skills and stay at the forefront of new technologies, concepts and developments in the world of diesel and electric vehicle repair and maintenance. We're offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Diesel Mechanics, plus paid CDL training from our driver training team! What You’ll Do: Join a tight, unionized maintenance team that keeps a modern fleet safe, reliable, and road ready. You’ll handle preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs — everything from electrical troubleshooting to major components like engines, transmissions, differentials, and air brakes. You’ll have solid administrative support, clear priorities, and steady workflow. Tell us what you need, and we’ll make sure you can get the job done efficiently. Interested in long term growth? We have a well defined path for mechanics who want to develop mastery, mentor others, or step into higher level repair and diagnostics. Schedule: Our shop runs 24/7, Monday–Friday, with shifts assigned through a seniority based bid system three times per year. New hires typically start on 3rd shift (10pm–6:30am). Work takes place at TCAT Headquarters, plus occasional local road calls. Pay & Benefits: $30.16/hr to start $2.00/hr shift differential for shifts ending after 10pm Tool allowance (quarterly), shoe allowance (annual), tool-replacement program Bonuses for overtime, attendance, referrals, safety, and training new hires UAW Local 2300 membership after 90-day probation Health insurance with robust employer contribution, including FSA/HSA options Dental and Vision insurance (employer-paid) Employer-paid life, AD&D, short and long term disability Voluntary employee/spouse/child life insurance Employee & childcare assistance programs 401(k) with 10% direct employer contribution after 2 years Paid Time Off: 10 vacation days, paid holidays, 5 floating holidays, 7 sick days, 3 personal days Leave options for family health care, military service, firefighter service, public office, jury duty, bereavement, and more

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience repairing diesel engines in a transit environment
Experience in airbrake diagnosis and repair
Demonstrated commitment to safety
Strong communication skills
Ability to read and follow written instructions
Ability to work with a team as well as independently
Proficiency with computers and sensor tools is a must
The successful candidate must provide their own tools
Mechanics are required to achieve and maintain commercial driver credentials to perform essential job functions
all prospective candidates for this position are subject to motor vehicle record check, verification of past employment, criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing
Any offer of employment is contingent on satisfaction of all FMCSA, DOT, DMV, and NY 19-A regulations
Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds
Work requires the ability to reach, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch and climb ladders on a regular basis in the performance of mechanical work
Required to use hands, fingers and arms to reach, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls
Stands and walks for long periods of time in the performance of duties
Ability to receive directions and interact with coworkers
Specific vision abilities required to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus

Nice To Haves

Previous heavy-duty or automotive experience and relevant certifications will be considered!

Responsibilities

Handle preventative maintenance
Handle diagnostics
Handle repairs
Electrical troubleshooting
Work on major components like engines, transmissions, differentials, and air brakes

Benefits

$5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Diesel Mechanics
paid CDL training from our driver training team
$2.00/hr shift differential for shifts ending after 10pm
Tool allowance (quarterly), shoe allowance (annual), tool-replacement program
Bonuses for overtime, attendance, referrals, safety, and training new hires
UAW Local 2300 membership after 90-day probation
Health insurance with robust employer contribution, including FSA/HSA options
Dental and Vision insurance (employer-paid)
Employer-paid life, AD&D, short and long term disability
Voluntary employee/spouse/child life insurance
Employee & childcare assistance programs
401(k) with 10% direct employer contribution after 2 years
10 vacation days, paid holidays, 5 floating holidays, 7 sick days, 3 personal days
Leave options for family health care, military service, firefighter service, public office, jury duty, bereavement, and more