Careers

About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

Job Summary:

The Motor Equipment Mechanic I within the UMass Transit Services (UMTS) division maintains and repairs buses and other motorized equipment.   

Essential Functions

• Under direct supervision maintains, inspects, tests, diagnoses, alters, rebuilds, and repairs: Electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and air conditioning equipment on heavy passenger transit buses and other motor vehicles, including diesel and gasoline engines, hybrid natural gas/electric engines/motors, inverters, energy storage systems, thermal management systems, high-pressure fuel systems, clutches, transmissions, axles, generators, compressors, air conditioning systems, brake assemblies, door wheelchair lifts, and electrical and mechanical accessories. This also includes wheels, steering equipment, suspension systems, brake rotors and drums, and modular automotive multiplex systems.
• Under direct supervision diagnoses and troubleshoots: Mechanical defects in hybrid, diesel, and battery electric-powered buses, and other heavy motorized equipment, including issues related to engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, and other critical systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs: Checks buses for oil changes, lubrication, battery service, and minor repairs; changes oil, lubricates, services batteries, replaces lamps, and performs minor engine repairs. This includes removal, rebuilding, and replacing transmissions, and relining and adjusting brakes and clutches.
• Assists and replaces parts: Serves as an assistant to higher-grade mechanics, obtains and replaces parts as directed.
• Operates and uses: Power machine tools, portable power tools, electronic diagnostic tools, hand tools, and computerized equipment.
• Records and maintains data: Keeps records and ensures tools are clean and in order.
• Drives and travels: Drives motor vehicles and travels for training and vehicle inspection functions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• CDL B with USDOT Medical Examiners Card, without restrictions, and with Passenger Endorsement
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations related to heavy equipment maintenance.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire ASE Certifications H3, H4, and H5.
• Possess or obtain within 1 year of hire MA non-commercial vehicle inspector’s license. Commercial vehicle inspector license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a UMTS student service and/or student technician.
• At least one-year recent experience working on heavy duty transit buses.

Additional Details 

• This position is designated as essential personnel. 

Work Schedule 

• Monday-Friday; 7am-3:30pm 

Salary Information 

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 13. 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Please complete online application and provide contact information for (3) three professional references. 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.