CHICO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SR. EQUIPMENT MECHANIC JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR Starting Salary: $27.65/Hour
OPEN AND PROMOTIONAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION Salary Range: $27.65 – $42.89/Hour
Salary Placement – Employment is at the first step for new employees. Progression to the second step takes 6 months and further progressions are yearly through Step 5. There are additional steps for longevity. The Human Resources Office determines promotional employees’ step placement.
GENERAL INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS:
A. Apply on-line at www.edjoin.org.
B. Read the job announcement prior to completing the application form.
C. To claim Veterans’ credit on open entry-level exams, you must submit a copy of your DD214. Those claiming disability Veterans’ credit must include evidence of current receipt of disability benefit by the closing date for filing applications.
D. KEEP THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT! If you have not received e-mailed notification for any part of the exam by the day prior to the date announced, call the Classified Human Resources Office at (530) 891-3000 x 20185.
E. Complete all parts of the application. The completed application and any requested attachments must be received by 11:59 PM on the closing date. Late applications are not accepted.
THE POSITION
The District is establishing an eligible list for Sr. Equipment Mechanic. The eligible list resulting from this recruitment will be used to fill openings in this classification for up to 6 months. Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Four years of experience as a mechanic, including experience working with gas engines, diesel engines, hydraulic brake systems, and air brake systems is required. Experience working with school buses is preferred. Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance supplemented by completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program. Meet/maintain the requirements for a valid California School Bus Driver’s Certificate, with acceptable restrictions, with first aid training and DMV Medical Examiner’s certificate. Acceptable restrictions are “automatic transmission only” and “first aid test waived, must comply with 12522(c) of the Vehicle Code” by the end of the 5th month of the probationary period. Possession of a current valid Class A driver’s license by the end of the 5th month of the probationary period. Must be at least 25 years of age. All persons interested and who meet job related and essential qualifications are encouraged to apply. CUSD is an affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against employees or discriminate in employment of classified personnel with regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, military and veteran status, national origin, physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, race, religious creed, sex, or sexual orientation of any person. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION
The examination consists of an evaluation of the application for education and experience that pertains to job related and essential qualifications. The top candidates will be invited to continue the exam process. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The District will determine the top candidates based solely on the information submitted on the application. Those top candidates will be invited to an Oral/Performance Exam (interview), weighted 50%/50%, which evaluates the knowledge and experience needed to perform the typical duties of the position. Successful promotional candidates will have ¼ point for each year of service up to a maximum of 5 points added to the final score.
APPLICATION/EXAMINATION DATES & CERTIFICATION
A. Closing date for filing applications: October 7, 2026 (11:59 PM)
B. Date of Oral/Performance Exam (personal interview): October 15, 2026 (during the day)
C. Certification shall be according to Merit System §1507.
JOB DESCRIPTION INFORMATION
DEFINITION
Under direction, to perform a full range of skilled mechanical maintenance, diagnostic, inspection and repair duties on trucks, automobiles, school buses and other District vehicles.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Inspect, diagnose, overhaul, adjust and repair gas- and diesel-powered buses, trucks, automobiles and other power equipment.
• Perform general overhaul, installation, repair, replacement and adjustment of bearings, ignitions, carburetors, transmissions, differentials, axles, steering mechanisms, drive shafts, fenders, radiators and front end and rear suspension systems.
• Perform a prescribed preventative maintenance program on the District’s bus, truck and automobile fleet.
• Road test vehicles after work has been completed.
• Inspect school buses and sign forms indicating compliance with state requirements provided by law.
• Perform electrical work, painting, acetylene and arc welding and minor body repair on motorized equipment.
• Perform work in adherence to safe work practices and procedures and in compliance with applicable standards and specifications, including to perform work in accordance with and maintain equipment as required by the California Highway Patrol and Vehicle Code; remain current on all laws pertaining to safe maintenance and repair of school buses.
• Patch and install seat covers and other accessories on buses.
• Operate a steam cleaner to clean buses, automobiles and trucks.
• Contact substitute bus drivers; report problems in obtaining substitute bus drivers to the supervisor.
• Maintain inventory of parts and supplies on hand for the repair of vehicles; contact and compare vendors to obtain high quality supplies for the best price.
• Lead and train non-journey mechanics or service personnel.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area; maintain and repair shop facilities and equipment.
• Maintain a variety of records, including vehicle identification, date, mileage and nature of each inspection, maintenance, lubrication and repair performed.
• Serve as backup school bus driver when needed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Methods, techniques and procedures used in the inspection, maintenance, overhaul, repair and adjustment of gas- and diesel-powered equipment;
• Operating and repair characteristics of a variety of automotive and school bus diagnostic and repair equipment and tools;
• Methods, techniques and procedures used in the repair and adjustment of fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems and chassis;
Chico Unified School District
Senior Equipment Mechanic
• Methods and techniques of performing acetylene and arc welding, painting and electrical work on motorized vehicles and equipment;
• Procedures of preventive maintenance related to automotive and school bus vehicles;
• Laws, rules and regulations pertaining to school bus operations and pupil transportation, including appropriate California State Motor Vehicle Code and the Education Code;
• Principles, practices and procedures of recycling and disposing of hazardous waste from motorized vehicles and equipment;
• Operational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of assigned work;
• Principles and procedures of record keeping;
• Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
• Operate the full range of diagnostic, maintenance and repair equipment in a safe and effective manner;
• Operate a school bus and motor vehicle safely;
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment.
Ability to:
• Perform the full range of journey-level mechanical work, including the diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing of equipment;
• Inspect, maintain, overhaul, repair and adjust gas- and diesel-powered equipment;
• Repair and adjust fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems and chassis;
• Perform acetylene and arc methods of welding on motorized vehicles and equipment;
• Paint and perform electrical work and minor body repairs on motorized vehicles and equipment;
• Patch and install seat covers and other accessories;
• Accurately determine mechanical repair needs;
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions;
• Provide lead supervision and training to assigned staff;
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records;
• Work independently in the absence of supervision;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Obtain a current valid Class A California driver’s license prior to the end of the 5th month of probation;
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience:
• Four (4) years of experience as a mechanic, including experience working with gas engines, diesel engines, hydraulic brake systems, and air brake systems is required.
• Experience providing mechanical maintenance and repair to school buses is preferred.
Chico Unified School District
Senior Equipment Mechanic
Training:
• Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Successful completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must pass the competency exam of the classification as designated by the Classified Human Resources Department.
License and Certificate Requirement:
• Possess and maintain an appropriate, valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Possess and maintain a valid School Bus Driver's Certificate for Type 1 buses, with acceptable restrictions by the end of the 5th month of the probationary period.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class A driver's license by the end of the 5th month of the probationary period.
• Possess and maintain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate by the end of the 5th month of the probationary period.
Conditions of Employment:
• Insurability by the District’s liability insurance carrier.
• Possess and maintain proof of current automobile insurance.
• Travel to multiple worksites and locations, as needed.
• Must be at least 25 years of age.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
• Please refer to the Job Analysis.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATIONS
The following employment information is a summary and is not intended to be all-inclusive. For specific details, see the Agreement between Chico Unified School District and the Chico Chapter #110, CSEA.
Vacation Credit--shall be accrued 1 day/month for 0-4 full years of service. Beyond 4 years refer to agreement. Each employee who is in a paid status less than 1/2 of the workdays in any month shall accrue 1/2 of a full month's vacation credit. Each employee in a paid status for 1/2 or more of the workdays in any month shall accrue a full month's vacation credit.
Holidays--Employees in a paid status the day before or after the holiday are entitled to holiday pay.
Health and Welfare Benefits-- Full-time employees of the District receive up to $1,453/month to be applied towards a health plan for themselves and dependents. Part-time employees are eligible with the cost pro-rated based upon hours worked. The District pays $113 toward the cost of the dental, and $15 toward the cost of the vision plan for employees (and dependents) that work 6 hours or more per day. Any employee working less than 6 hours may elect dental and/or vision coverage at his/her cost. A term life insurance plan is also provided by the District to full-time employees and is available for part-time employees. Part-time employees may have these costs pro-rated based upon hours worked. Dependents may be covered with term insurance at employee expense. Income protection insurance is paid by the District for all bargaining unit positions.
Sick Leave--One day of sick leave is earned for each month worked, with unlimited accumulation.
Probationary Period--All employees must serve a probationary period of six months in any classification for which they are hired, or which they transfer or promote into.
Retirement--All employees assigned 4 or more hours/day must join Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for which a deduction is made from their salary.
Social Security--All classified employees are covered by Social Security and must contribute to the Social Security system.
Credit Unions--There are credit unions available for membership by all classified employees.
Questions, contact: CUSD, 1163 E. 7th St., Chico, CA 95928--(530) 891-3221 – TTY (530) 895-4030
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER JOB LINE = 530-891-3000 & PRESS 5-6
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