Shop Foreman​/Lead Technician

Now Hiring:
Lead Diesel Technician / Shop Foreman - New Haven, CT

Location: New Haven, CT
Supporting: New Haven Public Schools
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM

First Student is seeking an experienced Lead Diesel Technician / Shop Foreman to support our New Haven Public Schools operation. In this role, you'll provide technical leadership within the shop, mentor and develop technicians, oversee fleet maintenance activities, and help ensure our vehicles remain safe, reliable, and ready to serve students every day.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled technician who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role while remaining hands‑on in the shop environment.

• $40.13 - $43.99 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
• Not a flat-rate shop
• Additional hourly increases available through our ASE incentive program
• Consistent, year-round employment

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Company‑paid ASE testing and training materials
• Company‑paid CDL Class B training and licensing
• Annual boot allowance
• Annual prescription safety glasses allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Perk Spot employee discount program featuring discounts on cell phones, vehicles, travel, entertainment, and more

At First Student, we promote from within. With more than 540 locations across North America, opportunities exist to advance into Maintenance Manager, Shop Manager, Regional Maintenance, Operations Leadership, and other management positions.

As the Lead Diesel Technician / Shop Foreman, you will serve as the technical leader of the shop while helping drive safety, quality, productivity, and technician development. You will work closely with local leadership to ensure maintenance operations are executed efficiently and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

• Lead and support daily shop operations
• Perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on school buses and fleet vehicles
• Oversee preventative maintenance activities and repair quality
• Provide coaching, training, and technical guidance to technicians
• Conduct daily shop huddles and communicate maintenance priorities
• Assist with technician performance evaluations and development plans
• Participate in technician hiring and onboarding efforts
• Monitor fleet maintenance schedules and repair timelines
• Maintain inventory control and assist with parts management
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and federal, state, and local regulations
• Conduct vehicle inspections and road tests as required
• Maintain expertise in diesel engines, electrical systems, HVAC, emissions systems, brakes, hydraulics, and transmissions
• Partner with management on fleet readiness, maintenance planning, and special projects
• Remain actively involved in hands‑on repairs and maintenance activities

• Minimum of 5 years of diesel, heavy‑duty truck, bus, or automotive maintenance experience
• Previous lead technician, foreman, supervisor, or maintenance leadership experience preferred
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities
• Experience leading, mentoring, or training technicians
• Valid driver's license required
• Willingness to obtain a CDL while employed (company‑paid training provided)
• ASE certifications preferred
• Strong computer and documentation skills
• Must possess a professional mechanic's tool set
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

This position is classified as safety‑sensitive and is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 40), the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited regardless of state or local laws.

If you're an experienced technician looking for an opportunity to lead a shop, mentor technicians, and make a direct impact on fleet safety and reliability, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help keep New Haven Public Schools moving safely every day.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug‑free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law.

Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or upon request.