Become a Community Transit Journey Mechanic
Apply to become a Community Transit Journey Mechanic and earn a $5,000 sign-on incentive bonus* plus excellent benefits!
Start a career where you help service the vehicles that serve our communities every day. Work with the
most cutting-edge tools in the transit industry in our state-of-the-art shop and join a team that believes in making a difference.
We are currently hiring experienced journey-level mechanics, diesel technicians, automotive technicians, and other positions within the vehicle maintenance team.
Journey Mechanic responsibilities
- Inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing mechanical defects in hybrid and diesel-powered buses, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
- Operating and maintaining electronic diagnostic equipment and other material, including computer programs and scanning tools.
- Diagnosing, dismantling, repairing, and overhauling all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic systems.
- Performing wheel alignments, adjusting/replacing brakes, and repair of pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators, and air conditioning systems.
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment, and electronics including fare collection, communication, and related components.
- Operating hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, cranes, diagnostic computers, and software.
- Documenting work done, the material used, and how time is spent.
- Responding to service calls and performing emergency repair work in the field.
Experience requirements
Qualified applicants should have:
- 4 years experience in mechanical repair on diesel and or gasoline-powered equipment, including electrical, gas engines, diesel engines, air systems, suspensions, and air and hydraulic brakes.
Or - 2 years experience and completion of a 2-year vocational or community college diesel mechanics program.
Mechanic pay and benefits
We offer a shift differential compensation to employees — an extra bump in pay that some workers make for working outside of normal business hours.
- Starting pay for Journey-level Mechanics: $50.30 per hour plus excellent benefits
- Shift Differential for swing shift is $51.55 per hour before overtime increases.
- Shift Differential for graveyard shift is $52.81 per hour before overtime increases.
As part of the transition with formerly contracted services, a group of contracted employees have been offered positions at Community Transit. Through agreements with our labor unions, we have established seniority dates for the contracted employees to start October 1, 2024. Employees hired after October 1, 2024, will have a lower seniority date than the previously described group.
Mechanics
Earn $50.30+ per hour
+ excellent benefits
+ shift differential pay
Benefits:
- Must be able to work four 10-hour shifts
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- PERS Retirement pension (Public Employee Retirement System)
- Company-paid life insurance and disability insurance
- 152 hours of paid time off per year
- 10 company paid holidays
- 6 days of Washington Paid Sick Leave
- Comprehensive wellness program
- Flexible spending accounts — health care and dependent care
In addition to our generous benefits, mechanics also enjoy:
- Employer-paid and maintained uniforms and protective clothing
- Personal tool, rain gear, and safety shoe allowance
- Employee assistance program that provides consultation and referral services for things like stress management, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, etc.
- ORCA bus pass
- Transportation incentive program: Employees who rideshare 60% of their work shifts per month receive a monthly incentive paid quarterly
- Core points — employee recognition program
- Company-paid DOT medical exams when employees use a contracted facility
What is a career as a mechanic with Community Transit like?
Our Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty diesel engines and other systems on Community Transit buses. They work in a clean and well-maintained facility where safety and injury prevention are prioritized.
- Inspecting, diagnosing and repairing mechanical defects in hybrid and diesel-powered buses, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
- Operating and maintaining electronic diagnostic equipment and other material, including computer programs and scanning tools.
- Diagnosing, dismantling, repairing and overhauling all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic systems.
- Performing wheel alignments, adjusting/replacing brakes and repair of pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators and air conditioning systems.
- Installing, maintaining and repairing a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment and electronics including fare collection, communication, and related components.
- Operating hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, cranes, diagnostic computers and software.
- Documenting work done, material used and how time is spent.
- Responding to service calls and performing emergency repair work in the field.
The Vehicle Maintenance Department operates three shifts seven days each week:
- Day shift
- Swing shift
- Graveyard shift
Mechanics work a 40-hour week schedule with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. The position is eligible for overtime.
Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority system and emplyees can bid on shifts at least once per year. Graveyard or swing shift vacancies are the most likely opening. Employees must be able to work any shift, including any combination of days off.
Yes. Mechanics are represented by the International Associations of Mechanics (IAM) Local 160. 
We are looking for people who have:
- Four or more years of experience maintaining diesel- or gasoline-powered equipment along with work on other vehicle systems such as electrical, suspensions and brakes.
- Alternatively, those with formal education in the trade (usually completion of a certificate program or Associates degree) can be eligible with at least two years’ experience.
- Completed a state-sanctioned apprenticeship program as a diesel mechanic are also qualified with the additional two years’ experience in the trade. Currently all our coaches have diesel or diesel-electric hybrid power.
- Most of our Journey Mechanics have a diesel background, but we have found that people with automotive backgrounds can be successful if they have some knowledge of and experience with diesel engines.
If you don’t think you meet these requirements, but are still interested you should look out for our Apprentice Mechanic openings.
- You will need a complete set of tools and suitable toolbox. We will provide you with a list of required tools before you start.
- You will need to be able to clearly communicate in English (comprehend, read, write and speak)
- Pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen.
- You will need to meet physical requirements for the job:
- Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.
- Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, carrying, driving.
- A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) isn’t required to apply, but you will need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you are hired. To get your CLP, you will need to pass the CDL General Knowledge, Passenger, and Air Brake tests
- We can help you to take the second set of tests for your CDL, the skills tests. We will schedule and pay for this portion of your test. You will then need to be able to earn a Washington CDL Class B with a P1 endorsement and air brake restriction
removed.
Other vehicle maintenance positions
We also have other opportunities if you are just starting out your mechanic career and would like to learn more or gain industry experience!
Vehicle Service Worker
A Vehicle Service Worker safely performs routine inspections, servicing, lubrication and minor repairs of our buses and automotive equipment.
Vehicle Service Attendant
A Vehicle Service Attendant performs the regular and recurring fueling of vehicles and does the minor servicing and cleaning of transit coaches and other Community Transit vehicles.
Journey Body Person
A Journey Body Person performs major and minor structure repairs on various types of transit and support vehicles, either at the Operations Base or in the field on various shifts.
Mechanic responsibilities include:
- Inspecting, diagnosing and repairing mechanical defects in hybrid and diesel-powered buses, and other heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
- Operating and maintaining electronic diagnostic equipment and other material, including computer programs and scanning tools.
- Diagnosing, dismantling, repairing and overhauling all types of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions, differentials, hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic systems.
- Performing wheel alignments, adjusting/replacing brakes and repair of pumps, starters, injectors, lights, steering gears, generators and air conditioning systems.
- Installing, maintaining and repairing a variety of auxiliary systems, equipment and electronics including fare collection, communication, and related components.
- Operating hydraulic lifts, hoists, jacks, cranes, diagnostic computers and software.
- Documenting work done, material used and how time is spent.
- Responding to service calls and performing emergency repair work in the field.
Mechanic schedules
The Vehicle Maintenance Department operates three shifts seven days each week:
- Day shift
- Swing shift
- Graveyard shift
Mechanics work a 40-hour week schedule with two consecutive days off, but not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. The position is eligible for overtime.
Work schedules and locations are based on a seniority system and emplyees can bid on shifts at least once per year. Graveyard or swing shift vacancies are the most likely opening. Employees must be able to work any shift, including any combination of days off.
Are mechanics represented by a union?
Yes. Mechanics are represented by the International Associations of Mechanics (IAM) Local 160.
What experience is required?
We are looking for people who have:
- Four or more years of experience maintaining diesel- or gasoline-powered equipment along with work on other vehicle systems such as electrical, suspensions and brakes.
- Alternatively, those with formal education in the trade (usually completion of a certificate program or Associates degree) can be eligible with at least two years’ experience.
- Completed a state-sanctioned apprenticeship program as a diesel mechanic are also qualified with the additional two years’ experience in the trade. Currently all our coaches have diesel or diesel-electric hybrid power.
- Most of our Journey Mechanics have a diesel background, but we have found that people with automotive backgrounds can be successful if they have some knowledge of and experience with diesel engines.
If you don’t think you meet these requirements, but are still interested you should look out for our Apprentice Mechanic openings.
What do I need to start the job?
- You will need a complete set of tools and suitable toolbox. We will provide you with a list of required tools before you start.
- You will need to be able to clearly communicate in English (comprehend, read, write and speak)
- Pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen.
- You will need to meet physical requirements for the job:
- Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.
- Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, carrying, driving.
- A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) isn’t required to apply, but you will need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you are hired. To get your CLP, you will need to pass the CDL General Knowledge, Passenger, and Air Brake tests
- We can help you to take the second set of tests for your CDL, the skills tests. We will schedule and pay for this portion of your test. You will then need to be able to earn a Washington CDL Class B with a P1 endorsement and air brake restriction
removed.
