Job Title: Diesel Mechanic
Department: Vehicle Maintenance
Job Category: ATU
Employee Type: Full-Time - Regular
Rate of Pay: $30.22 / hourly
Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406
Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 4:00pm – 12:00am
Revision Date: August 11, 2026
Summary of Job:
Under the direction of the Director of Vehicle Maintenance, this position independently performs all modes of maintenance, operation, repairs, and modifications of all transit vehicles and automotive equipment. Responsible for equipment repairs, electric diagnosis, A/C troubleshooting, etc. on transit vehicles and automotive equipment. Knowledge of safety systems on transit vehicles, buses, trolley cars, and automotive equipment.
Essential Function(s):
· Remove, repair and/or replace units on Authority’s vehicles in the shop, on the road, or other locations.
· Inspect, troubleshoot, repair and replace all types of components/units as required on transit vehicles and automotive equipment, including but not limited to: fuel pumps, air compressors, water pumps, oil coolers, air valves, fuel lines.
· Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electrical units, including but not limited to diagnosing, removing and replacing electrical/electronic components and making wiring repairs.
· Troubleshoot, with or without test equipment, various problems encountered with engines and other units affecting vehicle operation; operate jacks, hoists and service/towing equipment; operate a drill press, grinders, presses and similar shop equipment.
· Perform battery maintenance checks and soldering, heating and acetylene cutting with Authority supplied equipment on Authority’s vehicles.
· Remove and replace windows, framing and retainers as required on Authority vehicles.
· Inspect and repair brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other critical vehicle components
- Overhaul and repair diesel-powered buses, including disassembly, diagnosis, and reassembly.
- Perform preventive maintenance inspections and minor repairs on vehicles; handle and complete records and paperwork required for work performed.
· Communicate with co-workers, management and others in a courteous and professional manner.
· Conform with and abide by all regulations, CARTA policies, work procedures, and instructions.
· Conform to all safety rules and wears/uses all appropriate safety equipment.
· Perform related work as assigned.
· Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
· Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.
Supervisory & Operational Authority:
- This position will oversee no other positions
Compliance:
- Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
- Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
- Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.
Minimum Qualifications:
· High School diploma or equivalent.
· Three (3) or more years of recent and verifiable experience in automotive repair or a heavy equipment mechanic.
· Vocational or technical training in diesel mechanics preferred.
Special Requirements:
· Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
· Must have a clean driving record
· If selected for the position, must obtain and maintain a valid Tennessee CDL class B within 90 days.
· Ability to periodically pass the Department of Transportation physical examination.
· Must acquire or possess the tools necessary to perform the duties of the position, including pneumatic, measuring and hand tools, and a rollaway toolbox (an allowance is provided by contract if hired)
· Must be available to work five (5) consecutive days including Saturday and Sunday and/or holidays; as scheduled
· Must be available to work any one of three shifts - day, evening, or late; as scheduled
Physical Requirements:
· Must possess the physical condition necessary to perform the following on a frequent or continual basis: stand, transport oneself from station to station in a large maintenance facility, safely access service bays, sit while reviewing or preparing work orders and other paperwork, bend, squat, stoop, turn, climb, kneel, twist, perform simple and power grasping, push, pull, perform fine hand and finger manipulations, safely lift and carry heavy objects or use appropriate lifting equipment and techniques for heavier items.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Knowledge of standard methods, practices, tools, and equipment used in bus and mechanical maintenance and repair.
· Knowledge of safety systems on transit vehicles, buses, trolley cars, and automotive equipment.
· Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the transit system.
· Skill locating, defining, and repairing defects in a wide variety of general or specialized transit equipment.
· Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
· Ability to operate a drill press, grinders, presses, and similar shop equipment.
· Ability to work with minimal supervision.
· Ability to work as part of a team.
Safety Requirements & Notifications:
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).
Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
The Maintenance Technician must be willing to work nights, holidays, weekends, and any hours assigned. This position works in open bays, inside buses, and outside in varying
weather conditions. The position may require exposure to fumes and vapors and the use/handling of commercial cleaners and toxic materials. Physical demands include:
· Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and push objects such as doors, windows, emergency hatches, wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts.
· Must be able to repetitively bend, kneel, squat, stoop, and twist safely.
· Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees:
· Pension Plan
· Paid Vacation
· Paid Sick Leave
· Paid Personal Days
· Medical Insurance
· Dental Insurance
· Vision Insurance
· Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Health Savings Account (HSA)
· Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
· Supplemental Life Insurance
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Application Process:
To apply for this vacancy, you must complete the application in full. Applications are considered for 90 days. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer -- M/F/D/V.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to disclose true and accurate information on their account profile and/or resume. Falsification of this information may lead to your disqualification from vacancy consideration and/or termination of employment.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.
Pay: $30.22 per hour
Work Location: In person
