Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Bus Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech)
Fleet Mechanic
General Repair Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic
Service Technician
Trailer Mechanic
Transit Mechanic
Truck Mechanic

What is a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists are skilled technicians who focus on the repair and maintenance of diesel engines and related systems in buses, trucks, and other heavy vehicles. They diagnose mechanical issues using a blend of technical knowledge and practical experience, often involving complex systems such as engines, transmissions, and electrical components. These professionals are trained to conduct routine inspections, perform preventive maintenance, and execute repairs ranging from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. Their expertise extends to various technologies, including fuel injection systems, hydraulic brakes, and air conditioning systems, ensuring that vehicles operate efficiently and safely. With a growing demand for environmentally friendly and technologically advanced systems, these specialists often stay updated with the latest industry trends and innovations, making them integral to the transportation sector's functionality and sustainability.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
  • Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  • Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.

Technology Skills

  • Computer aided design CAD software
    • Autodesk AutoCAD
    • Dassault Systemes CATIA
    • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Facilities management software
    • Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
    • Shop management software
  • Analytical or scientific software
    • Cummins INSITE
    • Engine diagnostic software
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • SAP software

Knowledge

  • Mechanical

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Transportation

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Education and Training

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Skills

  • Repairing

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Troubleshooting

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Operations Monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Equipment Maintenance

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

  • Near Vision

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Finger Dexterity

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Manual Dexterity

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Control Precision

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Post-secondary certificate
    39 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    37 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
  • Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
  • Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Investigative

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$39020.0 - $82430.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Assessment

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