A bus mechanic is generally responsible for the maintenance of buses, whether diesel or gas. Just as a car mechanic may have knowledge about all the moving parts of a car’s engine and frame, a bus mechanic also generally has knowledge about the parts that make a bus function. He will tackle repairs on various parts of the bus and make sure it's maintained to function at its best.
Diesel and gas buses are used for a variety of industries such as public transportation and schools. These vehicles are usually used and driven quite a bit and see a lot of wear and tear. Companies with buses for any type of public transport also tend to have their own mechanics on payroll. These are employees who may be called upon for routine maintenance to keep the bus operational and safe, or they may be called in the event something just goes wrong. A bus mechanic can work with electronics, heating and cooling and mechanical functions or parts on a constant basis.
The company that is looking to hire a bus mechanic will usually require that the applicant have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. In most cases, it is preferred or required that the person have formal training and education to be considered for a job. It is usually a very important position, because mistakes made by a bus mechanic could result in serious injury or even death of that bus’s passengers.
As part of his or her training, a bus mechanic will typically undergo an apprenticeship in which he or she will practice the practical applications of what they’ve learned in school. Even one with several years of experience may be asked to go through this kind of training when moving from one company to another. The typical day could include routine tasks like checking the oil, rotating tires and replacing headlights. Larger tasks could range from replacing many parts of an engine to checking and calibrating engine computers or more. The day-to-day work of a bus mechanic can be very diverse.
There are some bus mechanics who do not work for a bus company. Instead, these mechanics have their own businesses or work in a privately-owned shop. Their services are called upon as third party, and they may be needed in times when a company is short-staffed or has no mechanics of its own. Bus mechanics may also be summoned when a professional witness is needed to assess the function and performance of a bus.