Under direction of the fleet maintenance manager, performs highly skilled technical and advisory work in the operation of the automotive maintenance section for a large fleet of over 1000 school buses. An employee in this class has major responsibilities in the following areas: providing a wide range of assistance to the manager or supervisors of automotive maintenance, including preparation and review of specifications on all bids; coordinating of a number of overall programs such as employee training, school bus and MVA inspections, outside contractor services, and preventive maintenance; providing technical advice/expertise on repair and maintenance problems to supervisors at all MCPS garages; inspecting garage procedures and equipment; evaluating new vehicles/equipment and making procurement recommendations; and conducting vehicle maintenance

Within six months of new hire into this position, employee must have knowledge of all seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System to include:  commitment to the student, professional, interpersonal, organization and problem solving skills, and knowledge of the job.  Thorough knowledge of the standard practices; tools, and equipment of the automotive trade; considerable knowledge of the operating principles and mechanics of internal combustion engines; thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures for operating servicing and repair garages. Knowledge of fleet maintenance, inspection and repair programs and procedures. Ability to effectively work with supervisors of all MCPS garages and provide technical advice/expertise. Ability to plan, assign, supervise, and inspect the work of automotive mechanics and service workers that make up the state bus inspection team. Ability to make estimates of time and materials needed for automotive repair work. Ability to coordinate employee training programs and maintain training records. Ability to coordinate repair and maintenance programs for shop equipment of several garages, prepare vehicle bid specifications, and conduct studies on vehicle maintenance and safety equipment. High degree of skill in diagnosing defects in automotive equipment and making detailed inspections of completed work. Excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.

Graduation from high school and completion of a comprehensive training program in the trade. Current training in advanced automotive repair practices and procedures. Considerable course work/training in management and other areas related to effective operation of a large, multi-facility automotive maintenance and repair program highly desirable. Successful experience in supervision of a large fleet maintenance operation with a substantial number of employees. Extensive experience in all aspects of skilled automotive repair and maintenance. Experience in preparing vehicle bid specifications, preparing repair estimates, coordinating school bus/fleet repair maintenance and inspection programs, conducting vehicle maintenance and safety equipment studies, and serving as technical expert/advisor in a large vehicle maintenance/repair program desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Possession of a valid Maryland CDL, Class B, with passenger and air brake endorsements.

Ability to respond to emergency calls at any time, to spend considerable time in assisting the auto repair supervisors, and to work overtime as required. May be required to attend training courses/programs in order to learn new automotive equipment, repair procedures, computer skills, etc.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates the following programs; school bus pre-inspection and MVA inspections, MVA and body damage survey; school bus preventive maintenance certification; garage OSHA inspection and repair, employee in-service training; vehicle warranty; outside contractor services, i.e. radiator repair, bus seat repair and truck dealer repairs; annual garage equipment inventory.
• Inspects garage procedures and equipment; performs a general inspection of all vehicles at each lot and advises the supervising automotive repair mechanics of repair/maintenance actions required; provides technical advice and expertise to the supervising automotive repair mechanics on repair/maintenance problems.
• Prepares for and conducts state inspection of all school buses and assures completion of proper certificates of repair, and coordinates preventive maintenance programs. 
• Assists fleet maintenance manager by: making recommendations for additional and replacement garage equipment; maintaining and reviewing truck dealer service bulletins; reviewing cost records of vehicles selected at random; making recommendations to improve economy and safety; evaluating concerns about quality of supplies and materials; acting as contact for insurance companies concerning repair of vehicles involved in accidents, evaluating inspection findings and recommending improvements in repair procedures. 
• Assists fleet maintenance manager in preparing and reviewing specifications on all vehicle bids; planning, coordinating, scheduling and maintaining records on all mechanics' and service workers' training; testing and evaluating new vehicles, shop and safety equipment, and new and/or improved school bus equipment that will enhance safety aspects of the bus, conducting studies of vehicle maintenance and safety equipment and procedures; and coordinating with various sections and departments of MCPS to insure proper handling of all claims in relation to vehicle accidents. 
• Performs related work as required.