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Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

It's a bright outlook for

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Learn more about what they do.

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

Related: Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics Motorboat Mechanics & Service Technicians Outdoor Power Equipment & Other Small Engine Mechanics Rail Car Repairers

Industries: Transportation & Storage Wholesale/Commercial Sales Service Government

Summary
Details

Install or repair accessories.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
Align front ends and suspension systems.
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
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.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
Install or repair accessories.
Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.

Social Perceptiveness
- Understanding people's reactions.
Critical Thinking
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Instructing
- Teaching people how to do something.
Operation and Control
- Using equipment or systems.
Systems Analysis
- Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Management of Financial Resources
- Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Management of Material Resources
- Managing equipment and materials.
Quality Control Analysis
- Testing how well a product or service works.
Persuasion
- Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Active Listening
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Monitoring
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Troubleshooting
- Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Speaking
- Talking to others.
Coordination
- Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Time Management
- Managing your time and the time of other people.
Judgment and Decision Making
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Reading Comprehension
- Reading work-related information.
Learning Strategies
- Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Complex Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Mathematics
- Using math to solve problems.
Installation
- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Science
- Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Negotiation
- Bringing people together to solve differences.
Operations Analysis
- Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Active Learning
- Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Service Orientation
- Looking for ways to help people.
Repairing
- Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Programming
- Writing computer programs.
Systems Evaluation
- Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Management of Personnel Resources
- Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Equipment Maintenance
- Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Writing
- Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Technology Design
- Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Operations Monitoring
- Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Equipment Selection
- Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.

Oral Expression
- Communicating by speaking.
Mathematical Reasoning
- Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed
- Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Problem Sensitivity
- Noticing when problems happen.
Manual Dexterity
- Holding or moving items with your hands.
Originality
- Creating new and original ideas.
Control Precision
- Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Sound Localization
- Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Deductive Reasoning
- Using rules to solve problems.
Explosive Strength
- Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Trunk Strength
- Using your lower back and stomach.
Speech Recognition
- Recognizing spoken words.
Reaction Time
- Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Response Orientation
- Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Gross Body Equilibrium
- Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Visual Color Discrimination
- Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Oral Comprehension
- Listening and understanding what people say.
Inductive Reasoning
- Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Fluency of Ideas
- Coming up with lots of ideas.
Number Facility
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Time Sharing
- Doing two or more things at the same time.
Flexibility of Closure
- Seeing hidden patterns.
Hearing Sensitivity
- Telling the difference between sounds.
Gross Body Coordination
- Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Far Vision
- Seeing details that are far away.
Peripheral Vision
- Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Glare Sensitivity
- Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Auditory Attention
- Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Multilimb Coordination
- Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Category Flexibility
- Grouping things in different ways.
Written Comprehension
- Reading and understanding what is written.
Information Ordering
- Ordering or arranging things.
Selective Attention
- Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Dynamic Strength
- Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Extent Flexibility
- Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Spatial Orientation
- Knowing where things are around you.
Visualization
- Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Speed of Closure
- Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Wrist-Finger Speed
- Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility
- Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Rate Control
- Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Written Expression
- Communicating by writing.
Memorization
- Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Static Strength
- Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Stamina
- Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Speech Clarity
- Speaking clearly.
Finger Dexterity
- Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Speed of Limb Movement
- Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Near Vision
- Seeing details up close.
Night Vision
- Seeing at night or under low light.
Depth Perception
- Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.

Personnel and Human Resources
- Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Computers and Electronics
- Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
- Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Psychology
- Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
English Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media
- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing
- Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administrative
- Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Economics and Accounting
- Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Food Production
- Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Engineering and Technology
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction
- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Biology
- Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology
- Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography
- Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Medicine and Dentistry
- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
History and Archeology
- Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology
- Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
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.
Telecommunications
- Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation
- Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Production and Processing
- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics
- Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Therapy and Counseling
- Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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.
Foreign Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Fine Arts
- Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

No work experience

Training

More than 1 year on-the-job training

Education and Training Opportunities

Washington Annual Salary

76940/yr

Washington Hourly Wage

36.99/hr

Currently Employed

8,600

Yearly Projected Openings

840

Realistic: People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They do well at jobs that need:

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cautiousness
Perseverance

Adjustable widemouth pliers
Adjustable wrenches
Automotive honing machine
Ball peen hammer
Battery chargers
Blow torch
Boring machines
Box end wrenches
Brake repair kits
Calipers
Circuit tester
Claw hammer
Cold chisels
Combination wrenches
Compressed air gun
Cross and straight pein hammer
Depth gauges
Desktop computers
Diagonal cut pliers
Dial indicator or dial gauge
Drill press or radial drill
Dynamometers
Ear plugs
Engine or component test stands
Feeler gauges
Forklifts
Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
Hacksaw
Hammers
Hand reamer
Hex keys
Hoists
Hole gauge
Hydraulic pumps
Impact wrenches
Induction heaters
Jacks
Locking pliers
Metal inert gas welding machine
Micrometers
Mill saw file
Milling machines
Multimeters
Needlenose pliers
Open end wrenches
Paint sprayers
Personal computers
Pneumatic impact wrenches
Pneumatic sanding machines
Portable data input terminals
Power drills
Power grinders
Power sanders
Power saws
Pressure indicators
Pressure or steam cleaners
Pressure sensors
Protective gloves
Pry bars
Punches or nail sets or drifts
Putty knives
Ratchets
Retaining ring pliers
Rivet tools
Round file
Safety glasses
Screwdrivers
Shears
Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine
Sledge hammer
Slings
Slip or groove joint pliers
Socket sets
Spark plug wrench
Specialty wrenches
Speed sensors
Spot welding machine
Stamping dies or punches
Stripping tools
Tachometers
Tape measures
Thickness measuring devices
Tire pressure gauge
Torque wrenches
Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
Tungsten inert gas welding machine
Two way radios
Utility knives
Vacuum pumps
Valve refacer
Voltage or current meters
Welder torch
Welding masks
Wheel balancing equipment
Wire cutters
Wire lug crimping tool
Workshop cranes

Analytical or scientific software
Calendar and scheduling software
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Data base user interface and query software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Facilities management software
Inventory management software
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Office suite software
Spreadsheet software
Word processing software

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

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