Leonard Bus Sales - Rome | Top Shops for Technician Jobs in Rome, NY

About Us

Leonard Bus Sales is a great place to start or grow your career. We are a national leader in selling, servicing and providing parts for school buses. Established in 1965, Leonard Bus Sales is a 3rd generation family-owned business with a proud tradition of excellence and passion for the school bus business. Our team of award-winning professionals are committed to giving our transportation partners the best customer support in the business. Recognized as one the Best Places to Work, Leonard Bus Sales provides a safe, enriching work environment focused on our employees. We have five world-class facilities serving all of upstate New York located in Bergen, Deposit, Middletown, Rome, and Saratoga Springs. Our full-service facilities are clean and equipped with the latest tools, technology and equipment. Leonard Bus Sales provides on-the-job training and a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

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Under The Hood

Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?

Heated. Not air conditioned but “airy” opened bay environment which bay doors can be opened and fans throughout bay areas.

What is the size of the team I’d be working with?

Currently we have 6 technicians (1 Prep Technician, 1 Lead Prep Technician, 2 Service Technicians, 1 Lead Service Technician, & 1 Road Technician).

What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?

Shop hours are 6:00am - 4:30pm. Shifts vary including 4 day/10 hour or 5 day/8 hour

What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?

LBS provides all the basic equipment necessary to perform the daily tasks. LBS provides diagnostic laptops equipped with software and adapters (for example, Navistar, Cummins, HERO, Cummins Insite). The Rome facility has a Cylinder Performance Analyzer (CPA tool), coolant recovery tool, seal installers, special sockets, and breakout harnesses for electrical troubleshooting to name a few. LBS technicians also utilize a lot of their own tools and to expand their toolbox, LBS provides a $1,000 annual tool allowance.

What type of break room facility is provided?

Breakroom has seating for 5+, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. Coffee/tea/water provided and drinks and snacks available for purchase.

How many bays does your shop have?

10 bays. Our Rome facility has one (1) drive-on lift, one (1) twin post in-ground lift, and three (3) sets of portable lifts.

How many repair orders do you average per month?

Approximately 325 per month

What is your parts ordering process?

Typically, parts are pre-staged and pulled ahead of repair by the Service Parts Runner. If additional parts are needed, a request is sent into the service office from the technician and Service Parts Runner pulls the part(s) and brings out to the technician. Technicians do not have to research or pull their own parts.

What is your policy on side work?

Personal side work in our shop or use of LBS tools for personal work is not allowed, however LBS is ok with employees having side work outside of LBS if it does not conflict with LBS business interest or scheduled working hours.

Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?

Our 19,250 square feet Rome facility sits on 14 acres and is less than 14 years old. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We are located in Griffiss Business and Technology Park and approximately 20 minutes from Utica, NY.

Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?

LBS offers numerous training opportunities both in-house and offsite. Training opportunities include but are not limited to: online, hands on in-house training with other technicians at both Rome facilities as well as our other 4 locations in the state, in-house group trainings on systems such as Braun training or forklift training, and offsite training with companies such as Navistar and Cummins to name a few. LBS is committed to continual training and advancement opportunities within our organization.

Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?

LBS offers various levels of both New Bus Prep Technicians and Service Technicians. Each level is clearly defined with required training and skill levels associated with each one to provide a clear path to internal advancement opportunities for all our technicians. We also have Lead New Bus Prep and Lead Service Technician positions and opportunity for managerial positions as they become available.

Can you describe your performance review process?

New employees receive a 45- and 90-day new hire review based on their training and requirements assigned to them within this time frame to have a clear understanding of their progress, reflect on their strengths, and review any further training that may be needed in certain areas. Employees also receive a monthly “log” based on their performance for the month so there are no surprises at year end when employees and managers meet for their annual review in November of each year. LBS likes to celebrate success and work together to focus on ways to improve in the future.

What type of safety training is required?

Safety is our #1 core value here at LBS. Continual safety training is provided throughout the year to include online safety trainings as well as in-person trainings. Our facility has a Fall Arrest System installed in our shop that all technicians are trained on for proper use.

Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?

Younger technicians or those newer to the industry are teamed with our more senior technicians for in-house, hands-on training. Our open bay design allows our senior technicians to be stationed in bays near our newer technicians to allow easy communication and training to take place.

How does your shop get involved with the local community?

For over fifty years, Leonard Bus Sales has been dedicated to supporting New York’s school transportation family and the communities we serve. Here are just a few ways that we give back: LBS provides ongoing support of school-based feeding programs. Funds that would normally go toward promotional items at trade shows are instead used to support school-based backpack programs and feeding programs offered by Regional Food Banks across New York State. To date, we have donated nearly $100,000 to this cause though this program. LBS has multiple annual scholarships and partnerships which support the education and professional development of industry and community members. LBS also provides ongoing support of a multitude of education-based programs and causes throughout the state. LBS supports military and front-line worker programs and causes throughout the state. LBS also has facility based initiatives such as food drives and “adopt-a-family” initiatives during the holidays.

Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?

LBS has partnered with Alfred State College to provide computer software and hardware equipment as well as bus parts for hands-on learning. LBS is currently looking for additional opportunities.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about career development and community?

LBS offers a tuition/professional development reimbursement to encourage employees to enhance their knowledge and skills and to network with other professionals. This reimbursement could be used to obtain a certification, membership in a professional organization related to the industry, or to attend a seminar or conference.

Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?

LBS does phone screen applicants. After you apply, your resume will be reviewed and if selected, a member of Human Resources will reach out to you to set up a time to review your experience and qualifications with you and explain more about LBS. After this initial meeting with Human Resources, the hiring manager will determine who they would like to meet in person for an interview.

What do your in-person interviews entail?

LBS currently is conducting both virtual and in-person interviews. A member of Human Resources will reach out to you to schedule your interview and provide you with information such as location of interview, date and time, and who you will be meeting with. This information will be provided over the phone and a calendar invite will also be emailed to you. The day of the interview, please dress appropriately and be sure to be on time. If you need to reschedule your interview, phone numbers are provided to you to contact. In many cases, our interviews are conducted with two (2) LBS employees. They will ask you to briefly review your experience and qualifications and ask you additional questions relevant to the position. The interview process for most technician positions takes between 45 minutes to one (1) hour to complete. Time is made available for candidates to ask any questions they may have as well.

Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?

If an offer is made to a candidate, they will receive a phone call to review the offer as well as a follow-up email with the pre-employment documents and a separate email from our third-party that performs our background and drug tests. If accepting the position, the candidate is required to return the required documents for the position back to Human Resources and register with the link provided by our third party. Once you register, you will submit your background information and have the option to select a drug testing facility that is closest to the address that you select. Since our technician positions are required to obtain their CDL, if a candidate does not already have their CDL and medical certificate, they will also be required to obtain their. medical certificate at time of hire so they can work towards obtaining their CDL during employment.

Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?

Currently LBS does not perform a skill assessment prior to hiring.

After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?

Depending on how many interviews are scheduled, you should expect to hear back within 3 to 5 days of the interview. In some cases, LBS does request a candidate to return for a 2nd interview.

Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?

If a candidate is presented with an offer the hiring process takes approximately two weeks. LBS understands in many cases 2 weeks’ notice must be provided to current employers. While LBS is waiting to receive a candidate’s background and drug test results, we are working to set up equipment and login information for the new hire. Continual communication between a member of Human Resources and the candidate takes place during this time so the candidate is aware of the process. LBS will work individually with each new hire to determine the best start date.

New Bus Prep Technician II Pay Range: $41,600.00 - $56,600.00/year ($20.00 - $27.21/hr)

This position is a hourly rate position which is paid weekly each Friday. The hourly approach allows us to focus on our customers' satisfaction rather than putting pressure on our technicians to turn out hours.

New Bus Prep Technician I Pay Range: $39,520.00 - $49,520.00/year ($19.00 - $23.81/hr)

Bus Driver (Part-Time) Pay Range: $17.50 - $19.50/hour

This position is a part-time, on call, hourly rate position which is paid weekly each Friday.

A Level Technician Pay Range: $70,720.00 - $90,720.00/year ($34.00 - $43.62/hr)

Sign-On, Stay-On Bonus of up to $4,000 available through December 31, 2024 which will be paid quarterly in $1,000 increments through your first year. This position is a hourly rate position which is paid weekly each Friday. The hourly approach allows us to focus on our customers' satisfaction rather than putting pressure on our technicians to turn out hours.

B Level Technician Pay Range: $56,160.00 - $76,160.00/year ($27.00 - $36.62/hr)

C Level Technician Pay Range: $45,760.00 - $56,760.00/year ($22.00 - $27.29/hr)

Health Insurance Offered: LBS offers three different health plans because we understand that everyone has different health coverage needs. Hybrid PPO Co-Pay Plan Single Plan $57.51 Two Person Plan $182.30 Family Plan $217.03 High Deductible Health Plan PPO 3000 Single Plan $29.28 Two Person Plan $111.73 Family Plan $133.04 High Deductible Health Plan PPO 6450 Single Plan $19.50 Two Person Plan $82.13 Family Plan $97.78 *costs reflected are weekly employee costs High Deductible Health Plans receive weekly company contribution into a Health Savings Account based on the plan enrolled. Single Plan $1,000 annually Two Person Plan $1,980 annually Family Plan $2,360 annually
Dental Insurance Offered: Single Plan $3.22 Family Plan $9.98 *costs reflected are weekly employee costs
Vision Insurance Offered: Single Plan $2.01 Family Plan $4.33 *costs reflected are weekly employee costs
Retirement Plan Offered: LBS employees are eligible to participate in our 401k plan after 90 days of employment and will enroll the quarter after eligibility requirement is met. Employee contribution is through payroll deduction. Eligibility for LBS contribution is one year of service and 1,000 hours worked and contribution will occur the quarter after eligibility.
Sick Leave Offered: New York State Paid Sick leave is included in the Paid Time Off available to full-time LBS employees. For part-time or new employees in their 1st year, LBS employees accrue one (1) hour paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked up to the allowable maximum per New York State. Employees are eligible to use sick leave immediately following the accrual of such leave.
Vacation Offered: LBS offers Paid Time Off which includes vacation, sick and personal time. Employees are eligible for paid time off for vacation and personal time after 90 days of employment. LBS feels strongly that employees need time away from work and for that reason Paid Time Off does not roll to future years. After employees’ first year, all Paid Time Off is front loaded on January 1 of each year. 1st year hired – accrual of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked Years 1 through 3 – 2 weeks (10 days) PTO Years 4 through 5 – 3 weeks (15 days) PTO Years 6 through 14 – 4 weeks (20 days) PTO Years 15 and beyond – 5 weeks (25 days) PTO
Paid Holidays Offered: LBS offers eight (8) paid holiday per calendar year. Seven (7) of these holidays the office is closed and one (1) holiday is a floating holiday which employees are eligible for if they work the first six (6) months of the year and is then front loaded each January 1st after year one (1). A floating holiday can be used for a religious holiday of your choice or for your birthday. LBS also closes ½ day for New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve when those holidays fall on a weekday and the office is not already closed.
ST / LT Disability Offered: LBS offers company-paid New York State short-term disability to all LBS employees. LBS also feels that New York State disability alone is not enough coverage in the event an employee needs to take a leave due to a disability, so LBS pays for additional supplemental short-term disability for all full-time employees. In additional to short-term disability coverage, LBS pays for long-term disability for all full-time employees.
Life Insurance Offered: LBS pays for life insurance for all full-time employees which covers up to 1 times an employee’s salary up to $50,000.
Uniforms Offered: LBS pays for company uniforms for all LBS technicians. Uniform options include short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, work pants, work shorts, and light and heavy weight coat options. In addition to the uniforms, LBS also provides t-shirts and hats to include both baseball and winter caps.
Other Offered: Benefits are available the 1st of the following month an employee starts at LBS with the exception of long-term disability which is a company paid benefit available after 90 days and 401k which is available based on meeting the plan requirements.