Trailways of New York - Albany - Technician Jobs in Albany, NY

Top Shop for Technician Jobs in Albany, NY

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Under The Hood

Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?

The shop has AC in the break room and locker room. There are fans throughout the shop for cooling in the summer months. There is great ventilation due to open bays and cross ventilation. We have good lighting in the entire shop and continue to work on improving this. The building is old and has had numerous upgrades this year. The bathrooms were refurbished and new windows installed. There is a building on the property that is being removed in stages to accommodate more parking for our incoming fleet.This is a slow and steady process. The shop manager continues to suggest additional refurbishing to modernize the building.

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

33 team members

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

Shop hours are 7:00am to 12am 1st shift-7:30am -4pm 2nd shift-4pm-12am

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

All tools necessary for repairs and body work are provided by the shop. New team members must come with the basic tools consisting of screw drivers, socket sets, pliers and the basics. We do offer tool insurance for all inventoried tools brought to the shop.

What type of break room facility is provided?

The break room has vending machines, a refrigerator and microwaves.

How many bays does your shop have?

6

How many repair orders do you average per month?

This number varies depending on the season. Peak times are weekends and holidays.

What is your parts ordering process?

All parts are ordered by the Fleet Maintenance Director and Parts Department procurement person in our Kingston shop. The Parts person on site is responsible for making sure all parts needed are ordered or transferred from the Kingston Facility by bus. We have ample supply and continue to anticipate the parts shortage. Mechanics do not have to wait for parts in our shop.

What is your policy on side work?

We are not opposed to side work as long as it does not interfere with normal working hours.

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

We pay all of our techs on an hourly basis and will approve overtime. You can move with in the classifications while working. If a team members asks or is asked to work at a higher classification for a specific job, they are paid at the higher rate of that classification. We have a lot of tenured and talented techs that are willing to mentor and build skill with new techs. We do have a 180 day probationary period. During this time, if you demonstrate that you have the skill to be promoted to the next classification, you will also receive the next higher sign-on bonus. The shop manager, company trainer and foremen are dedicated to development. Internal promotion is a big deal.

Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?

Yes. We have an on-site full time trainer. We also offer training from our coach manufacturers on the latest technology and repair. A representative will visit the shop to host training. All team members are encouraged to work out of their classifications in an effort to learn and advance to the next classification.

Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?

We are very big on promoting from within. Many of our Master and A level techs started in lower classifications and have worked their way up.

Can you describe your performance review process?

Our review process is based on individual performance and progress. Mechanics are assigned training sheets and document and sign off on skills that they learned and have completed. Those are retained by the shop manager and reviewed regularly as part of the review process. The general manager, foreman and company trainer conduct bi-weekly meetings to discuss all techs performances and make recommendations for promotion if it is warranted. Our technical trainer, shop manager and fleet director make the final decision to promote or to keep training and developing.

What type of safety training is required?

We train all techs on the importance of safety. Every classification has a specific safety protocol to follow depending on their assignments. We also follow all DOT safety sensitive requirements.

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

All of our senior techs are assigned junior techs on a rotation basis. This allows us to determine every teams members skill set and to foster development.

How does your shop get involved with the local community?

At this time, we are exploring opportunities in the community. We are very open to engaging with different companies and vocational or technical schools. We definitely have opportunity when it comes to community engagement. We know it and we are focused on making incremental improvements.

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

We just started a relationship with several local schools with in the Ulster and Green County and the Capital Region. We have hosted several trips to our facilities for students who are interested in a diesel tech future. We are in the process of reaching out to several colleges and trade schools that may have graduating students that are interested in a career in diesel and Trailways of NY.

Where do you see the shop in five years?

We see our shop continuing to grow our fleet of coaches. Year over year we continue to purchase new coaches. We will continue to advance with technology in the industry. We also want to continue to hire top talent to bring our shop back to a 24 hour operation to better serve our customers.

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

Not at this time. As mentioned above, we are in the beginning phases of building and sustaining relationships with companies and schools. We are always looking for opportunities to show future techs what we have to offer.

Do you have an application form and how long does it typically take to complete?

All employees will complete an application immediately upon arrival to the interview with the hiring manager. The application takes 10-15 minutes.

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

Yes, the first phone screen is with the recruiter. The opportunity, details of the position and expectations are reviewed. This allows the candidate to ask more questions prior to the interview to find the right fit.

What do your in-person interviews entail?

All in person interviews are with the Shop Manager. We ask all applicants to visit the shop for the interview. As mentioned, an application for employment is completed prior to the interview while the applicant is on site. Coming prepared with a resume and work history helps the application go faster. 4 basic mechanical skills evaluation tests are administered and work history and experience are reviewed. The applicant also has an opportunity to ask any questions that may have come up during the phone screen.

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

A background check, DOT physical, drug and alcohol screening are all required before hire.

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

4 basic mechanical skills evaluation tests are administered and work history and experience are reviewed. We are a strict DOT safety sensistive shop.

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

48 hours

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

1 to 2 weeks depending on the response time of the applicant and our ability to have all background, drug testing and DOT physical completed.

Master Diesel Technician Pay Range: $68,952.00 - $73,195.00/year ($33.15 - $35.19/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new mechanics in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License, (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 and increase the quarterly safety bonus potential. Our safety department will train the team member to obtain the CDL B at no cost to the employee. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $7500 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year of service.

Class A Diesel Technician Pay Range: $62,587.00 - $66,830.00/year ($30.09 - $32.13/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new mechanics in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License, (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 and increase the quarterly safety bonus potential. Our safety department will train the team member to obtain the CDL B at no cost to the employee. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $6750 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year of service.

Class B Diesel Technician Pay Range: $56,222.00 - $60,465.00/year ($27.03 - $29.07/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new techs in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License, (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 and increase the quarterly safety bonus potential. Our safety department will train the team member to obtain the CDL B at no cost to the employee. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $6750 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year of service.

Diesel Technician Pay Range: $49,857.00 - $54,100.00/year ($23.97 - $26.01/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new techs in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License, (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 and increase the quarterly safety bonus potential. Our safety department will train the team member to obtain the CDL B at no cost to the employee. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $5250 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year.

Diesel Technician Helper Pay Range: $43,492.00 - $47,736.00/year ($20.91 - $22.95/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new tech helpers in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License, (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 and increase the quarterly safety bonus potential. Our safety department will train the team member to obtain the CDL B at no cost to the employee. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $2250 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year.

Detailer/Worker Pay Range: $35,006.00 - $39,249.00/year ($16.83 - $18.87/hr)

This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. The minimum rate listed above is a starting rate for all new detailers in this classification. Overtime is available but not required. This is a union shop. All team members must join the United Transportation Union 1582 before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. In addition to the bonuses earned through performance at work, we offer a sign on bonus of $1500 that is paid in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be rewarded after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month the for the full amount. We also have referral bonus for Full Time Motor Coach Drivers and Technicians-$2500, Tech Helpers-$1500 and Detailers-$1000. Bring a qualified candidate into the business and earn the first half of the applicable bonus after 6 months of their service and the entire amount after one year.

Health Insurance Offered
All full time employees are eligible on the first day of the month after 60 days of employment for Medical, Dental and Vision benefits with Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance. These plans are supported by a FSA or a company funded HSA.The employee has the choice to select which plan meets their needs.
Dental Insurance Offered
All full time employees are eligible on the first day of the month after 60 days of employment for Medical, Dental and Vision benefits with Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.These plans are supported by a FSA or a company funded HSA.This HSA is used for medical expenses only. The employee has the choice to select which plan meets their needs.
Vision Insurance Offered
All full time employees are eligible on the first day of the month after 60 working days for Medical, Dental and Vision benefits with Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.These plans are supported by a FSA or a company funded HSA.The employee has the choice to select which plan meets their needs.
Retirement Plan Offered
All full time employees are eligible after 90 days of employment to enroll in the company 401K with up to a 5% company match. After 3 years of employment, the employee is 100% vested in all of their own and company matched savings.
Sick Leave Offered
All team members will receive 56 hours of sick time prorated based on their hiring date.
Vacation Offered
All full time team members will be granted a paid vacation, (7 days after the first year) during each year based on their length of service on December 31st of the preceding year. Days will increase based on the following schedule. 0-1 year Prorated 1 year-7days 2-3 years-11 days 3-5 years-14 days 5-7 years-15 days 7 years or more, but less than 10-17 days 15 years or more, but less than 20-21 days 20 years or more-25 days
Paid Holidays Offered
Team members who work on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and their respective Birthday shall receive pay at double the rate of straight time earnings for that day. To be paid at double the rate of straight time earnings for working on a holiday, an employee must work their scheduled day before and scheduled day after the holiday.
ST / LT Disability Offered
It is an option for all full time team members to elect additional coverage through our chosen provider. Our benefits coordinator can assist with any information upon request.
Life Insurance Offered
Every employee will receive Life Insurance, at no cost to the employee, after 1 year of service with the following schedule. 1 year-$6000 2 years-$7000 3 years-$8000 4 years-$9000 5 years-$10,000 6 years-$11,000 7 years-$12,000 8 years-$13,000 9 years-$14,000 10 years or more-$15,000
Uniforms Offered
After an employee has completed 60 days of service, we agree to provide and maintain one clean uniform each day for each team member within a mechanical/body tech classification. When the uniforms are on a rental basis, we will pay maintenance or rental cost for pants, shirts, coveralls, and jackets. The employee will be responsible for the uniforms issued to them and report any losses to us as soon as possible.
Other Offered
Tool Allowance - Team members will be paid two hundred dollars ($200) per year for the purchase of new tools payable by separate check by December. Tool Insurance -We agree to insure the team members tool box and contents in the event of loss due to a major catastrophe or fire solely. It is the responsibility of each team member to supply the us with and keep current a list of the contents of their toolbox. For each team member who supplies this list, the contents of the toolboxes will be reviewed on a scheduled basis and a list of team members and the value of their toolboxes and contents will be kept. Boot Allowance - Team members, mechanical/body tech classifications, will be paid three hundred and thirty five dollars ($335) per year as a boot allowance, payable by separate check by December.