Photos
Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
Our shop has the following; Heat and heated floors Excellent lighting in the entire shop Great Ventilation due to open bays and cross ventilation On hot days, Gator Aide and ample ice are provided for the team along with some other perks.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
Approximately 70 team members.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
Shop Hours are 6am to 2am 4 day work week for Mechanics/Body Technicians. 1st shift-6am-430pm, 2nd shift 4pm-2am 5 day workweek for Mechanic Helpers and Detailers 1st shift-7am -430pm, 2nd shift-4pm to 12 am
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. We have a locker room area and showers.
How many bays does your shop have?
9
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 on site. We also move parts between facilities with daily service of our coaches. 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 when it is necessary. At this time is is not a common practice. You can work outside of your classification, when approved by the manager or foreman, and earn a higher pay rate for that time. 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 where they document and sign off on skills that they learned 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. We do require an annual DOT physical and random drug and alcohol testing for techs to ensure individual and, co worker, operator and customer safety. It's the #1 priority!
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.
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 phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
Yes, the first phone screen is with the recruiter. The opportunity and expectations are reviewed. This allows the candidate to ask more questions prior to the interview to make sure that this is an opportunity that they want to pursue. We also send them the Trailways WrenchWay link prior to the phone interview so they can see the facility and investigate "Under the Hood" for all that we have to offer.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
All interviews are with the Director of Fleet Maintenance. We ask all applicants to visit the shop for an in-person interview. As mentioned, an application for employment is completed prior to the interview while the applicant is on site. As mentioned above, coming prepared with a resume and work history helps the application go faster.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
A DOT physical and drug screening are all required before hire. We also do random screening and annual DOT physicals as this is a DOT Safety sensitive role.
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.
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 drug testing and DOT physical completed.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
Coming prepared and giving yourself plenty of time to find the entrance to the shop is important. We have a big facility and can be confusing if you are not familiar with where we are located. Punctuality is key! Bring a list of accomplishments and experience that might not be on your resume. And finally, have some questions prepared for the Fleet Director.
Master Diesel Technician
Pay Range: $38.06 - $42.49/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a tech stays in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. There are additional opportunities to increase annual pay included below. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License and an unrestricted Passenger Endorsement (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 in the first year, $.75 in the second year and 1.00 in the 3rd year. Our safety department trains all eligible techs to obtain the CDL B and P endorsement at no cost. Eligibility is based on having a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Techs are eligible for a $450 safety bonus that is monitored quarterly and paid annually. A valid CDL with the P endorsement can also potentially increase the annual safety bonus from $450 to $600. They also receive an annual boot allowance of $225 tool allowance of $300 and a safety glasses prescription lens allowance of $75 annually. In addition to the bonuses and allowances earned through performance at work, we offer a sign-on bonus of $5000.00 will be awarded in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be received after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month for the full amount. If a tech is promoted to the next classification within the first year of service, they become eligible for the next higher sign-on And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, the referring tech will receive the full $2500.00 in one bonus check.
Class A Diesel Technician
Pay Range: $33.10 - $35.00/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a tech stay in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. There are additional opportunities to increase annual pay included below. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License and an unrestricted Passenger Endorsement (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 in the first year, $.75 in the second year and 1.00 in the 3rd year. Our safety department trains all eligible techs to obtain the CDL B and P endorsement at no cost. Eligibility is based on having a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Techs are eligible for a $450 safety bonus that is monitored quarterly and paid annually. A valid CDL with the P endorsement can also potentially increase the annual safety bonus from $450 to $600. They also receive an annual boot allowance of $225 tool allowance of $300 and a safety glasses prescription lens allowance of $75 annually. In addition to the bonuses and allowances earned through performance at work, we offer a sign-on bonus of $4500.00 will be awarded in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be received after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month for the full amount. If a tech is promoted to the next classification within the first year of service, they become eligible for the next higher sign-on And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, the referring tech will receive the full $2500 in one bonus check.
Class B Diesel Technician
Pay Range: $29.35 - $31.67/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a tech stay in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. There are additional opportunities to increase annual pay included below. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License and an unrestricted Passenger Endorsement (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 in the first year, $.75 in the second year and 1.00 in the 3rd year. Our safety department trains all eligible techs to obtain the CDL B and P endorsement at no cost. Eligibility is based on having a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Techs are eligible for a $450 safety bonus that is monitored quarterly and paid annually. A valid CDL with the P endorsement can also potentially increase the annual safety bonus from $450 to $600. They also receive an annual boot allowance of $225 tool allowance of $300 and a safety glasses prescription lens allowance of $75 annually. In addition to the bonuses and allowances earned through performance at work, we offer a sign-on bonus of $4000.00 will be awarded in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be received after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month for the full amount. If a tech is promoted to the next classification within the first year of service, they become eligible for the next higher sign-on And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, the referring tech will receive the full $2500 in one bonus check.
Diesel Technician
Pay Range: $26.11 - $28.34/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a tech stay in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. There are additional opportunities to increase annual pay included below. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License and an unrestricted Passenger Endorsement (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 in the first year, $.75 in the second year and 1.00 in the 3rd year. Our safety department trains all eligible techs to obtain the CDL B and P endorsement at no cost. Eligibility is based on having a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Techs are eligible for a $450 safety bonus that is monitored quarterly and paid annually. A valid CDL with the P endorsement can also potentially increase the annual safety bonus from $450 to $600. They also receive an annual boot allowance of $225 tool allowance of $300 and a safety glasses prescription lens allowance of $75 annually. In addition to the bonuses and allowances earned through performance at work, we offer a sign-on bonus of $3500.00 will be awarded in 5 increments within the 1st year of service. A bonus check will be received after the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th month for the full amount. If a tech is promoted to the next classification within the first year of service, they become eligible for the next higher sign-on And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, the referring tech will receive the full $2500 in one bonus check.
Diesel Technician Helper
Pay Range: $22.78 - $25.00/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a tech stays in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. There are additional opportunities to increase annual pay included below. Obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver's License and an unrestricted Passenger Endorsement (a condition of employment for all Tech classifications) will increase the hourly wage by $.50 in the first year, $.75 in the second year and 1.00 in the 3rd year. Our safety department trains all eligible techs to obtain the CDL B and P endorsement at no cost. Eligibility is based on having a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Techs are eligible for a $450 safety bonus that is monitored quarterly and paid annually. A valid CDL with the P endorsement can also potentially increase the annual safety bonus from $450 to $600. They also receive an annual boot allowance of $225 tool allowance of $300 and a safety glasses prescription lens allowance of $75 annually. And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, they will receive the full $2500 in one bonus check.
Detailer
Pay Range: $18.34 - $20.56/hour
This is a union shop. All team members must join the SMART Union 1582, Transportation Division before their 60th day of service. There is an initial fee of $25 and then weekly union dues of approximately $12. These dues can vary based on membership. This is an hourly rate position that is paid weekly on Friday. Hourly pay rates listed are the starting and top hourly rate for this classification. When a Detailer stays in the same classification for a 2-or 3-year period, they will receive an annual increase as stated in the contract. And finally, we have referral bonus of $2500.00. If a tech brings a qualified diesel technician OR bus operator into the business, they get hired and complete a full year of service, the referring detailer will receive the full $2500 in one bonus check.
- 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 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.
- 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. 1 year or more, but less than 2-7days 2 years or more, but less than 3-11 days 3 years or more, but less than 5-14 days 5 years or more, but less than 7-15 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-$7,000 2 years-$9,000 3 years-$11,000 4 years-$13,000 5 years-$15,000 6 years-$17,000 7 years-$19,000 8 years-$21,000 9 years-$23,000 10 years or more-$25,000
- Uniforms Offered
- All employees must be in uniform while on duty. After an employee has completed 60 days of service, we agree to provide and maintain one clean uniform each day for each team member. 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 three hundred dollars ($300) per year for the purchase of new tools payable by separate check by December. Boot Allowance - Team members will be paid two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per year as a boot allowance, payable by separate check by December. Lens Allowance - Team members who purchase one set of replacement prescription eyeglass lenses in a calendar year will be paid up to seventy-five dollars ($75). The employee must show their supervisor the new lenses, (excluding sunglasses) and the proper receipt in order to be reimbursed. The check will be paid in the next payroll period.