Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

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This occupation is part of the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair cluster

About the Job

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.

It is also Called

  • Biodiesel Engine Specialist
  • Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic
  • Boat Engine Mechanic
  • Boat Engines Installer
  • Boat Mechanic
  • Bus Mechanic
  • Bus or Truck Garage Mechanic
  • Certified Mechanic
  • Deep Submergence Vehicle Crewmember
  • Diesel Engine Erector

What They Do

  • Use handtools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, and precision instruments, as well as power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, and jacks and hoists.
  • Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  • Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
  • Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
  • Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  • Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
  • Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Relationships and Achievement in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • 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.
  • Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Additional Resources


Education Required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $49,710.00 with most people making between $29,780.00 and $72,110.00

Outlook

1.53%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 19,000 people in California. It is projected that there will be 21,900 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 290 openings due to growth and about 410 replacement openings for approximately 700 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

Industries that Employ this Occupation

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