Occupation Details
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$43,430.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$61,750.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$71,450.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
12,510
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
15,790
+328 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,612
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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.
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable crescent wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Ball peen hammers
- Battery chargers
- Bearing heating ovens
- Blast cleaning cabinets
- Bleeder wrenches
- Blow guns
- Bore gauges
- Boring tools
- Box end wrenches
- Brake shoe adjusting tools
- Brass drifts
- Brass hammers
- Brazing equipment
- Chain slings
- Claw hammers
- Cold chisels
- Combination wrenches
- Cross peen hammers
- Cutting torches
- Decelerometers
- Depth gauges
- Desktop computers
- Detroit diesel electronic control DDEC readers
- Diagonal cutting pliers
- Dial calipers
- Dial gauges
Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
- Cummins INSITE
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Database software
- Engine diagnostic software
- Inventory tracking software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Word
- SAP business and customer relations management software
- Scheduling software
- Shop management software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- write vehicle damage repair estimates
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- maintain repair records
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- follow vehicle repair procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use combination welding procedures
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- repair or install tires
- move or fit heavy objects
- use electronic calibration devices
- use engine diagnostic equipment
- operate lathes
- use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
- operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
- solder vehicle components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- operate pneumatic test equipment
- use soldering equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test operate vehicles before or after repair
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- identify base metals for welding
- test vehicle computer processors to detect malfunctions
- locate puncture in tubeless tires or inner tubes
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align vehicle frame
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
- repair vehicle transmissions
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
- Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
- Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
- Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
- Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
- Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
- Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
- Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
- Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
- Install or repair accessories.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
- Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
- Align front ends and suspension systems.
- Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
- Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Diesel service technicians and mechanics
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSociety of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
The Society of Automotive Engineers, International, (SAE) has been a catalyst in advancing the mobility industry for 100 years. SAE is your one-stop resource for standards development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.
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