Job Information
TCAT - Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. Diesel Mechanic (Transit Fleet) in Ithaca, New York
Salary Range $30.16 - $30.16 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Wrench with TCAT!
If you're the kind of mechanic who likes being trusted to do the job right and works best when provided with the support, space, and equipment to see it through... you'll fit right in at TCAT!
TCAT’s mechanics are central to ensuring the safety of our drivers, passengers, and the community at large. To support our safety-first culture, you will receive regular training opportunities that will enable you to build on your current skills and stay at the forefront of new technologies, concepts and developments in the world of diesel and electric vehicle repair and maintenance.
We're offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Diesel Mechanics, plus paid CDL training from our driver training team!
What You’ll Do:
Join a tight, unionized maintenance team that keeps a modern fleet safe, reliable, and road ready. You’ll handle preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs — everything from electrical troubleshooting to major components like engines, transmissions, differentials, and air brakes.
You’ll have solid administrative support, clear priorities, and steady workflow. Tell us what you need, and we’ll make sure you can get the job done efficiently.
Interested in long term growth? We have a well defined path for mechanics who want to develop mastery, mentor others, or step into higher level repair and diagnostics.
Schedule:
Our shop runs 24/7, Monday–Friday, with shifts assigned through a seniority based bid system three times per year. New hires typically start on 3rd shift (10pm–6:30am). Work takes place at TCAT Headquarters, plus occasional local road calls.
Pay & Benefits:
$30.16/hr to start
$2.00/hr shift differential for shifts ending after 10pm
Tool allowance (quarterly), shoe allowance (annual), tool-replacement program
Bonuses for overtime, attendance, referrals, safety, and training new hires
UAW Local 2300 membership after 90-day probation
Health insurance with robust employer contribution, including FSA/HSA options
Dental and Vision insurance (employer-paid)
Employer-paid life, AD&D, short and long term disability
Voluntary employee/spouse/child life insurance
Employee & childcare assistance programs
401(k) with 10% direct employer contribution after 2 years
Paid Time Off: 10 vacation days, paid holidays, 5 floating holidays, 7 sick days, 3 personal days
Leave options for family health care, military service, firefighter service, public office, jury duty, bereavement, and more
Who we're looking for...
The ideal candidate will possess:
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience repairing diesel engines in a transit environment
Previous heavy-duty or automotive experience and relevant certifications will be considered!
Experience in airbrake diagnosis and repair
Demonstrated commitment to safety
Strong communication skills
Ability to read and follow written instructions
Ability to work with a team as well as independently
Proficiency with computers and sensor tools is a must
The successful candidate must provide their own tools.
Regulatory Requirements
Mechanics are required to achieve and maintain commercial driver credentials to perform essential job functions. In accordance with New York State and U.S. Federal regulations, all prospective candidates for this position are subject to motor vehicle record check, verification of past employment, criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing. Any offer of employment is contingent on satisfaction of all FMCSA, DOT, DMV, and NY 19-A regulations.
Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds
Work requires the ability to reach, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch and climb ladders on a regular basis in the performance of mechanical work
Required to use hands, fingers and arms to reach, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls
Stands and walks for long periods of time in the performance of duties
Ability to receive directions and interact with coworkers
Specific vision abilities required to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus