Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Typical job duties performed with this occupation include:

TASK DUTIES
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Align front ends and suspension systems.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
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.
Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
Install or repair accessories.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
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*Note: Not all occupations will have a full list of Task Duties or associated programs

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Training for this occupational program or those in a similar family of programs can be located at the following postsecondary institutions in the State of Kansas. Please check with a program advisor at the postsecondary institution for more information on the particular focus of each program listed. Programs nearest the local area appear first. Click on the program to find more information.

INSTITUTION NAME	CITY	INSTITUTION TYPE	PROGRAM TITLE	AWARDS	HOURS
Washburn Institute of Technology	Topeka	Public	LOCOMOTIVE DIESEL TECHNICIAN	Less Than One-year Technical Certificate - CERT	25
Washburn Institute of Technology	Topeka	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	48
Washburn Institute of Technology	Topeka	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	48
Highland Community College	Highland	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Highland Community College	Highland	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	59
Salina Area Technical College	Salina	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	70
Salina Area Technical College	Salina	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	55
Salina Area Technical College	Salina	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Salina Area Technical College	Salina	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	53
North Central Kansas Technical College	Beloit	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Dodge City Community College	Dodge City	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Dodge City Community College	Dodge City	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	53
Seward County Community College	Liberal	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Seward County Community College	Liberal	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	53
Northwest Kansas Technical College	Goodland	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Associate Degree - AAS	68
Northwest Kansas Technical College	Goodland	Public	DIESEL TECHNOLOGY	Two-year Technical Certificate - CERT	59

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