School Mechanic & Driver

Job Description

• To keep the School's fleet (25 to 52 seaters) safe, roadworthy and reliable through professional servicing, diagnosis and repair, and to drive School buses on assigned routes and trips in full compliance with the Traffic Act, NTSA regulations and School policies, with the safety of learners and staff as the first priority.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

• Carry out scheduled preventive maintenance (oil, filters, brakes, tyres, belts, fluids, lights, suspension and steering) on all School buses as per the maintenance schedule.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and body faults promptly, minimising downtime and ensuring buses are available for daily routes.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report all defects to the Head of Operations and Fleet Management.
• Prepare buses for NTSA inspection, insurance requirements and annual compliance checks, and ensure all defects raised are rectified.
• Source, request and receive spares and consumables through approved procurement procedures, and advise on quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise any external garages or service providers engaged by the School and verify the quality of work done.
• Maintain tools, workshop equipment and the work area in a safe, clean and orderly condition.

Driving Duties

• Drive School buses (25 to 52 seaters) on assigned routes, field trips, sports fixtures and other School-approved activities.
• Observe all traffic laws, speed limits and route plans, and keep to approved pick-up and drop-off times.
• Ensure learners board and alight safely, that seating capacity is never exceeded, and that seat belts are used where fitted.
• Work with bus attendants/matrons and teachers on duty to maintain discipline and safety on board.
• Report any accident, incident, near miss, breakdown or learner safety concern immediately to the Head of Operations and Fleet Management.

Safety, Compliance and Records

• Maintain valid driver and bus documentation, and ensure fire extinguishers, first aid kits, speed governors and other safety equipment are functional.
• Keep accurate records: service and repair history, job cards, fuel and mileage logs, trip sheets, defect reports and parts used.
• Comply with the School's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, Staff Handbook, Health and Safety requirements and Code of Conduct.
• Remain sober and fit for duty at all times; zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, or use of a mobile phone while driving.

General

• Be available for emergency breakdown response and for early, late or weekend School trips as the calendar requires.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Operations and Fleet Management that are consistent with the role.

What You Will Do

• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• Driving Duties
• Safety, Compliance and Records

Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Motor Vehicle Mechanics / Automotive Engineering from a recognised institution, or NITA Trade Test Grade II or higher.
• Minimum of 5 years' hands-on experience servicing and repairing heavy vehicles and buses, including diesel engines. Experience on school or PSV fleets is an added advantage.
• Valid Class D3 driving licence, with a clean record and no pending or unresolved traffic offences. Valid institutional (PSV) driving badge.
• Valid Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), obtained within the last 3 months.
• Valid medical fitness certificate, including eyesight test.