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Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Did You Know:

  • In addition to high school course offerings in automotive repair and electronics, programs in diesel engine repair are offered by many community colleges and trade and technical schools.
  • Opportunities are expected to be very good for people who complete formal training programs; applicants without formal training will face competition for jobs.
  • National certification, the recognized standard of achievement, enhances a diesel service technician's advancement opportunities.


Industry Areas

  • General Freight Trucking
  • Local Government (OES Designation)
  • Automotive Repair and Maintenance

Day-to-Day Tasks

  • 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.

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Overall Kind of Work

Diesel-powered engines are more efficient and durable than their gasoline-burning counterparts. These powerful engines are standard in our nation's trucks, locomotives and buses and are becoming m...

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Work Environment

Military

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Status

What is the difference between enlisted and officer?

Enlisted:
Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.

Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
  • no Officer
  • yes Enlisted

Military Breakdown

The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.

8,048 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the military

Service Branches

Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics work in the following services:

Army Marine Corps Navy Air Force

Type of Work

The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.

Data: Low
People: Low
Things: High

Skills at a Glance

The levels of different skills helpful in this career.

Verbal skills: Low
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Low
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: High
Math & Science Skills: Medium
Technology Design & Control: Medium
Leadership: Low

Workplace at a Glance

The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.

Responsibility: Medium
Exposure to Job Hazards: High
Physical Activity: High
Decision Making: Medium
Repetitiveness: Low
Level of Competition: Low
Time Pressure: Low