Apprentice Small Engine Mechanic Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Salary : $44,969.00 - $90,174.00 Annually
Location : Transit, Chapel Hill, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26-01954
Department: Transit
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Summary
$2,500 TOTAL SIGN ON BONUS FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
($1,000 paid at 6 months / $1,500 paid at 1 year)
*must meet safety and attendance goals at each 6-month interval*
Chapel Hill Transit's bus mechanics keep our fleet moving! We constantly upgrade our 150 fleet vehicles and offer continuous training to keep your skills current. We provide a tool allowance and starter tools for qualifying employees. Our generous benefits package, career progression options, and ongoing training opportunities make Chapel Hill Transit a desirable employer for mechanics seeking a career opportunity.
We will consider mechanics at all levels of skills and experience. Pay will be commensurate with skill level.
SALARY RANGES
Mech 1 is listed at 267 $51,628 - $67,117 - $82,605
Mech 2 is listed at 268 $54,210 - $70,473 - $86,735
Mech 3 is listed at 269 $59,766 - $77,994 - $96,222
The purpose of this position is to provide vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair to all of the towns departments. This is accomplished by performing diagnostics, removing and repairing motors, engine parts, electrical systems, as well as hybrid vehicles. Other duties include acetylene and plasma cutting.
Essential Functions

• Performs vehicle maintenance procedures such as tune ups, oil and filter changes, electrical system checks, drive train component checks brake repairs and air conditioning repairs on all department vehicles

• Performs corrective maintenance procedures including hydraulic electronic electrical and various degrees of engine repair

• Performs Preventative Maintenance inspections on all CHT vehicles as assigned

• Performs a variety of engine diagnostic procedures using hand held and computerized testing equipment

• Performs NC State required inspections

• Maintains work area in a safe and professional manner

• Performs other duties as required Complexity of work assigned varies depending on mechanic's skill level.

Supervision
None
Physical Demands
The work is typically performed while standing stooping bending. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and strength.
Work Environment
The work is typically performed in a shop.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge Of
Troubleshoots, repairs, rebuilds and performs preventive maintenance on major bus components including engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioning systems, compressors, wheelchair lifts/ramps, and various electrical parts
Ability To
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Use various hand and power tools; read blueprints and schematic drawings; communicate effective orally and in writing
Establish effective working relationships with others; provide guidance to other employees
Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT
Education
A high school diploma or its equivalent. Associate's degree or Trade School diploma preferred
Experience
Minimum of one year of experience as a mechanic
Certifications
Possession of a valid NC CDL B with P (Passenger Endorsement) or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. Chapel Hill Transit will pay for the employee's CDL licensure.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina. NC Medical DOT Card
Revised: October 1, 2013
Supplemental Information
This classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
SALARY RANGES
Mechanic Level I $44,969-$74,186
Mechanic Level II $49,579-$81,791
Mechanic Level III $54,661-$90,174
Here is just a small sampling of the benefits we can offer you:

• 100% employer paid health and dental insurance
• Pension plan through the state of NC
• 401K
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Paid Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year of service

The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and dental insurance are effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical and dental insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the medical plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members. Employees are responsible for the full cost of dependent dental insurance.
Retirement Health Savings Plan
Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.
Paid Time Off

• Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
• Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
• Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plans

• NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Empower.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by MissionSquare.

Disability Insurance

• Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income up to $462 per week for non-job related injuries.
• Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.

Life Insurance
The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.
Direct Deposit
All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.
Other Benefits

• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at Civic Federal Credit Union.
• Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
• Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
• Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing