Position: Mobile Lab Mechanic Specialist

Reports to: Facilities Director

Status: Full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $68,500 - $86,700 annually, calculated based on relevant experience, licenses, and degrees

Union: Union position

Start Date: May 1, 2025

Location: New York City; this is an in-person position based in New York City (West Harlem and Astoria, Queens)

Local Travel Requirements: Mobile Position in NYC Metro area

Long-Distance Domestic Travel Requirements: Up to 20 days per year outside the NYC Metro area, including overnight travel.

BioBus is excited to announce an opening for a Mobile Lab Mechanic to support our growing fleet of mobile science labs in New York City. The Mobile Lab Mechanic will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and reliability of BioBus lab equipment and vehicles, ensuring they remain safe, operational, and accessible for hands-on science programming. The technician will collaborate with drivers, fleet management, operations staff, and external vendors to diagnose issues, perform repairs, and implement preventative maintenance schedules. This is primarily a mobile mechanic role that requires working outdoors in all conditions in order to keep our mobile labs running.  By ensuring the reliability of our mobile labs, you will directly contribute to BioBus’s ability to reach tens of thousands of young scientists in communities where access to hands-on science experiences is most limited.

 

BioBus helps K-12 and college students discover, explore, and pursue science. We focus on students excluded from the scientific community due to factors such as race, gender, economic status, and physical access. Through this work, we envision a world where all people have the opportunity to reach their full scientific potential. We’ve reached 400,000 students at more than 1,000 schools since 2008, primarily in NYC public and charter schools, as far away as California and more recently we have expanded to the New England area as well as the Bronx.

BioBus operates a fleet of mobile science labs—retrofitted buses, trucks, and trailers equipped with research-grade microscopes and other scientific equipment—that bring exciting STEM experiences directly to students. These vehicles require ongoing maintenance and repair to ensure they remain fully operational and continue supporting our communities.

●       Oversee preventative maintenance and perform routine inspections on BioBus vehicles and lab equipment.

●       Provide general mechanical upkeep of vehicles, lab equipment, and lab spaces.

●       Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and structural issues in BioBus vehicles, including low-voltage electrical systems, generators, and onboard laboratory equipment.

●       Coordinate with external vendors for specialized repairs when necessary.

●       Maintain detailed records of maintenance and repairs performed, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

●       Ensure all BioBus vehicles meet safety and environmental compliance requirements.

●       Assist in maintaining fleet and lab inventory, including spare parts and tools.

●       Provide technical support for vehicle modifications, upgrades, and retrofits.

●       Work closely with the BioBus programming team to ensure vehicle readiness for scheduled programs and events.

●       Identify and report potential mechanical issues before they impact programming.

●       Participate in seasonal fleet maintenance planning, including vehicle winterization and summer readiness checks.

●       Respond to urgent repair needs and breakdowns in the field.

●       Provide on-site troubleshooting and repair support during BioBus events and programs.

●       Develop and implement contingency plans for vehicle failures to minimize program disruptions.

●       High school diploma or equivalent.

●       2+ years of experience in vehicle maintenance, repair, or fleet operations.

●       Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

●       Ability to diagnose and repair issues in gas and diesel engines, electrical systems, and chassis components.

●       Experience in Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC.

●       Experience with Low Voltage equipment.

●       Experience working with tools and diagnostic equipment.

●       Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

●       Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

●       Willingness to occasionally work outside standard business hours for urgent repairs or special events.

●       Willingness to work in challenging and unpredictable conditions, including exposure to dirt and adverse weather.

●       Willingness to travel locally across the NYC Metro area, including the five boroughs, up to five (5) days per week, with occasional local travel to neighboring New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island and Westchester counties. (company paid when travel to a program site exceeds 75 minutes by public transportation)

●       Willingness to travel (company paid) up to 20 days per year outside the NYC Metro area such as but not limited to New England and Upstate New York, including overnight travel

●       Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) and working in awkward positions.

●       ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or equivalent experience.

●       Experience with commercial vehicles, school buses, or specialty / RVs.

●       Experience in a mobile mechanic environment.

●       Experience working in a non-profit or education-related organization.

●       CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with passenger or air brake endorsements.

●       Familiarity with fleet management software and record-keeping practices.

$68,500 - $86,700 a year

BioBus seeks to fill this position with someone who shares our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.