Powell’s school district is in need of a fleet mechanic, and they’re using the vacancy as an opportunity to make it more attractive.

Park County School District 1’s mechanic position will see a $2.50 increase in the base wage to adjust for being below average in 2022; the previous base wage was $19.75 per hour.

“We had our mechanic resign, he’s onto greener pastures and anytime you have a change like that it’s an opportunity to reflect on what you’re doing,” Superintendent Jay Curtis said during the Nov. 14 school board meeting. 

Transportation Supervisor Stephen Janes looked into the wage at Curtis' request and found that the district was lower than the state average. Janes found that the average for a diesel mechanic was $24.53, which he thought applied to a mechanic with a few years experience.

“​​In 2022, we did a study with the WPTA. Across the board, everybody threw in what their mechanic’s starting wage was, what their ending wage was, and on that in 2022, we were $1.44 below the average.”

A lot of wage adjustments have been made since that study to account for inflation, because of this Janes proposed the $2.50 increase to base wage. The new wage, which also brings increases to the position’s steps and lanes, came following the vacancy of the position. 

After 20 years a mechanic would top out at $31.75. 

Currently there are several candidates who could fill the position and Janes said they are also looking at filling the position in the future. Janes has been in contact with WyoTech where students are learning about “the new stuff going on” in the industry. 

“I've been sending emails left and right to these kids … just trying to pick one up to kind of come along and mentor with the new mechanic and be somebody that can step in,” Janes said.

For more information on the position visit applitrack.com/park1/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1.