Heavy Equipment Operator Maintenance Mechanic 3 Permanent Two Openings

Title- Heavy Equipment Operator

Classification-Maintenance Mechanic 3

Number of Vacancies-Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) Lacey Construction Shop
Duty Station- Lacey Washington Thurston County

Posting Timeframe-This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until September 3 2026. First review of applications will take place August 19 2026. Application review is ongoing and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Please Note- This position requires a valid current Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) at the time of application.

Learn more about being a member ofTeam WDFW!

Join our team at the Capital and Asset Management Program where we provide essential engineering construction and maintenance services to support the agencys facilities infrastructure and ecosystems.

With your expertise in operating heavy machinery you will skillfully maneuver machinery around sensitive utilities and structures while providing support to projects.

In this dynamic position your work on various projects and enhancements from maintaining gravel roads to wetland restoration will benefit wildlife fisheries and the public.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Heavy Equipment Operator will

Operate Heavy Equipment:

• Expertly operate construction and earth moving equipment such as but not limited to: Excavators of various sizes; Track loaders more than 70 net flywheel horsepower; Wheel loaders more than 80 net flywheel horsepower; Crawler tractors having 80 or more net flywheel horsepower; Motorized graders; Compacting rollers; Rubber tired loader/backhoe combination 51 or more net flywheel horsepower.
• Provide subject matter expertise in the recommendations of material and equipment staging utility location etc.
• Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize the risk of injury property damage or loss of life.
• Perform all safety inspections on equipment to ensure safe operational order.

Grade Engineering:

• Proficiently operate GPS technology and rotating laser levels to shoot grades and establish various elevations of a jobsite correcting or maintaining grade/elevations.
• Set grade stakes and paint marks to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping roadway and fill embankments using measuring instruments and hand tools.
• Read grading plans and cut and fill stakes.
• Read and understand blueprints sketches building plans and drawings.

Truck Driving:

• Operate vehicles rated at 80000 Gross Combined Weight (GCW) or more including semi-tractor/trailer equipment.
• Operate truck with lowboy trailer.
• Operate 12-yard dump truck to spread aggregate on road base.
• Direct or participate in loading and unloading equipment material or supplies.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection of vehicles and trailers to ensure safe operational order and report maintenance or repair issues.

Perform Skilled Trades such as Plumbing Equipment Repair/Fabrication and Carpentry:

• Install maintain and repair culverts and catch basins.
• Inspect water mains fixtures and valves to determine need for maintenance and repair.
• Diagnose and repair problems in the field with vehicles and equipment.
• Demolish or alter buildings sheds concrete forms and other structures from plans sketches or instructions.
• Ensure the site is ready for installation by removing old signage and preparing the surface for mounting construction and installation of new signage.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting including hazards:Duties are performed at construction sites at the Hatcheries and Wildlife Areas and occasionally in an office setting. Hazards include working on rough terrain riverbanks slippery slopes in confined and difficult to reach spaces and all types of weather conditions.

Bend stoop squat twist push pull and occasionally lift 50 pounds repetitively when loading/unloading trucks or moving materials around a project site. Operate motor vehicles in hazardous weather conditions such as snow and ice while on mountain passes highways and paved/unpaved roads.

This position may involve working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:Typically Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements:Travel required 80-90% depending on season.

Tools and Equipment:Basic hand tools power tools (such as drills roto hammers cut off saws circular saws hydraulic punch metal band saws welders cutting torch chainsaws and/or powered motors) automotive equipment (such as pickup trucks dump trucks and trailers) and heavy equipment (such as dozers backhoes excavators and compactors).

Customer Interactions:Frequently interact with Federal Local Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency customers and vendors.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience performing heavy equipment operation construction maintenance repair and transportation activities on commercial industrial utility transportation natural resource or public works projects.

Option 2:

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in heavy equipment operation construction plumbing diesel mechanics or a related trade

AND

Three (3) years of journey-level experience performing construction maintenance repair and heavy equipment operations.

Option 3:

Two (2) years of experience as a Maintenance Mechanic 2.

For each option above the following is also required:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

Experience:

• Operating heavy construction and earthmoving equipment such as excavators loaders crawler tractors graders rollers backhoes and similar equipment.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints grading plans construction drawings permits and specifications.
• Establishing grades and elevations using GPS grade control systems laser levels survey equipment and related technology.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid drivers license.
• Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a current Medical Examiners Certificate.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A valid current Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is required for this position. Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be required to provide proof of their Class A CDL.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Tanker Endorsement.
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) Certification.
• Experience with:
  • Vehicle and equipment inspection requirements.
  • Utility locating procedures and excavation safety requirements.
  • OSHA regulations related to construction and earthwork activities.
  • Plumbing and concrete work practices.
  • Safe work practices regarding construction sites and heavy equipment operations.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position your relevant skills and experience and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition topayand otherspecial employee programs there are otherbenefitsthat WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the Benefits tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents please use the following link: - WFSE:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at .
• Veterans only Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy) NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number position and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 Biologist 1 Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in .

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit Agency and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural racial ethnic sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women racial and ethnic minorities persons of disability persons over 40 years of age disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone or email or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application please call NEOGOV toll-free at or.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position please reach out toand reference job #.

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