Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator

Seattle Department of Transportation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Vacation, holiday, and sick leave

Medical, dental, vision, life and long

Job summary

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) seeks experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to support the ROW Maintenance and Urban Forestry divisions across multiple shifts in Seattle. You will operate backhoes, sweepers, loaders, and other equipment, performing routine maintenance and ensuring safety on each site.

Qualifications include at least one year of heavy equipment operation, or completion of a certified course, and a Washington State Class A license with Air Brake removed.

Qualifications

• One year experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• Completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation (combination of education and experience considered).
• Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Operate backhoes 80 hp or less and mobile sweepers and related equipment.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and clean equipment; check oil, water, tires.
• Inspect job sites for underground utilities and hazards.
• Dig holes, trenches, and stockpile spoil; haul with dump trucks.
• Drive truck and trailer to and from job sites.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Driver's license

Diverse workplace experience

Education

Construction & maintenance equipment course

Job description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

Position Description: Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together! Are you an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator looking for a new opportunity? Then SDOT’s ROW Maintenance and Urban Forestry division is looking for you! We are hiring multiple Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operators to work on various shifts to support the SPU Sweeping Program, leaf removal, vegetation management, ally flushing, the Protected Bike Lane (PBL) Sweeping program, Downtown Activation Team and other services. Along with emergency response around the city, this position involves working across the entire organization, as well as collaborating with staff from other departments within the City and is critical to keep Seattle moving.

Job Responsibilities:

• Safe operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Operate backhoes that are 80 hp or less (580, 680, 780 backhoes/loaders that are rubber tired or Ford 4500 - or their equivalent replacements), mobile sweepers, articulated loaders, mechanical mowers and rollers.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and clean equipment to include checking oil, water, and tire pressure, washing windows and washing off dirt and grease.
• Inspect job site for underground utilities, overhead obstructions and hazardous conditions.
• Dig holes, trenches and tunnels and stockpiles spoil or loads spoil in dump truck for hauling.
• Drive truck and trailer to and from job sites.
• Ensure that safety measures are observed when loading and unloading material.
• May be required to act in a lead capacity at job sites where all other activities are secondary to equipment operation.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
• Promote SDOT's commitment to equity, safety, sustainability, and customer service.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Qualifications:
  One year experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• OR
  Completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation, including practical operating experience and instruction in mechanical principles and general construction and maintenance procedures (Combination of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).
• License, Certification
  Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed.
• Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:
  Experience operating air or mechanical sweepers
  Experience driving a truck and trailer with equipment loaded
  Strong working knowledge of Seattle streets
  Experience working in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposed to dust, dirt, high noise levels, diesel and gas fumes, and engine exhaust. Moderate physical exertion is required to operate the equipment. Standing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds are sometimes required.
• Anticipated Schedule: Various shifts to include: Day, Swing, Nights, Weekends and Holidays.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $42.90 - $46.53 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.