Construction and Maintenaqnce Equipment Operator, Senior

Seattle Department of Transportation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and long-term disability

Job summary

Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking a Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy equipment and support curb ramp restoration, sidewalk repairs, utility cut restoration, and emergency response across Seattle.

The role requires inspecting equipment, following safety regulations, and potentially leading crews to ensure project completion with efficiency. CDL experience, reading blueprints, and knowledge of ADA ramps are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance or one year with a recognized course and practical operating experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform the duties.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation, pre-trip and post-trip inspections of heavy equipment; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Operate rubber-tire loaders to move materials and load trucks.
• Operate excavators, backhoes, graders, frontend loaders and rollers for on-street restoration and related work.
• Follow OSHA/WISHA rules, SDOT policies and contract language.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Blueprint reading

ADA ramps knowledge

CDL experience in snow/ice

Crew leadership

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!

Position Overview

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator (CMEO). The CMEO will execute specific instructions for the safe operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment. The position will support Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) work on curb ramp restoration, sidewalk repairs, utility cut restoration, and emergency response around the city. The position involves working across the entire organization, as well as collaborating with staff from other departments within the City. Come help keep Seattle moving!

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe operation, pre trip and post trip inspections of heavy construction and maintenance equipment and performs thorough inspection of combination truck or tractor/trailers prior to operation to ensure its safe condition; cleans equipment and performs minor repair.
• Operate rubber tire loaders to move materials, load trucks, and supplies.
• Operate Excavators, backhoe, graders, frontend loaders, and double drum rollers in Right-of-Way (ROW) on-street restoration or other types of work.
• Apply OSHA/WISHA rules, labor, and industries rules, SDOT policy and safety rules, and contract language within a variety of bargaining.
• Work as a team leader utilizing good communication skills to ensure job completion, safety, and efficiency.
• Operate motorized construction and maintenance equipment and their accessories, and heavy trucks for transporting construction and maintenance equipment.
• Inspects 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.
• Document daily activities, inspections, and accomplishments.
• Inspect job assignments for overhead obstructions and hazardous conditions.
• Support department goals in promoting race, diversity, and social justice.
• Ensures safety regulations are observed during the loading, rigging transporting, and unloading of materials.
• May be required to act in a lead capacity at job sites where all other activities are secondary to equipment operation.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned, responds to all emergencies around the city.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience

• Two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance or one year of experience with completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation that includes practical operating experience.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Knowledge of the operation of construction and maintenance equipment.
• Understand how to read and interpret blueprints.
• Understand the construction of ADA ramps, road panels, and sidewalks.
• Comfortable driving CDL required equipment in the snow and ice response.
• Experience leading crews.
• Ability to operate motorized construction and maintenance equipment and their accessories, and heavy trucks for transporting construction and maintenance equipment.
• Report emergency calls around the city.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Exposed to dust, dirt, high noise levels, diesel and gas fumes, and engine exhaust.
• Moderate physical exertion required to operate equipment.
• Standing, bending, stooping, and lifting in excess of 50 pounds are sometimes required.

License, Certification And Other Requirements

• May require current Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed or able to obtain a class A CDL within 12 months. City will provide the training.

Additional Information

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including professional work and education verifications, pre-placement physical exam, and driver's license.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background 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 $48.87 - $ 48.87 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.

Accommodation for people with disabilities is provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.