Equipment Technician - Equipment Technician 3 - Permanent - 2026-07611

State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife seeks an Equipment Technician to inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain a wide range of heavy vehicles and machinery at the Lacey Shop.

The role emphasizes safety, preventative maintenance, and timely repair of equipment used in construction and wildlife projects. Ideal candidates will hold a valid WA CDL, have journey-level heavy equipment experience, and be prepared for travel and site work as needed.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in preventative maintenance and repairs with journey-level mechanics; related vocational training may substitute.
• One (1) year of journey-level experience maintaining heavy equipment or equivalent via apprenticeship or union.
• Valid Washington State Class A CDL with Medical Certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose and repair equipment over 15,000 GVW and large trucks and attachments.
• Operate heavy construction and support equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain shop records and assist in cost estimates and procurement for equipment.

Skills

Preventative maintenance

Heavy equipment operation

Troubleshooting

Education

Vocational/technical training in heavy equipment

Tools

CDL Class A

MS Office

Job description

Working Title- Equipment Technician

Classification- Equipment Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program – Lacey Shop

Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

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

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Mini track loader – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you experienced with inspecting, troubleshooting, diagnosing, servicing, and making major and minor mechanical repairs on all types of motorized vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment?

Embrace this role to keep construction activities moving that impact fish and wildlife conservation efforts!

In this unique role, you will utilize your knowledge in the field of mechanics, maintaining a large variety of vehicles and equipment used in construction applications from general travel, rural road development, transportation of live fish, or removing and installing fish traps.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Equipment Repair and Preventative Maintenance.

• Inspect, diagnose and make needed repairs to equipment such as vehicles over 15,000 GVW, mechanical equipment such as specialty trucks, graders, backhoes, dozers, heavy trucks, and accessories.
• Inspect and make repairs to industrial/commercial equipment such as pumps, generators, including major overhauls, tune-ups, relining and adjusting brakes, wheel alignments, transmission and differential replacement and repair.
• Inspect and make minor repairs to electrical wiring.
• Perform general inspection of vehicles and reports deficiencies to the Technician Supervisor.
• Perform spot and other minor body and fender work.
• Maintain inventory of parts.
• Use a computer to update and maintain shop records.
• Assist in the update of the automated program; analyze vehicle or equipment operational reports and recommends changes, turn-ins, and transfer of vehicles or equipment to ensure maximum utilization.
• Assists in the preparation of cost estimates and purchase requisitions for procurement of new and replacement of agency specialized equipment and motorized vehicles.

Heavy Equipment Operation.

• Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life.
• Operate construction and earth moving equipment such as, but not limited to:
  • Truck or semi-tractor/trailer combinations more than 54,000 gross combination weight.
  • Wheel or truck mounted hydraulic or cable cranes between 10,000 to 20,000 pounds rated lift capacity.
  • 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.
  • Rubber tired loader/backhoe combination 51 net flywheel horsepower or more.
  • Semi-tractor/trailer low boy combination exceeding 80,000 gross combination weight.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed in a vehicle maintenance shop, and on occasion at a construction site at a hatchery or wildlife area. Hazards include working on rough terrain, riverbanks, slippery slopes, and other surfaces, confined and difficult to reach spaces, and working and driving in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, or snow. Bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting of 50 pounds repetitively when loading and unloading trucks or moving materials around project site. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Operate motor vehicles in hazardous weather conditions such as snow and ice while on mountain passes, highways, and roads (both paved and unpaved). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Full-time, working 40 hours per week. 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 20-40% depending on season.

Customer Interactions:

Frequent interactions varying between Federal, Local, Inter-Agency, and Intra-Agency customers and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Three (3) years of experience in the performance of preventative maintenance and repairs assisting a journey-level mechanic. Please note: Successful completion of vocational technical training in heavy equipment and/or industrial/commercial equipment repair, including welding may substitute year-for-year for up to two (2) years of experience.

Option 2:

One (1) year of experience as a journey-level mechanic maintaining and repairing heavy-duty equipment, or journey-level standing as a heavy equipment and/or industrial/commercial mechanic as demonstrated by completion of a recognized apprenticeship; or by journey-level standing as recognized by a labor union.

For BOTH options above, the following items are also required:

Licenses/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license recognized in the state of Washington and an acceptable driving record.
• Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) endorsement with current Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic Microsoft Office computer skills.
• Knowledge of: rules of safe operation of equipment; state motor vehicle laws; materials used in servicing and maintaining heavy equipment; rules governing operation of state vehicles; methods, tools, and materials used in servicing and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Ability to: operate heavy construction equipment in safe and skillful manner; make adjustments and repairs to equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Boom Truck Certification.
• Tanker Endorsement.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - 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 [e-mail].
• 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: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s 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 [phone] or email [e-mail], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or [e-mail].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2026-07611.

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