Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic

King County, WA; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,000 annual tool allowance

Up to $2.88 per hour for ASE certs

$375 annual boot allowance

Excellent medical, dental, vision

Free transportation options

Retirement benefits and 457(b) plan

Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave

Job summary

King County in Washington State is seeking a Heavy‑Duty Equipment Mechanic to maintain and repair a wide range of vehicles and equipment across county operations. You will diagnose complex systems, repair electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical components, and ensure compliance with safety standards while supporting field and shop activities.

The role offers tool allowances, certifications incentives, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Journey-level proficiency with industrial heavy-duty equipment.
• Knowledge of safety rules and procedures for heavy equipment repair.
• Skilled with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical test equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot gas, diesel, and hybrid systems.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair gas, diesel, and hybrid equipment including trucks, backhoes, and loaders.
• Troubleshoot radios, light bars, and security devices.
• Perform gas and electric welding and fabrication on equipment.
• Operate testing equipment to diagnose issues and verify repairs.
• Maintain service and repair records.
• Provide technical guidance to apprentices and other workers.

Skills

Heavy‑duty equipment

Hydraulic systems

Diesel engines

Electrical testing

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Field repairs

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Testing equipment

Welding tools

Job description

Join the team that keeps King County running. As a Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic, you’ll be the hands behind the machines that build, maintain, and support vital county operations. From advanced electrical systems to heavy construction equipment, your work ensures crews across the region can do their jobs safely and effectively. Your expertise will directly support the essential services that millions of residents rely on every day.

Why King County is a great place to work?

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a lasting and rewarding career in County government. You will have the opportunity to work in an organization that embraces diversity, institutes best management practices, values hard work, and empowers employees to innovate and strives for second-to-none customer service. We’re committed to supporting a healthy work–life balance and providing benefits that truly make a difference, including:

• $1,000 annual tool allowance
• Up to $2.88 per hour in additional pay for ASE certifications
• $375 annual boot allowance
• Excellent, competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Free transportation options
• Robust employee assistance program for personal and professional support
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave
• Twelve paid holidays plus two personal holidays
• Retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, plus a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• And so much more

About Fleet Services Division

The Fleet Services Division manages King County’s portfolio of vehicles and equipment.

The team performs acquisition, maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal of approximately 3,000 fleet assets for the County’s services associated with the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health, Roads, Parks, Wastewater, Water and Land Resources, and other agencies. The division manages two maintenance shops which include robust storerooms of automotive parts, materials, and construction supplies as well as several technicians working in the field to support remote customer sites.

In addition, the Fleet Division is responsible for the disposition of the county’s personal property assets, which includes a surplus warehouse in Georgetown. Disposal methods can include re-use within the county, donation to verified and approved non‑profits, and sales through online portals or sealed/negotiated bids.

The mission of the Fleet Services Team is providing exceptional customer service in the delivery of equitable, sustainable, and dependable fleet solutions. To learn more about Fleet, please visit our website at: Fleet Services Division - King County, Washington.

Job Duties

SCOPE OF JOB DUTIES: The successful candidate at a minimum, must demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Diagnose and repair all types of gas, diesel, and hybrid powered equipment, including, but not limited to, automobiles, heavy/light trucks, tractors, backhoes, street sweepers, wheel loaders, various off‑road equipment, and trailers.
• Troubleshoot and repair emergency response vehicle radios, light bars, and security device systems.
• Perform gas and electric welding and fabrication on mobile and stationary equipment.
• Operate mechanical and electronic testing equipment to troubleshoot and repair systems.
• Maintain service, maintenance, and repair records.
• Modify and fabricate stock equipment to meet County needs.
• Repair and maintain shop tools and machinery.
• Provide technical assistance, direction, and advice to other workers, and give guidance on complex mechanical repair projects.
• Interpret equipment repair manuals, electric and hydraulic schematics and illustrated parts diagrams.
• Safely perform repairs in the field during inclement weather.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who:

• Demonstrate journey - level proficiency to work with industrial and heavy‑duty equipment, hydraulic, powertrain, diesel and gasoline fuel, accessory and cooling systems.
• Have knowledge of industrial and heavy equipment shop safety rules, procedures, and equipment. Understand technical terms used in light and heavy equipment repairs.
• Are skilled in the use of electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical test equipment and devices.
• Are skilled in troubleshooting and repairing gas, diesel, and hybrid engines; transmissions; diesel fuel and engine‑management systems; electrical systems, and radio, light bar, and security device systems.
• Can diagnose and repair pneumatic systems, chassis systems, power‑train systems and hydraulic systems.
• Understand how to use diagnostic tools online or paper maintenance, repair and parts manuals to assist in maintenance and repair.
• Are able to safely operate vehicles and equipment with onboard systems to test and troubleshoot for proper operation of integral or installed systems before and after maintenance.
• Work independently and in a team environment. Are comfortable providing coaching, mentorship, and oversight to apprentices to perform technical tasks.
• Can navigate office productivity software and operate and perform research on a computer. (The County uses Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.)

Necessary Requirements

successful candidates for this role must:

• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Able to obtain and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Class N and Air Brake Endorsement is preferred and current Medical Card within 6 months of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen: If you are a current CDL holder, as required by federal regulations, you must submit to drug testing and test negative for presence of controlled substances; sign a Consent Form for release of Information for each employer for the past three (3) years; and successfully pass a background check for Alcohol and Controlled Substances testing, and a CDL background information.
• Posses tools and equipment: The County provides employees with a tool allowance. The successful candidate must submit a complete tool inventory prior to start date. Candidate who does not have a complete tool inventory will be provided with a temporary tool inventory that remain County property and must be returned to the County. Heavy Duty Mechanic tool kit's consisting of standard and metric, open end and socket wrenches including: Open end wrenches: Standard size 1/4" through 1-1/4", Metric Size: 6mm through 20mm Socket sets: 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"drive, standard size: 1/4" through 1-1/4", Metric Size: 6mm through 20mm. Various pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools required to perform the essential functions of the job. Air operated power tools to 1/2" impact gun.
• FIRST AID/CPR CERTIFICATION: The selected candidate must obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within 6 months of hire. This training is available from King County and may be completed during hours of employment.

Typical work schedule

This position is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible overtime. The typical work schedule for these positions is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our shop operates from 5am to 5pm to best serve our customers. Alternative schedules may be required to meet business needs. Additionally, mandatory overtime and weekend work during emergencies may be required.

Union membership

This position will be represented by Local 289 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

If you have any questions, please contact Karina Cordova, Human Resource Analyst, by e‑mail at [e-mail] or by phone at 206-848-0395.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action‑oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

• Required Question