Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a journey‑level Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 in Seattle, WA. You will inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of heavy equipment used in highway maintenance, using hydraulic and electrical systems, and performing welding tasks as needed.

Expect 40 hours per week on a 4,10‑hour shift schedule with some nights, weekends, and emergencies. You will work in an open repair facility under safety and documentation standards,

Qualifications

• Heavy equipment and vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for highway operations.
• Experience with preventive maintenance and safety compliance in shop and field settings.
• Proficiency with fleet management software and standard office tools.
• Ability to read manuals, drawings, and blueprints and document repairs.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering.
• Repair vehicles including heavy trucks and specialized state equipment; perform overhauls as needed.
• Use diagnostic software and tools to troubleshoot computer-controlled systems.
• Design, repair, and install hydraulic systems; fabricate parts as required.
• Perform preventative maintenance, tune-ups, and seasonal service inspections.
• Maintain shop records, orders, and labor reporting; support housekeeping and safety.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Repair & Operation

Preventive Maintenance

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Technical & Administrative Proficiency

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Tools

M-5 Fleet Management system

Excel

Word

Outlook

Blueprints

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 to join the Northwest Region Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) shop in Seattle, WA. In this journey‑level role, you will inspect, diagnose, and repair a variety of heavy and specialized vehicles used in highway maintenance and engineering. Key responsibilities include performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems, operating and road testing Class A, B, and C vehicles, and completing welding or fabrication tasks as needed. By keeping equipment safe, reliable, and ready for field operations, you help support timely and cost‑effective services to the public. A strong candidate demonstrates hands‑on equipment proficiency, a commitment to safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external customers.

What to Expect

A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40‑hours per week, for 4, 10‑hour shifts. Days, nights, weekends and holidays may be required for business needs or to respond to non‑scheduled or call‑out emergencies. Duties are physical in nature and are completed in an open heavy equipment repair facility, occasionally in outdoor environments in inclement and adverse weather, including nighttime emergent conditions.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 will:

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair small, large, and heavy equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering.
• Repair vehicles and equipment, including graders, loaders, sweepers, snow equipment, specialty trucks, and other state‑owned machinery.
• Utilize digital diagnostic software such as the M‑5 Fleet Management system and scanning tools to troubleshoot computer‑controlled systems.
• Design, repair, and install hydraulic systems and perform heavy equipment overhauls as needed.
• Operate shop machinery and fabrication tools to create specialty parts, tools, and accessories for equipment repairs.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections, tune‑ups, adjustments, and seasonal servicing on a wide variety of WSDOT equipment and vehicles.
• Maintain accurate shop records by initiating work orders, ordering parts, and completing preventative maintenance and labor reporting documentation.
• Support shop operations by performing housekeeping duties, safely handling hazardous materials, assisting with snow and ice removal operations, and serving as lead in the absence of the Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Repair & Operation: Demonstrated skills to inspect, diagnose, and repair small, large, and heavy equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering; skills to operate and road test class A, B, and C vehicles and other equipment.
• Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability: Experience performing preventive maintenance on small, large, and heavy equipment. Skilled in identifying and correcting safety issues to minimize downtime, extend service life, and ensure equipment availability for field operations.
• Safety Awareness & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of occupational safety requirements and commitment to safe work practices in shop and field environments. Experience applying safety standards when working with heavy machinery, welding equipment, and hazardous materials. Ability to implement and participate in safety programs, training, and Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently. Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of Fleet Equipment Management software and standard computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook). Proficient in reading and interpreting equipment manuals, technical drawings, and blueprints. Ability to maintain accurate repair and maintenance documentation. Ability to supply basic hand tools.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license to operate state‑owned vehicles.
• Ability to obtain Class A CDL with N endorsement within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after‑hours call.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency call‑outs/stand‑by.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Certifications and Licenses: Currently possess a valid Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement and no airbrake restrictions. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications in automotive, light, or heavy equipment repair. DOT Brake Certification.
• Mechanical and Technical Proficiency: Proven skill in performing complex mechanical work, including troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems, and utilizing appropriate tools, equipment, and diagnostic technology.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional 10% assignment pay is included in the salary for this job class.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union‑represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non‑represented positions can be found in Chapter 357‑28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full‑time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10807e-3 in the subject line.