Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 (In-Training)

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Union Gap (WA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Holidays/Vacation

Tuition Assistance

Retirement options

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation in Union Gap, WA, seeks a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 (In-Training) to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain a diverse fleet. Duties include preventative maintenance, diesel and alternative fuel engines, hydraulic systems, and brake systems.

The role requires flexibility for extended shifts, night work, and on-call duties, with opportunities for growth within WSDOT’s diverse maintenance program.

Qualifications

• Heavy vehicle maintenance: proven ability to perform preventive maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment over 26,000 GVW.
• Shop tools and operations: proficient with welders, grinders, hoists, air tools, saws, forklifts, and hand tools.
• Safety compliance: knowledge of safety procedures, confined space, fall protection, hazmat handling.
• Technical and administrative proficiency: experience with timekeeping, maintenance tracking, vehicle history, and fleet management.
• Teamwork: ability to work in teams and independently.
• Growth mindset: commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented: takes action to meet others' needs.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform preventative maintenance and repairs on agency vehicles and equipment used in highway maintenance and construction.
• Diagnose and repair diesel, gasoline, electric and alternative fuel engines.
• Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot hydraulic and control systems including pumps, motors, valves, and hydrostatic drives.
• Maintain braking systems, diagnose and repair various brake types and traction control.
• Conduct diagnostics on snow and ice removal equipment and related heavy equipment.
• Fabricate, weld and install additional equipment and components.

Skills

Heavy vehicle maintenance

Shop tools

Safety awareness

Technical proficiency

Teamwork

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Tools

Welders

Grinders

Hoists

Air tools

Saws

Forklifts

Hand tools

Jacks

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 seeking a skilled and dedicated Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 (In-Training) to join our South-Central Region team in Union Gap, WA! Working out of the Union Gap shop, you’ll play a critical role in keeping WSDOT’s fleet safe, reliable, and ready to support the communities we serve.

Under general supervision, this position performs journey-level mechanical work, independently inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and performing preventative maintenance on a wide range of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, including vehicles and equipment over 26,000 GVWR. Your expertise will help ensure our crews have the dependable equipment they need to keep Washington’s transportation system moving safely and efficiently.

What to Expect

Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday or Tuesday through Friday or other four 10-hour shifts to accomplish our work; including weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.

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

• Independently perform preventative maintenance and repairs to all types of agency vehicles and equipment used in highway maintenance and construction.
• Maintain, diagnose and repair all types of diesel engines, gasoline, electric and alternative fuel type of motors or engines to maintain and restore to reliable condition.
• Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot all types of hydraulic and control systems including pumps, motors, valves, and hydrostatic drives.
• Maintain braking systems, troubleshoots and repairs brake systems of all types including air, mechanical, hydraulic, anti-lock, pilot operated, power assist and related components, including traction control and stability systems.
• Perform diagnostic and repair work on various snow and ice removal equipment such as sanding and deicing application heavy equipment, snowplows, heavy snowblowers and various specialized snow removal heavy equipment as well as four-wheel drive equipment, marine equipment, material handling equipment, paving and asphalt equipment, aerial manlifts, bridge inspection equipment, heavy excavating equipment, catch basin cleaning equipment, mobile traffic control messaging, and lighting equipment.
• Fabricate, weld and install additional equipment and components.

Qualifications

This is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

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

• Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance: Demonstrated experience independently performing preventive maintenance, mechanical repairs and fabrication on heavy equipment and/or vehicles over 26,000 GVW as well as light- or medium-duty vehicles; must be able to test drive or operate vehicles and equipment for diagnostic purposes and ensure operational status. Working knowledge of diesel, gasoline, electric, and alternative fuel engines, including principles of mechanical operation, diagnostics, and repair.
• Shop Operations and Tools: Skilled in operating and maintaining a variety of automotive mechanic tools and shop equipment including welders, grinders, hoists, air tools, saws, forklifts, hand tools, jacks, etc.
• Safety Awareness and Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Must be able to participate in the creation and implementation of safety plans and safety training.
• Technical and Administrative Proficiency: Experience using electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, vehicle or equipment history, and fleet and inventory management. Knowledge of researching and ordering parts, creating work orders, and charging accounts for parts and labor. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.
• 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.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a state vehicle, must obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement and without air brakes restriction within the first twelve months of employment. Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand‑by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
• Ability to perform hands on manual labor and operates vehicles, machinery, tools, or equipment with exposure to hazardous conditions, materials, and inclement weather at a field, site, roadway, construction or right of way activity, warehouse, or repair shop facility.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Heavy Equipment Repair: Ability to inspect, diagnose, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, including welding and fabrication. Experience with industrial, commercial, highway, construction, or logging equipment is highly valued.
• Electrical & Electronic Systems: Ability to diagnose and repair complex electrical and electronic systems, including CAN bus, multiplex, and electronic control systems.
• Heavy Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot heavy equipment such as graders, plows, loaders, and excavators.
• Brake Systems: Knowledge of heavy-duty brake systems and ability to perform inspections, diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs in accordance with applicable standards.
• Commercial Driving: Ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles requiring a Class A CDL with N endorsement and maintain required FMCSA medical certification.
• Technical Expertise & Certifications: Ability to apply recognized industry standards and repair practices, with ASE, DOT Brake Certification, or similar industry credentials demonstrating technical expertise.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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.
• This is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  1. Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2: $82,440 – $95,676
  2. Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1: $74,748 – $86,688
• 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 may earn 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.