Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 | Mt. Vernon & Seattle

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Paid vacation up to 25 days/year

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking two experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 professionals for the Northwest Region. These roles supervise a team, oversee maintenance of highway vehicles and equipment, and support fleet budgeting, purchasing, and data management across Seattle and Mount Vernon.

Ideal candidates bring journey-level diagnostics and repair skills, strong leadership, and proficiency with fleet management tools.

Qualifications

• Advanced heavy equipment diagnostics & repair experience; ability to supervise others and perform hands-on work.
• Leadership and supervisory skills across diverse teams; ability to train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Proficiency with fleet management software and standard office apps (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication and collaboration with mechanics, supervisors, managers, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge of safety requirements; ability to implement safety programs and PASP.
• Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license; CDL with N endorsement within six months may be required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, plan, assign, and review work of heavy equipment mechanics and purchasing staff; mentor team.
• Oversee inspection, repair, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment; ensure proper records and tools.
• Assist with budgets, replacement schedules, and fleet cost management.
• Utilize fleet data systems to track work orders, parts, inventories, and documentation.
• Review procurement documents and coordinate with users to identify needs; negotiate with vendors.
• Analyze fleet operations to identify cost-effective improvements and implement policies.
• Lead fleet projects, training, and demonstrations; organize equipment testing.
• Coordinate transportation of equipment between shops and sites; perform road testing when needed.

Skills

Diagnostics & Repair

Leadership

Fleet software

Communication

Safety compliance

CDL licensing

Tools

Fleet Management software

Excel

Blueprints/technical drawings

Job description

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 two Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 positions to support the Northwest Region’s Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) by ensuring vehicles and equipment are well maintained and available to safely and efficiently serve the public. These positions provides leadership and oversight of regional equipment maintenance operations while supporting informed decisions related to equipment purchasing, outfitting, and resource management. By promoting high standards for quality, safety, and stewardship, this role helps ensure WSDOT crews have the dependable equipment needed to maintain Washington’s transportation system and support safe, reliable travel. These positions also play an important role in fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees can contribute and succeed.

What to Expect
This recruitment will fill two positions, with opportunities based in Seattle and Mount Vernon.

Work is primarily performed indoors in an office, warehouse, and active heavy equipment repair facility, with occasional outdoor work in inclement weather. The position requires working around uneven surfaces, confined and elevated spaces, heavy and awkward equipment, and performing physical tasks such as bending, twisting, reaching, and maneuvering in tight locations. Employees may be exposed to hazards including loud noise, engine exhaust, metal fabrication activities, hazardous materials, chemicals, and repair shop tools and equipment. The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexible or compressed schedules. Weekend, holiday, nighttime, standby, and emergency call-back work may be required, including the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Equipment Supervisor will:

• Staff Supervision & Development: Supervise, plan, prioritize, assign, and review the work of heavy equipment mechanics and purchasing personnel; coach and mentor staff, assess training needs, provide training, conduct performance evaluations, and recommend personnel actions in partnership with HR.
• Equipment Maintenance & Compliance: Oversee the inspection, repair, maintenance, modification, and compliance inspection of vehicles and equipment used in highway maintenance; review maintenance records and ensure staff have the tools and equipment needed to perform assigned work.
• Fleet Budget & Financial Management: Assist the Equipment Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent with budgets, equipment replacement schedules, and fleet logistical support plans; monitor operating and capital expenditures, prepare cost estimates, review invoices, and maintain accurate fleet financial and performance information.
• Fleet Data & Inventory Management: Utilize fleet management systems to maintain and analyze equipment data, work orders, repair and PM records, parts and tooling inventories, fuel inventory, and related technical documentation in accordance with TEF rules and agency requirements.
• Equipment Purchasing & Vendor Management: Review equipment specifications and requisitions, coordinate with user groups to identify operational needs, evaluate bid documents, prepare purchase orders, and negotiate with vendors regarding equipment availability, specifications, warranties, pricing, and related issues.
• Fleet Operations & Program Improvement: Analyze fleet operations, equipment assignment, availability, utilization, reliability, and functionality to recommend cost-effective improvements; develop equipment specifications, evaluate rebuild versus replacement, and support fleet-related policies, procedures, and projects.
• Fleet Projects, Training & Testing: Lead work groups and fleet-related projects; prepare and deliver fleet presentations and training; arrange equipment demonstrations and testing to evaluate operational needs and requirements.
• Equipment Transportation & Operation: Coordinate equipment and personnel between regional shops and main shop operations; transport equipment between WSDOT facilities and vendor sites and safely road test and operate highway equipment, including Class A, B, or C equipment used in maintenance operations.

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

• Advanced Heavy Equipment Diagnostics & Repair: Demonstrated ability to supervise others and perform work in diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling a wide range of heavy-duty equipment systems, including diesel and gas engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, electronic fuel systems, steering and suspension, and braking systems (air, hydraulic, and ABS). Provides technical direction, reviews work for quality and compliance and ensure proper use of electronic diagnostic tools and scanning equipment to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues.
• Leadership and Supervisory: Ability to train and supervise a diverse workforce while performing hands‑on mechanical work, including the ability to work across organizational boundaries; build, direct, and sustain effective teams; coach, mentor, and train mechanics and support staff; and promote employee engagement, collaboration, and a positive safety-focused work environment.
• Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Proficient 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.
• Communication & Collaborative Partnerships: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively-both verbally and in writing-with mechanics, supervisors, managers, vendors, and other stakeholders in diverse settings, including in-person and virtual environments. Effectively uses multiple communication tools and electronic media (e.g., telephone, email, text, video and computer conferencing) to share technical information, expectations, and operational updates. Builds and sustains collaborative working relationships with internal and external customers to resolve issues, coordinate work, and support the successful achievement of agency goals.
• 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).
• Licensing & Certification: Possession of an unrestricted valid driver's license to operate vehicles in Washington State. Required to obtain Class A CDL with N endorsement without automatic transmission or air brake restrictions within six (6) months of hire.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Journey-Level Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated journey-level knowledge and skill in automotive or heavy equipment maintenance and repair, generally acquired through completion of an accredited apprenticeship or equivalent formal training.
• Industry Certification & Applied Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated application of industry-recognized standards and best practices in vehicle and equipment maintenance, as evidenced by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications and/or equivalent professional credentials.
• Labor Relations & Union Environment Experience: Demonstrated experience supervising employees in a unionized environment, including the ability to apply labor agreements, manage work assignments, and maintain positive labor-management relationships.
• Organizational & Procurement Management: Demonstrated strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate work activities, and manage purchasing processes to support maintenance operations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will fill two positions, with opportunities based in Seattle and Mount Vernon. In addition to the salary range listed, the Seattle will also include a 5% salary premium and a 10% Group C assignment pay.
• Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
• 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.
• 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.
• Plan For 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.

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 listed Recruiter.

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