Heavy Equipment Operator II(2)-Transportation

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; Toppenish (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, through the Department of Natural Resources, seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator II for road and trail maintenance on the Yakama Reservation. This full-time role requires operating various heavy equipment and performing related maintenance and training tasks.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of heavy equipment experience, and a WA Class A CDL (or ability to obtain).

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience operating heavy equipment.
• Valid WA Class A CDL or ability to obtain within probation.
• Must obtain Yakama Nation Tribal Driver's Permit.
• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (dozers, graders, trucks) for road maintenance and construction.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Communicate with Transportation leadership on project needs and issues.
• Assist with manual labor for road improvements and appurtenances.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Truck operation

Communication

Independent work

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma

Vocational/Technical cert in equipment

Job description

Announcement #

2026-212

Issue Date:

10-14-26

Closing Date:

Open Until filled

Heavy Equipment Operator II (2) Two Positions

Transportation

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $15.74-$17.72 /Regular/Full-Time

The major duties of this position involves the operation of heavy equipment, dump trucks, water trucks, motor graders, and/or truck tractors for the repair, maintenance, and construction of the 1500+ miles of roads, streets, and trails on the Yakama Reservation. Although equipment operation is the major function of work performed, the incumbent also performs the routine preventive maintenance on assigned equipment. The employee may perform manual labor/tasks associated with the maintenance, repair, and construction of roads, roadways, and appurtenances; provide on the job training for subordinates. The difference between Heavy Equipment Operator I and II is distinguished by the requirement for a higher degree of skill, judgment, and more/longer experience in the operation of various types of heavy equipment, such as dozers of various sizes and makes, motor graders of various sizes and makes, water trucks, dump trucks, truck tractors, as compared to very limited skill, judgment, and experience of a Heavy Equipment Operator I, who operates only one or two types of Heavy Equipment.

Examples of Work Performed:

The Heavy Equipment Operator II will need to be able to operate various types of heavy equipment for the maintenance, repair, and construction of roads, roadways, cemetery roads, and appurtenances.

Types of work performed; gravel and grading of all Yakama Nation roads, cemeteries, and tribal member driveways; snow removal of all roads, bus stops, Agency complex replacing catch basin filters and sweeping of all Yakama Nation streets and housing projects dust abatement projects installing new parking areas, replacing delineators and other Transportation projects as they arise, and this list is not all inclusive and is subject to change due to the nature and need of projects requested and/or required for completion.

The Heavy Equipment Operator II will need to communicate with the Transportation Superintendent, and/or Transportation Supervisor and/or Transportation Lead as needs or issues arise on any given project.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of and ability to operate a variety of heavy equipment such as water trucks, dozers, loaders, road graders, belly dumps, 18 wheel tractor-trailer, linear crusher, excavator, sweeper, snow plows, etc.

Knowledge of standard maintenance requirements and practices for heavy machinery and equipment.

Knowledge of the Tribal system of roads, streets, trails, and cemeteries on the Yakama Reservation.

Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules relating to heavy equipment and machinery operations.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices associated with the use of heavy equipment and machinery.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to perform a wide variety of tasks for extended periods in various weather conditions, including sunny and hot weather, and cold and/or wet weather.

Ability to work independently and productively.

Minimum Requirements:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Must have at least one year of experience in operating heavy equipment and machinery.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with a Class A Commercial Driver's License certification or have the qualifications to obtain one within probationary period.

Must be able to obtain a Yakama Nation Tribal Driver's Permit.

Must maintain physical condition as appropriate to perform assigned duties and responsibilities.

Must maintain effective audio and visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for successful performance of assigned duties.

May sometimes be required to work flexible hours and overtime, including weekends and holidays.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

Vocational, Technical certification or OJT certification in heavy equipment operation and maintenance.