Snow Removal Operator (Equipment Operator 2) Mt. Spokane

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Job summary

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an Equipment Operator 2 for Mt. Spokane State Park. You will plow and maintain the main road and adjacent parking areas to provide safe access to Nordic, Alpine, and snowshoe areas during the winter season.

The role requires operating a range of heavy machinery, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with park winter operations. Work is on-site, with 5-day weeks and potential night shifts, under a non-permanent 4-month assignment.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment and a valid driver's license; Class A CDL from WA, OR, or ID by start date (Dec 1, 2026).

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., snowplows, graders, loaders, excavators) for snow removal on roads and parking areas.
• Perform basic maintenance on equipment and assist with troubleshooting and repairs.
• Assist with winter park maintenance tasks and basic facilities work as directed by supervisor.

Skills

Heavy equipment

Snowplow operation

Safety practices

Job description

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Equipment Operator 2

Location: Mead, WA

Closes: Continuous. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis starting October 6th.

We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

Position Status: This is a non-permanent position. Expected duration of this position is 4 months.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)

Mt. Spokane is a beautiful park and a popular destination for winter recreation. Our outstanding team is comprised of individuals with a wide range of great experience, who have fun and work really well together. If you enjoy working outdoors with a variety of large equipment items, we encourage you to apply.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

About this position

This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of heavy equipment including snowplows, snow blowers, graders, excavators, and loaders during the Winter Recreation use season at Mt. Spokane State Park. The Equipment Operator 2 will plow and clear the main mountain road and adjacent parking areas for visitors to have safe access to the Nordic, Alpine, and snowshoe recreation areas of the park.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Performs roadway and parking lot snow removal and maintenance in State Parks and facilities:

• Proficiently operates the following equipment on a two-lane road that, at times, will have heavy traffic: 12-yard dump truck with snowplow and sander, graders, front-end loaders, excavators, load-mounted snow blowers and truck-mounted snow blower.
• Performs removal of trees and other debris from roadways and parking areas that encumber visitor use.

Maintains heavy equipment:

• Assists with maintenance on blowers, snowplows, sanders, front end loader, grader, and other equipment; performs basic maintenance functions and troubleshoots problems.
• Assists with welding work, part repair, and replacement.
• Breaks down equipment at end of season to include cleaning equipment, replacing filters, competing repairs and preparing equipment for summer storage; breaks down and cleans up shop; and transitions area from winter operations to summer operations.

Assists with basic park winter maintenance needs:

• Assists with trail clearing, including tree removal, and snow removal from buildings and walkways, which may require hand shoveling for long periods.
• Performs basic repairs to park facilities and assists with other construction projects as directed by supervisor.

Performs administrative duties regarding equipment use and time management:

• Completes accurately and timely, time keeping records, and other agency documents, as assigned, including, but not limited to timesheets, fuel logs, equipment maintenance logs, equipment use logs, equipment repair logs, and supply needs.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment such as large tractors, graders, bulldozer, excavator with the various attachments, snowplows, and 5-12-yard dump trucks which requires knowledge of rules of safe operation of equipment, state motor vehicle laws and heavy equipment rules and a valid driver's license and aClass A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from WA, OR, or ID must be obtained by the position start date, December 1st, 2026.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience plowing and using heavy equipment in winter and mountainous conditions.
• Ability to work independently with accountability to team and park.
• Ability to communicate with the public respectfully and effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Uniform Information: All Equipment Operators are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Equipment Operator and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Equipment Operators will receive 6 shirts, 1 baseball cap, and 1 safety vest.
Working Conditions: Work schedule is 5-days a week, 8-hour shifts. Work hours may be night shift working along in inclement weather.

Supplemental Information

About Parks: Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Diversity Policy Statement: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this position, please contact Luke Karol at [e-mail] or [phone].

For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at [e-mail] or [phone].

All applicants with a legal right to wor k in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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