Heavy Equipment Operator - Maintenance Mechanic 3 - Permanent - Two Openings - 2026-06474

About the Department

Title- Heavy Equipment Operator

Classification- Maintenance Mechanic 3

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Lacey Construction Shop
Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until September 3, 2026. First review of applications will take place August 19, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Please Note- This position requires a valid, current Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the time of application.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Estuary Restoration Construction – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join our team at the Capital and Asset Management Program, where we provide essential engineering, construction, and maintenance services to support the agency’s facilities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

With your expertise in operating heavy machinery, you will skillfully maneuver machinery around sensitive utilities and structures while providing support to projects.

In this dynamic position, your work on various projects and enhancements, from maintaining gravel roads to wetland restoration, will benefit wildlife, fisheries, and the public.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Heavy Equipment Operator will,

Operate Heavy Equipment:

• Expertly operate construction and earth moving equipment, such as but not limited to: Excavators of various sizes; Track loaders more than 70 net flywheel horsepower; Wheel loaders more than 80 net flywheel horsepower; Crawler tractors having 80 or more net flywheel horsepower; Motorized graders; Compacting rollers; Rubber tired loader/backhoe combination 51 or more net flywheel horsepower.
• Provide subject matter expertise in the recommendations of material and equipment staging, utility location, etc.
• Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.
• Perform all safety inspections on equipment to ensure safe operational order.

Grade Engineering:

• Proficiently operate GPS technology and rotating laser levels to shoot grades and establish various elevations of a jobsite, correcting or maintaining grade/elevations.
• Set grade stakes and paint marks to guide earth moving equipment operators in sloping roadway and fill embankments, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
• Read grading plans and cut and fill stakes.
• Read and understand blueprints, sketches, building plans, and drawings.

Truck Driving:

• Operate vehicles rated at 80,000 Gross Combined Weight (GCW) or more, including semi-tractor/trailer equipment.
• Operate truck with lowboy trailer.
• Operate 12-yard dump truck to spread aggregate on road base.
• Direct or participate in loading and unloading equipment, material, or supplies.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection of vehicles and trailers to ensure safe operational order and report maintenance or repair issues.

Perform Skilled Trades such as Plumbing, Equipment Repair/Fabrication, and Carpentry:

• Install, maintain, and repair culverts and catch basins.
• Inspect water mains, fixtures, and valves to determine need for maintenance and repair.
• Diagnose and repair problems in the field with vehicles and equipment.
• Demolish or alter buildings, sheds, concrete forms, and other structures from plans, sketches, or instructions.
• Ensure the site is ready for installation by removing old signage and preparing the surface for mounting, construction, and installation of new signage.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Duties are performed at construction sites at the Hatcheries and Wildlife Areas, and occasionally in an office setting. Hazards include working on rough terrain, riverbanks, slippery slopes, in confined and difficult to reach spaces, and all types of weather conditions.

Bend, stoop, squat, twist, push, pull, and occasionally lift 50 pounds repetitively when loading/unloading trucks or moving materials around a project site. Operate motor vehicles in hazardous weather conditions, such as snow and ice while on mountain passes, highways, and paved/unpaved roads.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday-Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Travel required 80-90% depending on season.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand tools, power tools (such as drills, roto hammers, cut off saws, circular saws, hydraulic punch, metal band saws, welders, cutting torch, chainsaws, and/or powered motors), automotive equipment (such as pickup trucks, dump trucks, and trailers), and heavy equipment (such as dozers, backhoes, excavators, and compactors).

Customer Interactions: Frequently interact with Federal, Local, Inter-Agency, and Intra-Agency customers and vendors.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience performing heavy equipment operation, construction, maintenance, repair, and transportation activities on commercial, industrial, utility, transportation, natural resource, or public works projects.

Option 2:

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in heavy equipment operation, construction, plumbing, diesel mechanics, or a related trade

  AND

Three (3) years of journey-level experience performing construction, maintenance, repair, and heavy equipment operations.

Option 3:

Two (2) years of experience as a Maintenance Mechanic 2.

For each option above, the following is also required:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

Experience:

• Operating heavy construction and earthmoving equipment, such as excavators, loaders, crawler tractors, graders, rollers, backhoes, and similar equipment.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, grading plans, construction drawings, permits, and specifications.
• Establishing grades and elevations using GPS grade control systems, laser levels, survey equipment, and related technology.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A valid, current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for this position. Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be required to provide proof of their Class A CDL.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Tanker Endorsement.
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) Certification.
• Experience with:
  • Vehicle and equipment inspection requirements. 
  • Utility locating procedures and excavation safety requirements. 
  • OSHA regulations related to construction and earthwork activities. 
  • Plumbing and concrete work practices. 
  • Safe work practices regarding construction sites and heavy equipment operations. 

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Other Qualifications

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WFSE:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected]. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-06474.

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Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov