MAINTENANCE MECHANIC 3

About the Department

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC 3
 WASHINGTON STATE PENITENTIARY (WSP)
 Walla Walla, Washington

 

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of a Full-Time, Permanent Maintenance Mechanic 3 for the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) located in Walla Walla, Washington.

 

**This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that may occur.**

 To be considered for this position, please attach a professional resume and a letter of interest (preferably no more than two pages) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are an ideal candidate for this position.

The Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is comprised of 3 Close Custody Units, 3 Special Housing Units, 2 Intensive Management Units, 2 Medium Units, 2 Minimum Housing Units and a Hospital. In all, WSP houses approximately 2,000 incarcerated individuals and employs approximately 1,100 staff. 

 

The Washington State Penitentiary is staffed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

 Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.
 
 The Department of Corrections (DOC), as a partner in the criminal justice system, enhances public safety, administers criminal sanctions and programs in accordance with the law and provides leadership for the future of corrections in Washington State.
 
 The Department consists of the Office of the Secretary, Prisons Division, Community Corrections Division, Administrative Services Division, Health Services Division, Communications Department and Risk Management Department. DOC is an organization that respects individuals for their unique qualities and strives to create a safe environment for individual uniqueness.

Position Duties

The Washington State Penitentiary is committed to maintain and expand incarcerated individual work training programs which develop marketable skills, instill, and promote positive work ethics, and reduce the tax burden of corrections. This position supports that objective by training and supervision of staff and incarcerated individual workers in farm agricultural production, compost production, facility food waste elimination, and recycle of internal commodities from our production shops.  Maintains security and control over incarcerated individuals working in the unit and provides skills training to incarcerated individual workers in accordance with DOC policy.

Work with supervisor to plan garden in conjunction with Food Services staff to best fill the needs of the institution.   Plant, irrigate, fertilized, cultivate, spray, and harvest up to 30 acres of garden.  Supervise and train up to 10 incarcerated individuals in farm techniques and equipment.  Design, install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems.  Maintain and care for a 6,000 sq. ft. greenhouse/nursery.   Maintain lawn, landscaping, right of ways, and security areas.

Support sustainable farming practices utilizing recommended crop rotations/fallow practices. Implement preventative maintenance schedule for equipment set by the farm supervisor. Replace motors, pumps, hoses, fluids, filters, belts, and pulleys on farm equipment as a part of general maintenance procedures. Repair irrigation issues related to the farm and facility grounds.

Perform skilled in one or more trade or craft.  Perform construction, maintenance, repair, modification of buildings, facilities, mechanical equipment, machinery, and specific apparatus.  Utilize knowledge of several related skill fields such as plumbing, welding, and carpentry.   

Duties include but not limited to:

As a Maintenance Mechanic 3, assist with DOC Composting.  Assist with maintaining all duties related to the composting center at WSP.   

• Tasks include:
• Review and implement plans, schedules, recycling and composting efforts based on facility/state needs.
• Gather feedstock materials using the Aerated Static Pile method of composting materials
• Making adjustments to mix composition and ratio of bulking agents in order to prepare an initial mix which can be composted based on recommendations from the farm supervisor
• Conduct bulk density and free air space testing of compost pile to start active composting.
• Mix and cure composting piles per DOC and EPA regulations.
• Assist with maintaining logs of composting bays for inspection by state inspectors

Actively participate, provide supervision, and training in the farming of the Washington State Penitentiary’s (WSP) 250-acre farm.

Tasks include:

• Support sustainable farming practices utilizing recommended crop rotations/fallow practices.   
• Implement preventative maintenance schedule for equipment set by the farm supervisor
• Replace motors, pumps, hoses, fluids, filters, belts, and pulleys on farm equipment as a part of general maintenance procedures.
• Repair irrigation issues related to the farm and facility grounds.
• Provide input for the development of operating forecast.
• Maintain an active pesticide/herbicide license for use throughout the facility.

Provide supervision and training in the landscaping, grounds maintenance, and greenhouse functions.

Tasks include:

• Supervise up to 10 incarcerated individuals carrying out various phases of program; give technical assistance in gardening, floriculture, tree culture, and surgery and landscaping.
• Supervise assign personnel in mowing, fertilizing, harvesting, irrigating, and maintaining lawns, gardens, shrubs, trees, and greenhouse or nursery functions.
• Formulate and submit for administrative approval annual operating plans for a very large program of grounds maintenance, gardening, greenhouse and nursery operation.
• Formulate crew work schedules to coincide with appropriate dates for ground preparation, planting, transplanting, circulating, cultivating, spraying, cutting and pruning.
• Plan and develop campus landscaping and gardening projects; monitor landscapes installations and other special projects including use of fill dirt, decorative rock walls, terraces and other arrangements.
• Maintain departmental records; write reports on grounds maintenance operations.  
• Determine cost and availability of work materials needed by readying plans and blueprints; inspect project progress
• Supervise operation of a greenhouse used in propagation and care of bedding plants, flowers, and shrubs.
• Assist in developing departmental budget, policies and procedures.

Perform Maintenance Mechanic 3 duties in other areas as assigned by the Facility Manager and Plant Manager 3s.  

Tasks include:

• Work in any of the areas that require a Maintenance Mechanic 3.  Those areas include, but are not limited to, recycle (waste management), carpentry, painting, and facility maintenance.  
• Assist other shop supervisors with their ongoing projects by working with them or supervising their crew in their absence.  

Other duties or tasks as assigned by the Facility Manager or Plant Manager 3s.

Tasks include:

• Drills, training, inmate evaluations, tool inventory, etc..
• Must use Asset Planner to document all work completed on a daily basis.  This includes creating new work orders for jobs not previously documented.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• One (1) year minimum full time experience in the farm/agricultural development and management with some composting and recycle experience. 
• Must be able to obtain forklift certification within six (6) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products or an equivalent software.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in routine and emergent situations.
• Ability to develop and promote positive and professional relationships.
• Ability to set and mange priorities.

• Two (2) or more years full time work experience in the farm/agricultural development and management with some composting experience and some recycle experience.
• Experience working within a correctional facility.
•  A valid driver’s license with a Class A CDL endorsement with double/triple trailer endorsement. (T)

Other Qualifications

Supplemental Information:

 To be considered for this position, please attach a professional resume and a letter of interest (preferably no more than two pages) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are an ideal candidate for this position.

For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov. 

Vision:  Working together for safer communities.
Mission:  Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment:  To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
  
  DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
   
   
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• Answers to supplemental questions must be verifiable with provided work history.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.   When positive tests result, further information, testing, and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

Telework Details
  This is an onsite position and not allocated for telework.
  
What We Offer: 
  As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.  Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

*The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

 
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

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