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!

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.

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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06474.

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