Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Natural Resources

Vancouver, WA, USA

Posted on Aug 27, 2026

Description

About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking 2 Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2's to help keep the vehicles and equipment essential to highway operations safe, reliable, and ready for use. In this role, you will play a vital part in maintaining the equipment WSDOT crews depend on to keep roadways safe and accessible for the traveling public. Your work will directly support safe and efficient transportation operations across the state. Join WSDOT and contribute your skills to a team committed to safety, service, and maintaining a transportation system that supports Washington communities and economic vitality.

Under general supervision in the SWR/Vancouver shop, this position provides journey-level mechanic service by independently performing inspection, diagnosis, repair and preventative maintenance on agency light/medium- and heavy-duty (greater than 26,000 GVWR) vehicles and equipment to meet operational needs.

What to Expect
Core business hours are from 6:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Thursday of Tuesday through Friday. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies. Must be able to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call. Work alternate and emergency shifts, including night work as needed. May be called upon to respond to emergency situations any time of the day or at night, after shift and on weekends. Occasional standby and call-back may be required

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you will:

  • Maintain and repair diesel, gasoline, electric, and alternative-fuel motors and engines, including diagnostics, adjustments, removal, and installation.
  • Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot manual, computer-controlled, automated, and automatic transmissions, gear boxes, differentials, angle boxes, reduction boxes, transfer cases, torque converters, and hydrostatic drives.
  • Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot hydraulic and control systems, including hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, hydrostatic drives, and related components.
  • Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot braking systems and related components, including air, mechanical, hydraulic, ABS, pilot-operated, power-assist, traction control, and stability systems.
  • Diagnose and repair light and heavy equipment components and systems, including steering, cooling, HVAC, ventilation, powertrain, tires and wheels, electrical/electronic systems, CANBUS, and other specialized components.
  • Perform diagnostic and repair work on snow and ice removal, highway, construction, marine, material handling, paving, asphalt, excavating, catch basin cleaning, mobile traffic control equipment and maintain refueling sites.
  • Troubleshoot, repair, fabricate, weld, and install equipment and components, including safety lighting, hydraulic systems, hitches, reinforced bumpers, brackets, guards, snowplows, snow blowers, graders, excavators, sweepers, and other highway and construction equipment; protects equipment from corrosion and cleans equipment as needed.
  • Use the M-5 Fleet Management System to create and adjust work orders, enter labor, charge parts, and review vehicle and equipment history records using a personal computer.

Qualifications
To be considered the following is required:

  • Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance: Demonstrated experience independently performing preventive maintenance, mechanical repairs and fabrication on heavy equipment and/or vehicles over 26,000 GVW as well as light- or medium-duty vehicles; must be able to test drive or operate vehicles and equipment for diagnostic purposes and ensure operational status. Working knowledge of diesel, gasoline, electric, and alternative fuel engines, including principles of mechanical operation, diagnostics, and repair.
  • Shop Operations and Tools: Skilled in operating and maintaining a variety of automotive mechanic tools and shop equipment including welders, grinders, hoists, air tools, saws, forklifts, hand tools, jacks, etc. Safety Awareness and Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Must be able to participate in the creation and implementation of safety plans and safety training.
  • Technical and Administrative Proficiency: Experience using electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, vehicle and equipment history, plus fleet and inventory management. Knowledge of researching and ordering parts, creating work orders, charging accounts for parts and labor. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.
  • Licensing and Certification: Possession of a valid driver’s license and attainment of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement, within twelve (12) months of hire.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently. Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Successful completion of vocational or technical training in heavy equipment and/or industrial/commercial equipment repair, including welding or journey-level standing as heavy equipment and/or industrial/commercial mechanic as demonstrated by completion of a recognized apprenticeship or by journey-level standing as recognized by a labor union.
  • ASE Certifications in Automotive and/or Heavy-duty equipment.
  • DOT Brake Certification
  • Knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, including CAN bus and multiplex systems, with the ability to diagnose and repair faults.
  • Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment such as graders, plows, loaders, excavators commonly used in highways, construction, or logging.

Important Notes

  • Typical schedule is 6:30.AM - 5:00 PM, Monday- Thursday or Tuesday- Friday, possibly varying shifts seasonally.
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

  • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference HEM2-41604m in the subject line.