Heavy Equipment Mechanic (ET3)

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a hardworking, motivated, and experienced mechanic to fill an Equipment Technician 3 vacancy located in Vancouver, WA. This position is a member of the Southwest Region (SWR) Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) organization and will be responsible for performing journey-level inspections, troubleshooting, diagnosing, servicing, and making major and minor mechanical repairs on all types of equipment used in highway maintenance. SWR TEF provides well maintained vehicles and equipment to customers who in turn may provide their services to the public in a safe, efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner. If you are a reliable, safety-minded mechanic, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!

What to Expect

This position performs work that may include traversing slopes and declines, working in confined environments, and/or performing duties low to the ground or at ground level. Exposures to hazardous conditions or materials, and chemicals and products such as gasoline, diesel, solvents, oils, lubricants, paint, and cleaners. The typical schedule is Monday-Thursday, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled call-out emergencies.

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

• Make repairs and adjustments on a variety of heavy duty diesel engines and power trains.
• Rebuild suspension systems to include springs, walking beams, torsion bars and linkages, rebuild and repair steering gears and linkages. Make steering angle adjustments.
• Inspect, diagnose, and make needed repairs to equipment such as vehicles over 15,000 GVW, mechanical equipment such as specialty trucks, power shovels, graders, backhoes, and dozers.
• Utilize digital electronic test equipment and scan tools to diagnose and repair computer controlled fuel systems (both diesel and gas).
• Design, diagnose, repair, and install hydraulic systems.
• Operate all shop equipment such as grinders, vacuum gauge, voltage and regulator tester.
• Road tests vehicles and equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on small, large, and heavy equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering.
• Make blacksmith welding repairs to equipment and components; perform major and minor metal fabrication using a variety of welding and burning equipment and techniques.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required :

• Trade & Technical Training Completion of vocational or technical training in areas such as heavy equipment repair, diesel mechanics, or industrial systems maintenance OR experience as a journey-level mechanic maintaining and repairing heavy-duty equipment, or journey-level standing as a 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.
• Mechanical Aptitude & Technical Knowledge Experience assisting journey-level mechanics or equivalent training. Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of mechanical systems, including the ability to perform preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and repair work on heavy-duty and/or industrial/commercial equipment.
• Welding & Fabrication Skills Intermediate level of proficiency in welding and fabrication techniques used in the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment, including safety practices and appropriate tool use.
• Licenses A Washington State Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with N endorsement and without airbrake restrictions, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire. This includes the competency to operate large commercial vehicles safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Safety & Compliance Awareness Proven understanding of safety protocols, equipment standards, and preventive maintenance procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and workplace safety policies.
• Problem Solving & Diagnostic Ability Skills to assess mechanical issues, identify root causes, and apply appropriate solutions using standard repair practices, tools, and documentation.
• Teamwork & Communication Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a team-oriented maintenance environment and maintain detailed maintenance records and service logs.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to safely move, place, and manipulate objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Currently possess a valid Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement without airbrake restrictions.
• Experience using Fleet Equipment Management System (FEMS) and Microsoft Office Suite programs including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience reading and understanding equipment manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in automotive or light/heavy equipment repair.
• Two (2) year degree in Automotive Technology or Diesel Technology.
• Three (3) years of experience in the automotive repair industry.
• Experience operating shop tools such as welders, drill presses, grinders, presses, hoists, air tools, and jacks.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2025.
• 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 not eligible for remote work.
• This position may be 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 their 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. NOTE: This information may 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 listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at ... . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-SWR-40618 in the subject line.