Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Salary: $25.73 - $29.30 Hourly
Location : Transfer Station - 3650 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00061
Department: Solid Waste
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Summary
Heavy Equipment Mechanic - Solid Waste

We're looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic to join our Kootenai County Solid Waste Team. The person in this position will oversee the daily operations of our mechanics shop and keep a diverse fleet of heavy equipment, vehicles, and specialized systems safe, reliable, and ready for work.

This is more than a repair job. You'll be the person others turn to when a piece of critical equipment is down, a difficult mechanical problem needs to be diagnosed, or a custom part needs to be fabricated to get equipment back in service.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity:

• Competitive Pay : $25.73 to $29.30 per hour depending on experience
• Amazing Benefits : Enjoy an exceptional , including health care for eligible employees and their dependents through our free medical clinic , offering primary care, medications, lab services, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off : Earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on your years of service. We believe in giving you time to relax and recharge!
• Secure Your Future : Benefit from a strong retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), so you can feel confident about your future.
• Career Growth : Opportunities for advancement and eligibility for public student loan forgiveness.

What You'll Do:

• Lead daily shop operations, assigning mechanical work, coordinating schedules, and helping ensure equipment is available when facilities need it.
• Diagnose, repair, maintain, and test a wide range of heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, dozers, compactors, excavators, knuckle boom cranes, backhoes, transfer trailers, semi-trucks, and passenger vehicles.
• Perform major repairs and troubleshooting involving diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, brakes, air systems, and other mechanical components.
• Use computerized diagnostic equipment, technical manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and hydraulic/pneumatic system diagrams to identify and resolve problems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and maintain accurate service histories, daily logs, parts usage, repair records, and equipment documentation.
• Coordinate with facility managers and operators to schedule repairs and minimize disruption to solid waste operations.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts, supplies, and shop materials and assist with procurement.
• Perform millwright and fabrication work, including cutting, bending, welding, torching, drilling, riveting, assembling, and modifying metal components.
• Read plans and drawings and build or modify custom parts, tools, structures, and equipment when commercially available solutions aren't practical.
• Safely work with and make safe sources of stored hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical energy.
• Diagnose and repair specialized facility systems, which may include scales, used-oil heaters, landfill gas systems, and leachate systems.
• Help train coworkers in proper equipment operation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, and safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with applicable OSHA, DOT, environmental, safety, County policy, and Idaho statutory requirements.
• Explore the full to see if this role is the right fit for you.

You'll work outdoors in all types of weather , sometimes around loud machinery, fumes, odors, hazardous materials, chemicals, and uneven or challenging terrain. The position may require lifting and carrying heavy objects, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, or working in awkward positions.

What We're Looking For:

• Associate's or Applied Associate's degree, or professional/technical certification from an accredited two-year college, technical school, or program in areas such as: Diesel Mechanics, Automotive Mechanic, Millwright or Fabrication.
• At least 3 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Able to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, plans, and diagrams.
• Able to safely operate and work around heavy equipment and machinery.
• Able to perform fabrication and welding and modify or manufacture parts and tools when needed.
• Able to maintain accurate computerized records, logs, and maintenance documentation.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, operators, facility managers, and coworkers.
• Ability to train and share knowledge with others.
• Able to work effectively with minimal supervision while maintaining a strong team-oriented approach.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Must possess or must obtain and maintain within 6 months from hire:

• Valid Class B CDL and ability to remain insurable
• Forklift Operations Certification
• Lockout/Tagout training
• Class A CDL with tanker endorsement

Must possess or must obtain and maintain within 1 year from hire:

• First Aid and CPR certification
• 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations Certification, including annual 8-hour refresher training
• Waste Screening Certification
• Traffic Flagging Certification
• Confined Space Entry Certification
• CFC Removal Certification
• Brake and Air Brake Inspection Certification

Why You'll Love Working Here:

You'll be working in Kootenai County , one of the most picturesque places in northern Idaho! Nestled among scenic mountains and over 20 pristine lakes, our county is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Located in Coeur d'Alene , you'll enjoy a low crime rate, access to stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful, friendly community-making it the ideal place to work and live.


Ready to Apply?

Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter, resume and certifications. Open Until filled!

Candidates for employment must successfully complete the County's pre-employment background and drug screening.

Questions? Reach out to our Human Resources team at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io .

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace
Kootenai County Benefits:
01


For this application we require a cover letter, certifications and a resume. Please verify that you have attached a cover letter, certifications and resume prior to submitting this application.

• Yes
• No

02


If you are a veteran, did you attach a copy of your DD214?

• Yes
• No

Required Question