Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator, Senior

Salary: $48.87 Hourly
Location : Various - Seattle area, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00748
Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Division: Maintenance Operations
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle's streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don't just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we're tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone-no matter who they are or where they live.


Seattle is growing fast, and we're growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we're building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and proving transit connections to keep our city moving.


We're a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let's build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Equipment Operator with our Construction and Maintenance Group. Operate heavy equipment and lead responsibility in coordinating the work of crews on job sites. Under general supervision operates a variety and complete range of heavy construction and maintenance equipment and their attachments. Must exercise judgment to decide which regulations are appropriate for various situations and must apply appropriate guidelines, such as the operating procedures, to the various types of equipment used.
On this position, the individual will act as a lead capacity and train others to operate equipment. They also follow verbal and written instructions and work from standard specifications park designers and crew chiefs to discuss jobs, job requirements, and utility locations.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads and instructs truck drivers on the positioning of trucks to safely load, spread, or unload materials, and coordinates the amount of dirt or asphalt to be dumped.Operates a specialized range of asphalt and civil maintenance equipment, including:
  
  
  • Topside and Pathway Pavers of various sizes
  • Asphalt Rollers of various sizes
  • Asphalt Milling Machines / Grinders to construct and repair asphalt surfaces
  • Backhoes and Excavators of various sizes
  • Motor Graders and Front-End Loaders
  • Mechanical and Air Broom sweeper trucks
  • Chip rock spreaders to spread rock over oil-sealed asphalt streets

• Acts in a lead training capacity, mentoring and instructing other operators on the safe, proper, and mechanical operation of specialized heavy equipment.
• Follows verbal and written instructions and works from standard specifications alongside crew chiefs, assistant crew chiefs, and project layout staff to discuss equipment needs and utility locations.
• Recommends equipment improvements, preventative maintenance, and repair or replacement needs during standard equipment and facility inspections.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:
• Two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance or one year of experience with completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation that includes practical operating experience.


OR: Combination of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.


Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:
• Extensive knowledge of Asphalt Paving and two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance or one year of experience with completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation that includes practical operating experience.
• knowledge of the operation of a complete range of construction and maintenance equipment.
• knowledge of the safe mechanical operation of light, medium, and large motorized construction and maintenance equipment and medium and heavy trucks
• Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to actively manage multiple processes.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Exposed to dust, dirt, high noise levels, fumes, and exhaust.
• Requires physical exertion to operate the equipment.
• Requires standing, bending and stooping.

License, Certification and Other Requirements
• May require current Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed.
• Provide a "Full Driver Abstract Record" the State of Washington Department of Licensing. (It will be required at the interview stage at the applicant's expense).
Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1.Completed NEOGOV online application.
2.Supplemental questionnaire responses.


Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


The full salary range for this position is $48.87 - $48.87 per hour.


The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.


More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:


Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01


Do you understand that your application will not be reviewed if you are missing a completed online application?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you understand that a copy of your current Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed (both sides) will be required for the working test?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you understand that If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you will be asked to obtain a full Driving Abstract for the last five (5) year's period, required prior to hire date (at the applicant's expense)?

• Yes
• No

04


Please describe your Asphalt Paving experience including operation of paving or milling machines, asphalt rollers, and surface maintenance procedures
Required Question