Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 - TEF

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 in our Southwest Region. The WSDOT Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) provides well maintained vehicles and equipment to WSDOT divisions and organizations to utilize in accomplishing agency services, projects, maintenance, and other tasks. This position serves as the supervisory lead responsible for planning, directing, and managing heavy equipment maintenance operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective repair and maintenance services for heavy equipment exceeding 26,000 GVWR. The HEM4 Supervisor oversees a team of Heavy Equipment Mechanics (HEM1–HEM3), ensures maintenance quality and safety compliance, supports statewide maintenance readiness, and promotes efficient use of resources to support WSDOT operations in Southwest Region outside shops.

Typical schedule hours are from 6:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday 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 as situations dictate. Respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions; 24 hours a day 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team as needed. Work long hours, including nights. Occasional standby and call-back may be required.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 will:

• Supervise, assign, and evaluate the work of Heavy Equipment Mechanics (HEM1–HEM3).
• Independently plan, prioritize, and coordinate maintenance, repair, fabrication, and outfitting operations.
• Conduct performance evaluations, initiate corrective actions, and recommend staffing and training needs.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with WSDOT policies, state and federal regulations, and safety standards. Monitor workload, staffing, equipment downtime, and operational delays.
• Maintain and review maintenance documentation, repair records, estimates, and schedules; ensure accuracy and compliance with agency and OFM requirements.
• Lead and enforce employee safety practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for supervisory staff.

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

• Teamwork & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to serve as a supervisor/lead mechanic and subject matter expert, providing technical direction, mentoring, and on-the-job training to lower-level mechanics (HEM1–HEM3). Proven experience assigning, prioritizing, reviewing, and ensuring quality of work performed by others. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a respectful, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in shop or field settings and to coordinate effectively with supervisors, staff, vendors, and other agencies.
• Advanced Heavy Equipment Diagnostics & Repair: Expert-level ability to independently diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and modify a wide range of complex highway equipment and vehicle systems. Extensive experience with heavy-duty diesel and gas engines, power trains, drivetrains, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electronic fuel management systems, steering and suspension systems, and braking systems including air, hydraulic, and anti-lock brake systems (ABS). Proficient in advanced use of electronic diagnostic software, scan tools, and test equipment to resolve highly complex mechanical, electrical, and electronic system failures.
• Preventative Maintenance Program Leadership & Equipment Reliability: Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate preventative maintenance (PM) programs for small, large, and heavy equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering operations. Skilled in identifying systemic issues, evaluating equipment condition and performance trends, correcting safety deficiencies, and recommending repairs or modifications to reduce downtime, extend service life, and ensure fleet readiness.
• Welding, Fabrication & Specialized Systems: Advanced proficiency in welding, metal fabrication, and blacksmith repair techniques. Demonstrated ability to design, fabricate, install, and modify specialized components, attachments, and integrated control systems, including electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems. Experience leading fabrication projects that support complex, customized, or mission-critical equipment used in highway maintenance operations.
• Safety Leadership & Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge of occupational safety standards and regulatory requirements applicable to heavy equipment repair, welding, fabrication, and hazardous materials handling. Proven ability to lead safety efforts, including development, implementation, and oversight of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP). Demonstrated commitment to promoting safe work practices, ensuring compliance, and mentoring staff on safety procedures in shop and field environments.
• Technical, Administrative & Systems Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Fleet Equipment Management System (FEMS) and standard computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook). Ability to interpret and apply complex technical manuals, engineering specifications, schematics, and blueprints. Skilled in maintaining, reviewing, and validating accurate repair records, maintenance documentation, estimates, and reports to support operational, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Licensing & Certification: Possession of a Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement and without air brake restrictions (or ability to obtain within six months of hire). 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.

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required:

• Currently possess a valid Washington Class A CDL with N endorsement and no airbrake restrictions.
• DOT Brake Certification.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Automotive and Diesel Systems Expertise: Demonstrated expert-level ability to lead and perform advanced inspection, diagnosis, overhaul, modification, and repair of complex automotive and diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment. Experience serving as a technical resource to others to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable equipment performance.

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. This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity. 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.

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.

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