Heavy Equipment Mechanic (ET3) | Bellingham

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is eager to hire an experienced mechanic interested in utilizing their skills to work on a variety of motor vehicles and highway maintenance equipment for our equipment shop located in Bellingham, WA. We are looking for a skilled mechanic to perform preventative maintenance, inspection, and other services on all inventoried equipment including passenger vehicles, dump trucks, heavy equipment, and a variety of highway maintenance equipment. This position is critical in ensuring that equipment is ready to roll to keep our highways free of hazards and open to the traveling public year-round. If you are a reliable, safety-minded mechanic, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!

What to Expect

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

• Repair, overhaul and maintain heavy equipment and all other types of equipment used in maintenance and construction of roadways. In some cases, design equipment.
• Use working knowledge of hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, hydrostatic drives, etc. and determine necessary hydraulic components.
• Move in, on, and around equipment for the purposes of servicing, repair, and testing. 
• Access a vehicle from above, in front of, and below. 
• Twist torso to access tight, small, or awkward locations in vehicles and equipment. 
• Use ergonomic risk reduction techniques to relocate objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Operate shop equipment such as: welders, drill press, grinder, press, hoist, air tools, forklifts, saws, computerized diagnostic equipment, hand tools, and jacks for the purpose of repairing equipment, designing, and fabricating one-of-a-kind specialty parts, tools or accessories. 
• Work with tools and parts in hand(s) with arms outstretched in front of body, above shoulder level, below waist level, and while laying on back. 

• Communicate in writing and verbally for the purpose of leading, instructing, scheduling, and disseminating information concerning the shop’s operation.
• Trouble shoot and repair all electrical systems, automotive and specialized.
• Fabricates, weld and install additional equipment

Qualifications

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

• Three (3) years of experience in the performance of preventative maintenance and repairs assisting a journey-level mechanic.

OR 

• Journey-level standing as a heavy equipment mechanic, demonstrated by completion of a recognized apprenticeship

OR 

• Journey-level standing as recognized by a labor union

OR 

• One (1) year of experience as a journey-level mechanic maintaining and repairing heavy-duty equipment.

In addition to:  

• High School Diploma
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with “N” and Air Brake endorsements, no automatic transmission restriction, and DOT Medical Certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Computer skills with the ability to operate Microsoft Office Suite and the M5 Fleet Equipment Management System.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in the written form.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Experience operating computerized diagnostic testing equipment, welders, drill presses, hoists, air tools, and jacks.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• An additional 20% legislative approved assignment pay is included in the salary listed.
• 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 357-28of 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 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 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. 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 listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Heavy Equipment Mechanic #11260 in the subject line. 

Salary : $73,684 - $85,377