Summary

This job involves serving as an expert in managing the purchase, maintenance, and lifecycle of heavy vehicles and equipment for Washington's transportation department, ensuring everything is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.

You'll research new technologies, develop contracts, advise on specs, and work with teams to handle bidding and compliance.

It's a great fit for someone with hands-on mechanical experience in heavy equipment, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of public purchasing rules who enjoys collaborating across an organization.

Key Requirements

Expertise in public procurement and contract management
Technical knowledge of fleet and heavy equipment systems, especially vehicles over 26,000 GVW
Analytical and problem-solving skills for evaluating purchasing options and feasibility
Ability to develop equipment specifications and research emerging technologies
Experience in competitive bidding processes and compliance with statutory purchasing rules
Strong communication and collaboration skills for advising stakeholders and working with agencies like DES
Hands-on capability to investigate and operate heavy equipment in field conditions

Full Job Description

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 world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT’s Headquarters Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) Division is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled individual to serve as a statewide subject matter expert supporting the acquisition, performance, and lifecycle management of vehicles, heavy equipment, parts, services, and radio communications that enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation operations across the agency.

This role will lead purchasing and contract activities, develop and advise on equipment specifications and emerging technologies, ensure compliance with legal and ethical procurement standards, and partner with agency programs and the Department of Enterprise Services to manage statewide contracts and strategic fleet initiatives.

A strong candidate will demonstrate expertise in public procurement and contract management, technical knowledge of fleet and heavy equipment systems, analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

What to Expect

Nearly every organization in WSDOT depends on services and equipment provided by the TEF Program.

TEF provides customers with reliable, well maintained vehicles and equipment; and radio communications, which meets the needs of the users so that they may accomplish their services to the public in a safe, efficient, timely and cost-effective manner.

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

Be knowledgeable of the vehicle and equipment industries including heavy vehicles greater than 26,000 GVW and research available contracts to ensure the agency is employing "best value" techniques.
Mathematically analyze the feasibility of alternate methods of obtaining vehicles and equipment.
Research, communicate and recommend innovative and new ideas regarding equipment specifications, new equipment trends, purchasing procedures and activities of other state and local governments.
Develop statewide contract specifications for TEF equipment with an emphasis on heavy equipment.
Work closely with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES), Equipment manufacturers and other WSDOT staff during competitive bidding process to answer equipment specification questions and respond to concerns of bidders and WSDOT customers.
Provide expert consultation, act as an advisor and regularly provide guidance to Program Managers and their staff regarding heavy equipment diagnostic, repairs, capabilities, specifications and emergent technology.
Ensure that all statutory requirements and purchasing rules are followed.
Conduct hands on investigation and operation of equipment issues can be required on site, in construction zones or closed road situations where the only access to TEF equipment is by WSDOT vehicle.

Qualifications

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

Technical & Mechanical Foundations

Working expertise in heavy-duty vehicle and equipment systems, including diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulic systems, powertrains, electronic control systems, steering, suspension, air, hydraulic, and ABS braking systems.
Familiarity with advanced diagnostic methodologies, electronic scan tools, and computerized testing systems used in heavy equipment maintenance and repair.
Proficient in welding, fabrication, and custom component design or modification to repair, retrofit, or improve heavy equipment and related systems.

Preventive Maintenance & Reliability Concepts

Skilled in performing complex preventive maintenance, condition assessments, and reliability-based inspections to identify issues early, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifecycle.
Awareness of methods used to identify equipment failure trends and address safety, reliability, and performance risks.

Safety & Regulatory Foundations

Command of occupational safety requirements applicable to shop, field, and equipment inspection environments.
Understanding of safe work practices related to heavy machinery, welding operations, hazardous materials, and equipment operation.

Leadership & Interpersonal Competencies

Skill in providing technical guidance and mentoring to lower-level mechanics.
Skill in conveying technical information clearly and professionally to staff, supervisors, customers, and partner agencies.
Professional conduct that supports a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

Technical Documentation & Systems

Proficiency in interpreting technical manuals, schematics, engineering drawings, and repair documentation.
Proficiency in using fleet or equipment management systems to document maintenance and repair activities.
Proficiency in using standard computer applications to support technical documentation, analysis, and communication.

Growth Mindset

Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Automotive and Diesel Systems Expertise: Demonstrated ability to inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair automotive and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable performance.
Mechanical Diagnostic and Repair Skills: Proven proficiency in performing complex diagnostic procedures, identifying mechanical and electrical issues, and conducting repairs using appropriate tools, technology, and industry-standard practices.
Technical Knowledge of Vehicle Systems: Comprehensive understanding of vehicle systems, including engines, transmissions, braking, steering, and electrical systems, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to resolve performance and safety issues.
Industry Expertise and Application: Experience applying professional automotive repair practices in a service or fleet maintenance environment, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, performance standards, and regulatory requirements.
Power Tool Operation: Proficiency in operating shop tools such as welders, drill presses, grinders, hoists, jacks, and air tools.
Purchasing Compliance and Governance: Experience in developing Invitations for Bid, Requests for Proposals, evaluating and awarding contracts for use under Washington State and WSDOT purchasing rules.
Any of the following certifications: ASE in automotive, diesel, or heavy equipment repair and/or DOT Brake.

In addition to the preferred competencies above, the following is also preferred:

A current Washington Class A Commercial Driver’s License with N endorsement and no air brake restriction.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position may require travel in and out of state, which could include overnight stays for up to five (5) consecutive nights.

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 offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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, 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05538 in the subject line.

✓ Fresh Listing

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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