Klickitat Equipment Operator ; EO

Klickitat Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)

Recruitment #2026-2-3299

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location: Southeast Region - Glenwood, WA

Work Hours: flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,517.00 - $5,241.00 Monthly (plus 10% assignment pay on higher level equipment)

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 02/18/2026.

About the role:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region Engineering workgroup is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator 2 to contribute to maintenance of forest roads, recreation sites, timber sale implementation, and other SE Region programs. The role involves operating heavy equipment in challenging terrain and supporting wildfire suppression activities.

• Road maintenance operations, operating heavy equipment for road maintenance activities.
• Equipment maintenance including arranging service, lubrication, minor adjustments, and repairs.

• Ability to operate a pickup-sized vehicle in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment such as John Deere 772 grader, D-5 dozer, excavator, vibratory roller, 10 cubic yard tandem axle diesel dump truck, 20-ton tilt bed trailer, backhoe with front end loader, 40-foot boom truck, power brush cutter, and various hand tools needed for maintenance (welder, cutting torch, etc.).
• Ability to perform routine heavy equipment maintenance with troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of state motor vehicle laws including heavy equipment transport laws.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform duties consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements.
• DNR Core Competencies
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Duty station:
  Klickitat Work Center in Glenwood, WA. 5% office, 95% field. May travel outside district up to 5% of time.
• Valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience, no suspended or restricted license.
• Pre-employment CDL verification, background check, and drug testing required.

• Two years experience operating & maintaining >5 ton equipment on forest road construction and maintenance.
• One year experience operating bulldozers and dump trucks with tilt bed trailers on wildland fires.
• Knowledge of Washington State Forest Practice standards and state rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with GPS, maps, and aerial photos.

• Apply online eers.wa.gov.
• Letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
• Resume.
• References are optional at time of application. Finalists may be asked for 3 professional references.
• Do not attach documents with photos or personal info.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates may be contacted via email at  for interview information.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, veterans, military spouses, and people over 40 are encouraged to apply.

Contact:
Tara Baker, DNRrecruiting.gov, .