Lead Mechanic; HEM

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3 to join the Olympia Region (OR) Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) team within the new equipment shop. This role will be overseeing the outfitting and fabrication of various new equipment, as well as managing statewide Road Warriors and Incident Response vehicle programs. Under the supervision of the Equipment Technician Supervisor, this position is responsible for performing a full range of journey‑level maintenance and repair activities, diagnostic procedures, and fabrication activities on all types of equipment utilized by the department to include heavy (greater than 26,000 GVW) and construction (on‑ and off‑road) vehicles and equipment within the Olympic Region’s area of responsibility.

The Preventative Maintenance (PM) and repair functions are the most critical maintenance requirements of this position. This position contributes to the agency’s strategic plan by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long‑term resilience. This position is expected to contribute to a workplace that fosters a culture of respect, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

This position requires the ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Mechanic will:

• Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the daily performance of assigned work including vehicles over 15,000 GVW.
• Plan, schedule, and direct operations, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Coordinate equipment compliance, preparation, repair, and disposal with fellow Equipment Technician Leads and Supervisor; ensure quality and expertise in light and heavy‑duty equipment repair operations.
• Perform Preventative Maintenance (PM), inspections, diagnoses, and major and minor mechanical repairs; perform PM on a wide variety of WSDOT equipment and vehicles.
• Perform welding fabrication work; fabricate brackets, attachments, and specialized equipment attachments.
• Operate computer to maintain a fleet equipment management system for work orders.

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

• Advanced Heavy Equipment Diagnostics & Repair: Demonstrated ability to lead others in diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling a wide range of heavy‑duty equipment systems, including diesel and gas engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, electronic fuel systems, steering and suspension, and braking systems (air, hydraulic, and ABS). Proficient in the use of electronic diagnostic tools and scan equipment to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues.
• Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability: Experience performing preventive maintenance on small, large, and heavy equipment used in highway maintenance and engineering. Skilled in identifying and correcting safety issues to minimize downtime, extend service life, and ensure equipment availability for field operations.
• Safety Awareness & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of occupational safety requirements and commitment to safe work practices in shop and field environments. Experience applying safety standards when working with heavy machinery, welding equipment, and hazardous materials. Ability to implement and participate in safety programs, training, and Pre‑Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Teamwork & Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor…