Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator, Senior

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Equipment Operator with our Construction and Maintenance Group. Operate heavy equipment and lead responsibility in coordinating the work of crews on job sites. Under general supervision, the operator manages a variety of heavy construction and maintenance equipment and their attachments, exercising judgment to apply appropriate guidelines and operating procedures.

• Lead and instruct truck drivers on positioning trucks to safely load, spread, or unload materials and coordinate the amount of dirt or asphalt to be dumped.
• Operate specialized asphalt and civil maintenance equipment, including:
• Topside and Pathway pavers of various sizes
• Asphalt rollers of various sizes
• Asphalt milling machines / grinders
• Backhoes and excavators of various sizes
• Motor graders and front‑end loaders
• Mechanical and air broom sweepers
• Chip rock spreaders
• Serve in a lead training capacity, mentoring and instructing other operators on safe, proper, and mechanical operation of specialized equipment.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and work from standard specifications alongside crew chiefs, assistant crew chiefs, and project layout staff to discuss equipment needs and utility locations.
• Recommend equipment improvements, preventative maintenance, and repair or replacement needs during standard equipment and facility inspections.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance, or one year of experience with completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation that includes practical operating experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of asphalt paving and at least two years of heavy equipment operation and maintenance, or one year of experience with a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation.
• Knowledge of operating a complete range of construction and maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of safe mechanical operation of light, medium, and large motorized construction and maintenance equipment and medium and heavy trucks.
• Attention to detail, excellent organization, and the ability to manage multiple processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

• Work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Exposed to dust, dirt, high noise levels, fumes, and exhaust.
• Requires physical exertion to operate equipment; standing, bending, and stooping.

• Current Washington State Commercial Class A driver’s license with the Air Brake restriction removed.
• Provide a full driver abstract record from the State of Washington Department of Licensing (at interview stage).

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle encourages applicants of all backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request. The City is a Drug‑Free Workplace.