Klickitat Equipment Operator Lead

Klickitat Equipment Operator Lead

Employer: State of Washington

Recruitment #:

Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent (Represented position WPEA)

Location: Southeast Region – Glenwood, WA

Salary: $4,865.00 – $5,643.00 Monthly

Final date to receive applications: Review of applications ongoing; position may close after 12/11/25.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region Engineering workgroup seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator Lead to maintain the region’s road infrastructure, improve recreation sites, support timber sale implementation, and assist Southeast Region programs. The lead will plan and execute maintenance and construction projects, manage a crew, perform equipment maintenance, and support wildfire suppression activities.

• Maintain road infrastructure using heavy equipment (dozer, grader, dump truck, tilt trailer, excavator) across the Klickitat area.
• Lead the Klickitat Heavy Equipment Crew: plan, schedule, and assign work; prioritize and increase efficiency.
• Instruct and mentor Heavy Equipment Operator 2 position.
• Perform preventive maintenance with region mechanics; arrange equipment rentals.
• Complete all required paperwork related to crew activities.
• Assist other programs: timber sale road maintenance, snow plowing, recreation site maintenance, emergency road repairs, and special projects requiring heavy equipment.
• Provide initial attack support for fire control.
• Operate heavy equipment for road maintenance and other construction activities.
• Lead equipment scheduling, project management, administrative paperwork, and purchasing of minor supplies.
• Assist in arranging service, lubrication, minor adjustments, and repairs on equipment.

• Experience operating a pickup‑sized vehicle in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Experience safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment, including CAT 143H grader, CAT 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 hand tools (welder, cutting torch, etc.).
• Experience performing minor maintenance, troubleshooting, and identifying needed repairs on heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of state motor vehicle laws for heavy equipment operation.
• Knowledge of Washington State Forest Practice standards, RMAP procedures, and department policies.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
• Adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and public record requirements.
• Core Competencies:
  
  Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence.

• Five years of operating and maintaining equipment over five tons on forest road construction/maintenance projects.
• Five years of operating bulldozers and dump trucks with tilt bed trailers on wildland fires.
• Familiarity with GPS usage, maps, and aerial photos.

• Duty station:
  Klickitat Work Center, Glenwood, WA. 15% office, 85% fieldwork; primarily in Klickitat District with possible assignments outside the district.
• Occasional travel (5%) outside the district.
• A valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience; must not be suspended or restricted. Driving is an essential function; a driving record will be requested.
• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license with a CDL endorsement A with air brakes. Pre‑employment CDL verification, background check, and drug testing are required.

• Apply online:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). (APPLY).
• Letter of interest describing your qualifications relevant to the position.
• Resume detailing experience.
• Optional references (provided if finalist).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Do not attach documents with photos or private information such as Social Security number.

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 disabilities, veterans, and other protected classes are encouraged to apply.

Questions:
Tara Baker, Tara.baker.gov (509‑637‑3605). Application inquiries: DNRrecruiting.gov.