Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3 | Colfax & Spokane

State of Washington•Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking two Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic's to support the safe, reliable operation of the vehicles and equipment essential to delivering transportation services across Eastern Washington. One position is in Colfax and one is in Spokane. In these roles, you will help ensure critical maintenance and operations equipment remain safe, dependable, and ready to support highway maintenance, emergency response, and other essential agency activities. As a lead, you will provide technical guidance and direction to fellow mechanics while helping maintain high standards for quality, safety, and efficient shop operations. These positions work in a hands-on shop environment and may be exposed to hazardous conditions, materials, machinery, and roadway or field activities. Work requires manual labor, including maneuvering materials up to 50 pounds, operating shop and diagnostic equipment, and safely moving throughout work areas. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with emergency call-outs, standby, nights, weekends, holidays, and all-weather response as needed, including the ability to report within 60 minutes after an after-hours call. Occasional regional and statewide travel may be required for service calls, meetings, or temporary assignments.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic systems.
Ability to evaluate complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
Ability to organize, prioritize, assign, and monitor repair activities to support efficient shop operations and meet changing operational demands.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical and operational information clearly.
Ability to prioritize, schedule, and coordinate work across multiple locations and competing demands.
Knowledge of workplace safety practices, hazardous material handling requirements, and the ability to promote compliance with applicable safety policies and procedures.
Experience in using fleet management systems (e.g., M5), diagnostic tools, and reporting software.
Three years of experience performing preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnosis, and repair of automotive or heavy equipment systems while assisting or working under the direction of a journey-level mechanic.
Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with “N” and Air Brake endorsements, no automatic transmission restriction and DOT Medical Certification OR obtain within 12 months of hire date.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications in automotive, light, or heavy equipment repair.
DOT Brake Certification.
Demonstrated ability to inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair automotive and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable performance.
Proven proficiency in performing complex diagnostic procedures, identifying mechanical and electrical issues, and conducting repairs using appropriate tools, technology, and industry-standard practices.
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.
Experience applying professional automotive repair practices in a service or fleet maintenance environment, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, performance standards, and regulatory requirements.
Proficiency in operating shop tools such as welders, drill presses, grinders, hoists, jacks, and air tools.

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and assign repair work and shop operations based on mechanic workload and shifting Maintenance and Operations priorities; provide technical direction and conduct final inspections of completed repairs.
Receive and inspect equipment entering the shop; consult with operators and review maintenance histories, orders, and preventive maintenance records to determine repair needs and scope.
Inspect, diagnose, repair, and road-test a wide variety of vehicles and heavy equipment, including complex gas and diesel engines, transmissions, braking, hydraulic, electrical, exhaust, axle, and differential systems.
Use advanced digital diagnostic and scanning tools, specialized field service equipment, machinist skills, and welding fabrication to perform repairs and emergency equipment fixes in shop and field environments.
Service and maintain specialized highway equipment, including dump trucks, snow and ice equipment, distributors, mowers, sweepers, backhoes, graders, loaders, man lifts, road-flusher trucks, VMS signs, and liquid-application equipment.
Oversee the shop’s Preventive Maintenance program, assist with equipment operator training, provide input on employee performance and training needs, and coordinate warranty work with contract vendors.
Request, procure, inventory, and account for repair parts, equipment, goods, and services in accordance with WSDOT purchasing policies; ensure proper invoice processing and storage and disposal of waste and hazardous materials.
Utilize the M5 Fleet Management System to manage shop workflows, service orders, repair estimates, parts, maintenance schedules, and performance data; audit and close service orders for accuracy and remain available for 24/7 emergency callbacks.