Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Purdy, WA)

Waste Connections

41d•$38 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Heavy Diesel Mechanic to join our maintenance team supporting our Recycling, Composting, and Disposal facility in the Gig Harbor area. This is a hands‑on, physically demanding, safety‑critical role supporting a fleet of heavy yellow iron and specialized waste‑handling equipment operating in rugged conditions. This position requires strong mechanical expertise, problem‑solving ability, and a commitment to working safely around large mobile machinery, high‑pressure systems, and challenging weather and terrain. This is a Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. schedule, but applicants must be open to working occasional Saturdays as needed. Candidates must have at least 3 years of shop experience and must provide their own tools suitable for heavy equipment maintenance. Pay: $38.00–$40.00 per hour (DOE) What You’ll Do Perform advanced mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine diagnostics and repairs on a broad range of heavy equipment (loaders, dozers, excavators, compactors, haul trucks, and site‑specific machinery). Complete scheduled and unscheduled preventive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and safe operation. Conduct safety inspections, equipment walk‑arounds, and compliance checks to identify hazards before equipment is released to operators. Respond to urgent repairs that may require troubleshooting in difficult outdoor conditions such as mud, dust, rain, noise, and vibration. Review and resolve issues noted on Operator Vehicle Inspection Reports. Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA‑compliant work area while managing tools, parts, and equipment safely. Perform all work using proper safety protocols, including lockout/tagout and safe lifting procedures. Communicate clearly with supervisors and equipment operators regarding needed repairs, timelines, and safety concerns. What You Bring Minimum of 3 years working in a shop environment performing heavy equipment or heavy diesel repairs. Valid driver's license with a clear driving record Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, diesel engines, electrical diagnostics, and yellow iron equipment. Ability to lift 75 lbs, climb on and off large machinery, and safely perform repairs on uneven terrain or in tight spaces. Must provide a comprehensive set of personal tools appropriate for heavy equipment work. Ability to read and understand service manuals, schematics, and technical documentation. ASE certifications or welding experience preferred, but not required. Self‑motivated, able to work independently, and capable of managing time efficiently. High School Diploma or GED required. SAFETY SENSITIVE - YES Our Core Values We are a different breed—and we expect every team member to uphold the values that set us apart: Safety We prioritize the complete safety of our employees, customers, and the public. Every task, repair, and decision centers on preventing accidents and injuries. Safety comes before speed, convenience, or shortcuts—every time. Integrity We believe in saying what you will do and then doing it. Our mechanics uphold commitments, follow through on repairs, and do the right thing—even when no one is watching. Customer Service Whether supporting equipment operators, supervisors, or internal teams, we provide service with respect, urgency, and professionalism. Equipment reliability directly impacts the people we serve. To Be a Great Place to Work We foster a growth‑oriented culture where employees can maximize their potential. We value teamwork, pride in craftsmanship, and a “work hard, play harder” mindset. To Be the Premier Waste Services Company in the US and Canada We grow responsibly, protect the environment, and invest in our people and communities. Our mechanics play a critical role in keeping our operations running safely and efficiently—allowing us to remain the industry leader. We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future". A link to our benefits overview can be found here: https://careers.wasteconnections.com/why-waste-connections Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status. #ACMaintenance Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets. Our goal is to create an environment where self-directed, empowered employees strive to consistently fulfill our constituent commitments and seek to create positive impacts through interactions with customers, communities, and fellow employees. OUR PEOPLE MEAN EVERYTHING TO US Waste Connections is always working to protect the health of the communities we serve, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication that you bring to your job every day. Working here means you are a safety-minded individual who is making important contributions on a daily basis that will make a positive impact on those around you. We appreciate that you are a person of integrity who takes pride in the work you do. Our Opportunities BUILD TALENT FROM WITHIN People who want to gain valuable professional experience will find that Waste Connections is a fantastic place to work. You’ll enjoy the opportunity for beneficial training and professional development opportunities that can help enhance your skills and lead the way to a more promising future. LET’S REALIZE YOUR GOALS TOGETHER Bring your passion to succeed and you’ll quickly discover that great opportunities are all around you. At Waste Connections, you’ll thrive if you are friendly, dedicated, and prefer a work hard/play hard culture that is focused on maintaining our reputation as the premier waste services company in the markets we serve. Bring your passion to succeed and you’ll quickly discover that great opportunities and people are all around you. We operate a highly decentralized structure, so we look for energetic individuals who can demonstrate individual initiative and creativity and prefer a work hard/play hard team environment and culture. At Waste Connections, diversity and inclusion are essential to our success. We hire and empower great, capable people from a wide variety of backgrounds and lead with our values. For more than 20 years, we have maintained a culture of safety, integrity and service to build a great place to work. Our culture is built on taking care of each other and the communities we serve.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years working in a shop environment performing heavy equipment or heavy diesel repairs.
Valid driver's license with a clear driving record
Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, diesel engines, electrical diagnostics, and yellow iron equipment.
Ability to lift 75 lbs, climb on and off large machinery, and safely perform repairs on uneven terrain or in tight spaces.
Must provide a comprehensive set of personal tools appropriate for heavy equipment work.
Ability to read and understand service manuals, schematics, and technical documentation.
Self‑motivated, able to work independently, and capable of managing time efficiently.
High School Diploma or GED required.

Nice To Haves

ASE certifications or welding experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine diagnostics and repairs on a broad range of heavy equipment (loaders, dozers, excavators, compactors, haul trucks, and site‑specific machinery).
Complete scheduled and unscheduled preventive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and safe operation.
Conduct safety inspections, equipment walk‑arounds, and compliance checks to identify hazards before equipment is released to operators.
Respond to urgent repairs that may require troubleshooting in difficult outdoor conditions such as mud, dust, rain, noise, and vibration.
Review and resolve issues noted on Operator Vehicle Inspection Reports.
Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA‑compliant work area while managing tools, parts, and equipment safely.
Perform all work using proper safety protocols, including lockout/tagout and safe lifting procedures.
Communicate clearly with supervisors and equipment operators regarding needed repairs, timelines, and safety concerns.