Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Overview

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. 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 s Headquarters Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF) Division is seeking a statewide subject matter expert to support the acquisition, performance, and lifecycle management of vehicles, heavy equipment, parts, services, and radio communications that enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation operations across the agency. This role will lead purchasing and contract activities, develop and advise on equipment specifications and emerging technologies, ensure compliance with legal and ethical procurement standards, and partner with agency programs and the Department of Enterprise Services to manage statewide contracts and strategic fleet initiatives.

A strong candidate will demonstrate expertise in public procurement and contract management, technical knowledge of fleet and heavy equipment systems, analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Nearly every organization in WSDOT depends on services and equipment provided by the TEF Program. TEF provides customers with reliable, well maintained vehicles and equipment; and radio communications, which meets the needs of the users so that they may accomplish their services to the public in a safe, efficient, timely and cost-effective manner.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4 will:

• Be knowledgeable of the vehicle and equipment industries including heavy vehicles greater than 26,000 GVW and research available contracts to ensure the agency is employing best value techniques.
• Mathematically analyze the feasibility of alternate methods of obtaining vehicles and equipment.
• Research, communicate and recommend innovative and new ideas regarding equipment specifications, new equipment trends, purchasing procedures and activities of other state and local governments.
• Develop statewide contract specifications for TEF equipment with an emphasis on heavy equipment.
• Work closely with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES), Equipment manufacturers and other WSDOT staff during competitive bidding process to answer equipment specification questions and respond to concerns of bidders and WSDOT customers.
• Provide expert consultation, act as an advisor and regularly provide guidance to Program Managers and their staff regarding heavy equipment diagnostic, repairs, capabilities, specifications and emergent technology.
• Ensure that all statutory requirements and purchasing rules are followed.
• Conduct hands on investigation and operation of equipment issues can be required on site, in construction zones or closed road situations where the only access to TEF equipment is by WSDOT vehicle.

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

• Working expertise in heavy-duty vehicle and equipment systems, including diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulic systems, powertrains, electronic control systems, steering, suspension, air, hydraulic, and ABS braking systems.
• Familiarity with advanced diagnostic methodologies, electronic scan tools, and computerized testing systems used in heavy equipment maintenance and repair.
• Proficient in welding, fabrication, and custom component design or modification to repair, retrofit, or improve heavy equipment and related systems.

• Skilled in performing complex preventive maintenance, condition assessments, and reliability-based inspections to identify issues early, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifecycle.
• Awareness of methods used to identify equipment failure trends and address safety, reliability, and performance risks.

• Command of occupational safety requirements applicable to shop, field, and equipment inspection environments.
• Understanding of safe work practices related to heavy machinery, welding operations, hazardous materials, and equipment operation.

• Skill in providing technical guidance and mentoring to lower-level mechanics.
• Skill in conveying technical information clearly and professionally to staff, supervisors, customers, and partner agencies.
• Professional conduct that supports a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

• Proficiency in interpreting technical manuals, schematics, engineering…