Equipment Operator Jobs in Washington

Description

Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)

Recruitment #2026-6-5278

Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated Non-permanent employment is July 2026 - June 2027

Location: Northwest Region - Sedro Woolley, WA

Salary: $4,517.00 - $5,241.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 6/22/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northwest Region as a Heavy Equipment Operator. The duty station is in Sedro-Woolley and will work throughout the North Cascades, primarily Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties. This position supports the management of Northwest Region’s road network of approximately 1200 miles of forest roads. This position works with the region engineering staff to implement forest road projects. The primary emphasis will be on road maintenance and abandonment, fish culvert and bridge installations, and emergency repairs. All maintenance activities must conform to the Forest Practice rules.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• Collaboration
• Maintain a safe work environment that enforces Agency guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules
• Assisting with diagnosing equipment problems
• Assisting with minor maintenance and repairs

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• 5 (five) years of experience performing forest road construction and/or maintenance while operating heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, an excavator, and a dump truck.
• Experience reading and interpreting project plans and specifications.
• Experience organizing and implementing projects successfully.
• Experience using computers, data input, and familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Required Competencies:

• General understanding of forest road maintenance.
• Skills in the operation of chainsaws and various hand tools.
• Working understanding of Washington Labor and Industries Safety and Health rules for Construction (WAC-296-155) and other applicable Safety and Health regulations and policy.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position is located at the Region Office. Significant amounts of work are performed alone in isolated, unimproved forested environments. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Position is approximately 95% field and 5% office.
• Position requires a significant amount of time in the field, traveling to and from project locations and the Region Office. Occasional travel to overnight accommodations during remote projects or training sessions.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Class “A” CDL with Endorsement N Tank Vehicle. Must be at least 18 years of age due to the minimum age requirement for CDL.
• Pre-employment CDL verification, work history background check, and drug testing will be required as a condition of employment. This position may be subject to pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug testing.

Desired Qualifications:

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• 10 (ten) years of experience with a wide variety of construction equipment.
• Familiarity with Forest Practices rules that pertain to forest roads and maintenance activities.
• Experience with culvert pipe installation, including fish passage pipe installation.
• Experience using survey tools such as a hand compass, clinometer, surveyor tapes or logger tapes, laser level or construction level, and rod.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Chris Elder at Chris.elder@dnr.wa.gov/360-529-6050 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being — Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service — We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork — We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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