Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator

About the role

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a historic $1.55 billion investment in transportation, we are building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections. The ROW Maintenance and Urban Forestry division is hiring multiple Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operators to support the SPU Sweeping Program, leaf removal, vegetation management, alley flushing, the Protected Bike Lane (PBL) Sweeping program, Downtown Activation Team, emergency response, and other services.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Operate backhoes (80 hp or less, e.g., 580, 680, 780 models), mobile sweepers, articulated loaders, mechanical mowers, and rollers.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and clean equipment, including checking oil, water, tire pressure, and washing windows and surfaces.
• Inspect job sites for underground utilities, overhead obstructions, and hazardous conditions.
• Dig holes, trenches, and tunnels; stockpile or load spoil into dump trucks for hauling.
• Drive truck and trailer to and from job sites, ensuring safety during loading and unloading.
• May act in a lead capacity at job sites where equipment operation is the primary activity.
• Perform other related duties of comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum: One year experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance or completion of a recognized course in construction and maintenance equipment operation, including practical operating experience and instruction in mechanical principles and general construction/maintenance procedures.
• Washington State Commercial Class A driver’s license with the Air Brake restriction removed.

Preferred or comparable experience (not required):

• Experience operating air or mechanical sweepers.
• Experience driving a truck and trailer with equipment loaded.
• Strong working knowledge of Seattle streets.
• Experience working in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Exposure to dust, dirt, high noise levels, diesel and gas fumes, and engine exhaust.
• Moderate physical exertion required to operate equipment.
• Standing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lb may be required.

Schedule

• Various shifts, including day, swing, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $42.90 – $46.53 per hour.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information is available on the City’s website.

Application Process

• Complete the NEOGOV online application.
• Submit supplemental questionnaire responses.
• Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials, a criminal background check, a pre‑placement medical examination, review of driving history, and reference information.