Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Are you an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator looking for a new opportunity!

Then SDOT’s ROW Maintenance and Urban Forestry division is looking for you! We are hiring multiple Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operators to work on various shifts to support the SPU Sweeping Program, leaf removal, vegetation management, ally flushing, the Protected Bike Lane (PBL) Sweeping program, Downtown Activation Team and other services. Along with emergency response around the city, this position involves working across the entire organization, as well as collaborating with staff from other departments within the City and is critical to keep Seattle moving.

• Safe operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Operate backhoes that are 80 hp or less (580, 680, 780 backhoes/loaders that are rubber tired or Ford 4500 - or their equivalent replacements), mobile sweepers, articulated loaders, mechanical mowers and rollers.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and clean equipment to include checking oil, water, and tire pressure, washing windows and washing off dirt and grease.
• Inspect job site for underground utilities, overhead obstructions and hazardous conditions.
• Dig holes, trenches and tunnels and stockpiles spoil or loads spoil in dump truck for hauling.
• Drive truck and trailer to and from job sites. 
• Ensure that safety measures are observed when loading and unloading material.
• May be required to act in a lead capacity at job sites where all other activities are secondary to equipment operation.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
• Promote SDOT's commitment to equity, safety, sustainability, and customer service

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 and maintenance procedures (Combination of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

AND

License, Certification:

• Washington State Commercial Class A driver's license with the Air Brake restriction removed.

• 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 multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base

 Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposed to dust, dirt, high noise levels, diesel and gas fumes, and engine exhaust. Moderate physical exertion is required to operate the equipment. Standing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds are sometimes required.
• Anticipated Schedule: Various shifts to include: Day, Swing, Nights, Weekends and Holidays. 

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
 
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses. 

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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

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 about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits 

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.