DSHS FTAA EQUIPMENT OPERATOR LEAD

DSHS FTAA EQUIPMENT OPERATOR LEAD

Salary

$5,111.00 - $5,928.00 Monthly

Location

Spokane County - Medical Lake, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-09016

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

FTAA

Opening Date

11/02/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DSHS FTAA Equipment Operator Lead

The Equipment Operator Lead provides technical leadership and direction to heavy equipment operators, utility and maintenance workers, and other assigned personnel responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment.

This position leads and participates in the safe and efficient operation of a variety of heavy equipment, including trucks, tractors, powered cranes, excavators, bulldozers, graders, snowplows, and other specialized machinery. The Equipment Operator Lead coordinates daily work activities, provides guidance to assigned employees, monitors work quality and productivity, and ensures equipment and work activities meet established safety requirements, operational standards, and project specifications.

The position operates throughout Eastern State Hospital, Lakeland Village, Pinelodge and other surrounding DSHS properties.

Some of what you'll do:

Lead Work and Coordination

• Provide day-to-day work direction and technical guidance to heavy equipment operators, maintenance personnel, utility workers, and other assigned employees.
• Coordinate daily assignments and establish work priorities to ensure projects and maintenance activities are completed efficiently.
• Demonstrate proper equipment operation techniques and provide on-the-job instruction to employees.
• Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established procedures, safety standards, and project specifications.
• Assist with coordinating equipment, personnel, materials, and resources necessary to complete assigned work.
• Provide guidance and support in resolving equipment operation and worksite challenges.

Heavy Equipment Operation

• Operate and lead the operation of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment, including trucks, tractors, cranes, excavators, shovels, bulldozers, carry-alls, snowplows, graders, and related machinery.
• Perform excavation, earthmoving, grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation activities.
• Move, lift, position, and transport heavy equipment, materials, and other loads using appropriate machinery.
• Direct and participate in loading and unloading trucks and coordinating the movement of heavy materials and equipment.
• Perform work according to plans, specifications, grade requirements, and established project standards.
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and appropriately for site conditions and assigned tasks.

Equipment Maintenance and Repairs

• Direct and participate in routine equipment inspections and preventive maintenance activities.
• Coordinate and lead routine and emergency repairs of heavy equipment and machinery.
• Identify equipment deficiencies, mechanical problems, and operational concerns and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform minor mechanical adjustments and repairs to maintain equipment in safe operating condition.
• Coordinate equipment servicing and maintenance to minimize operational interruptions.
• Ensure equipment is maintained in accordance with applicable safety and operational requirements.

Safety and Worksite Oversight

• Promote safe equipment operation and compliance with applicable state motor vehicle laws and safety requirements.
• Identify potential hazards associated with equipment operation, lifting, excavation, and worksite activities.
• Ensure employees follow appropriate equipment operating procedures and safety practices.
• Provide direction during routine and emergency equipment operations.
• Monitor worksite conditions and take appropriate action to address unsafe conditions.

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain basic records related to equipment operation, maintenance, and assigned work activities.
• Communicate project progress, equipment concerns, and operational needs to supervisors.
• Follow oral and written instructions, work plans, and established departmental procedures.
• Coordinate work activities with supervisors, employees, and other personnel as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of Standards set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
• Ability to interpret and apply above named standards to preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance regarding construction trades.
• Knowledge of rules of safe operation of equipment; state motor vehicle laws; materials used in servicing and maintaining heavy equipment; rules governing operation of state vehicles; methods, tools, and materials used in servicing and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Must be able to communicate with professional conduct and comprehend, through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Ability to understand occupational hazards and safety practices of Equipment Operator.

Who should apply?

One years full-time experience as a journey heavy equipment operator, or equivalent Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators license.

OR

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Possession of class A CDL, with no air brake restriction and with tanker endorsement OR the ability to acquire within the first 6 months of appointment.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contacts peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference #09016.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid drivers license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you in possession of class A CDL, with no air brake restriction and with tanker endorsement OR the ability to acquire within the first 6 months of appointment.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov