Classification - Construction & Maintenance Project Lead
Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program – Capital & Asset Management Program (CAMP)
Duty Station – Lacey, Washington – Thurston County
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until January 4, 2026.   Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time. 
Please Note - This position requires a Class A CDL at the time of application.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator and proven leader looking to make a lasting impact on Washington’s natural resources?

In this role, you will mentor and guide field crews, operate and transport heavy equipment, and lead construction and maintenance projects that support critical infrastructure and habitats.

With your experience, you will take an active leadership role in complex fieldwork such as installing and removing boat ramps, repairing and installing pipelines and culverts, constructing dikes and sediment retention structures, supporting wetland restoration efforts, and completing water infrastructure repairs.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Construction & Maintenance Project Lead will provide, 

Project Leadership:

• Assist in the preparation, scheduling, and supervision of the work layout for the maintenance and construction at facilities, access sites, and wildlife areas.
• Effectively communicate project scope and expectations to a crew by translating general work requirements into a prioritized plan for individual tasks and assignments.
• Conduct meetings to discuss daily milestones and safety precautions.
• Determine materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and workforce needed. 

Heavy Construction Equipment Operation and Maintenance:

• Inspect, operate, and transport all types of heavy earthmoving equipment including but not limited to commercial combination dump trucks and trailers, wheel loaders, dozers, track excavators, power wheelbarrows, boom trucks, backhoes, all-terrain forklifts, and personnel lifts in the execution of all phases of construction as it relates to hatchery maintenance installation and repair tasks.
• Clear, remove, and transport mud and debris from on-site hatchery abatement ponds, intake structures, demolition projects and general construction tasks using excavators, boom trucks, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Pick up, transport, and deliver building materials using commercial truck and trailer combinations.

Plumbing & Metal Fabrication:

• Install, disassemble, and replace a multitude of plumbing components such as pipes, valves, gates, couplers, manifolds, etc.  
• Assess a variety of metal structures, often safety barriers, for physical or structural defects.  

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed at construction sites on hatchery and wildlife areas.  Hazards may include working on rough terrain, riverbanks, slippery slopes, and other surfaces, confined and difficult to reach spaces, and working/driving in a variety of weather conditions.  Bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting of 50 pounds repetitively when loading and unloading trucks or moving materials around project site. 

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed, this may include overnight stays.

Travel Requirements: Travel required 80-90% depending on season.

Tools and Equipment: Computers, basic hand tools, power tools such as drills, roto hammers, cut off saws, circular saws, hydraulic punch, metal band saws, welders, cutting torch, chainsaws, dewatering pumps, powered motors, automotive and heavy equipment, and trailers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Experience may not be gained concurrently. 

Four (4) years of general work experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work OR completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a skilled mechanic trade.

AND

Three (3) years of experience operating heavy equipment, such as excavators, dozers, and backhoes.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license recognized by the state of Washington and acceptable driving record.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) endorsement with current Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Forklift Operation Certification.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Experience with GPS controlled heavy equipment.
• Boom truck certification. 
• Tanker endorsement. 
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fusion certification.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WFSE: 

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.  To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2025-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-08595.

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