Title- Generator Technician
Classification- Maintenance Mechanic 3 (MM3)
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Lacey Construction Shop
Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join WDFW and help ensure hatchery operations run smoothly and efficiently across Washington.

In this position, you’ll work   to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair generators and their support systems—ensuring they’re ready when needed most. 

You’ll develop preventative maintenance schedules, track and report on completed work, and coordinate with local specialists to meet operational requirements. 

Along the way, you’ll provide expert input on generator placement, system design, and fuel and exhaust systems, while also collaborating with other trades to complete critical projects. 

This is a hands-on role where your technical expertise directly supports the success of WDFW’s broader mission.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Generator Technician will,

Generator and Compressor Maintenance (Diesel Mechanics):

• Respond to emergencies where fish loss is imminent. 
• Develop a routine inspection schedule for the generator preventative maintenance program.
• Perform periodic and emergent diagnostic testing of generators up to 450,000W.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend replacements or major repairs.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs of airburst compressors and associated equipment.
• Support upgrades, removals and installations of agency emergency generators and airburst compressors.

Project Leadership and Administration:

• Maintain database and inventory of hatchery generator equipment (e.g., filters, block heaters, oil, coolant) and maintain diesel engine monitoring equipment.  
• Develop cost estimates for repairs or replacements of parts.
• Track monthly expenditures, including travel, vehicle mileage, purchases, and hours, and prepare Excel-based reports for submission.
• Monitor work orders related to generator and compressor needs to develop and implement work schedules.  
• Prioritize and schedule projects based on severity of issues, program priorities, and/or geographical locations.

Generator Electrical Preventative Maintenance:

• Independently conduct on-site load bank testing generators to verify that all primary components of the generator set are in proper working condition.

Metal Fabrication:

• Design and fabricate exhaust discharges to accommodate the unique placement of these machines.  

Plumbing:

• Inspect and maintain propane and diesel fuel delivery systems and containment to assess efficiency and wear.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Duties are performed at construction sites in the Hatcheries and Wildlife areas and on occasion in an office setting. 
• Hazards include working on rough terrain, riverbanks, slippery slopes, and other surfaces, confined and difficult to reach spaces, and in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, or snow. 
• Bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting of 50 pounds repetitively when loading and unloading trucks or moving materials around project site. 
• Operate motor vehicles in hazardous weather conditions such as snow and ice while on mountain passes, highways, and roads (both paved and unpaved).   
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Some tasks may involve sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Schedule: Typically, 6:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Thursday. Must respond to emergency calls of power related failures that may occur during non-working hours. Work overtime as needed/requested. This may include overnight stays, evenings and weekend work.

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required 60-80% of the time depending on season.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand tools, power tools such as drills, roto hammers, cut off saws, circular saws, hydraulic punch, metal band saws, welders, cutting torch, plasma cutter, chainsaws, and/or powered motors, automotive equipment and trailers.

Customer Interactions: Frequent interactions varying between Federal, Local, Inter-Agency, and Intra-Agency customers and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a skilled mechanic trade.

AND

One (1) year of experience as a journey level worker in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.

Option 2: Five (5) years of experience diagnosing and repairing diesel generators.

In addition to the options above, the following experience is required:

• Extensive knowledge of lock-out/tag-out requirements and procedures.
• Experience following oral and written instructions and performing heavy manual tasks independently.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Knowledge of workplace safety standards such as hazardous materials handling.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues. 
• Experience coordinating with vendors, contractors, or other staff on repair and maintenance projects.
• Proficiency in maintaining records, logs, or reports of maintenance and repair activities.

Include the following with your application materials:

• 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-06557.

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