Forest Roads Heavy Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent employment is July 2026 – June 2027
Salary: $4,517.00 – $5,241.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 6/22/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northwest Region as a Heavy Equipment Operator. The duty station is in Sedro-Woolley and will work throughout the North Cascades, primarily Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties. This position supports the management of the Northwest Region’s road network of approximately 1200 miles of forest roads. This position works with the region engineering staff to implement forest road projects. The primary emphasis will be on road maintenance and abandonment, fish culvert and bridge installations, and emergency repairs.  All maintenance activities must conform to the Forest Practice rules.Duties

Responsibilities:

• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• Collaboration
• Maintain a safe work environment that enforces Agency guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules
• Assisting with diagnosing equipment problems
• Assisting with minor maintenance and repairs

Required Qualifications: 
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• 5 (five) years of experience performing forest road construction and/or maintenance while operating heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, an excavator, and a dump truck.
• Experience reading and interpreting project plans and specifications.
• Experience organizing and implementing projects successfully.
• Experience using computers, data input, and familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Required Competencies: 

• General understanding of forest road maintenance.
• Skills in the operation of chainsaws and various hand tools.
• Working understanding of Washington Labor and Industries Safety and Health rules for Construction (WAC-296-155) and other applicable Safety and Health regulations and policy.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position is located at the Region Office. Significant amounts of work are performed alone in isolated, unimproved forested environments. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Position is approximately 95% field and 5% office.
• Position requires a significant amount of time in the field, traveling to and from project locations and the Region Office. Occasional travel to overnight accommodations during remote projects or training sessions.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Class “A” CDL with Endorsement N Tank Vehicle. Must be at least 18 years of age due to the minimum age requirement for CDL.
• Pre-employment CDL verification, work history background check, and drug testing will be required as a condition of employment. This position may be subject to pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug testing.