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.

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.

About Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Headquartered in Olympia, the department maintains six regional offices and manages dozens of wildlife areas and hundreds of water access areas around the state, offering fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities for the residents of Washington. Department staff work to exemplify the following values: - Accountability, we hold ourselves and each other responsible for acting consistent with our values and mission. - Service, we add value to Washington communities and seek to improve the public’s experience. - Professionalism, we serve in a manner that reflects positively on the Department and on ourselves. - Integrity, we are consistently open, honest, ethical, and genuine in our actions. - Respect, we treat each other with dignity. - Empathy, we take time to understand and appreciate others. Learn more about working at WDFW at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/jobs

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