Lead Mechanic

Summary

This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time. Are you passionate about teaching, mentoring, and motivating others? As a Lead Mechanic, you will oversee maintenance operations involving light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks, as well as transfer station equipment, while helping develop the next generation of mechanics through coaching and technical guidance. Join an organization that values the expertise, leadership, and contributions of its maintenance professionals. The Solid Waste Division is seeking two Journeyman Lead Mechanics to join our talented team of mechanics, welders, and oilers. In this role, you will serve as a key member of the maintenance section, providing hands-on leadership, ensuring high-quality workmanship, and supporting safe, reliable operations across the division.

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) is inviting applications for (2) Career Service Lead Mechanic position.

About this Role:

Lead Mechanics serve as working leads responsible for overseeing the repair and maintenance of all light- and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment within the Solid Waste Division. They perform hands-on mechanical work while also managing administrative duties such as generating work orders and communicating with staff, vendors, and customers. Because landfill and transfer station operations rely on this equipment daily, routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and timely repairs are critical to minimizing disruptions and maintaining efficient operations. Typical work includes repairing or replacing compactor lid wipers, brass components, and hydraulic hoses. Lead Mechanics apply specialized knowledge of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment to prevent failures, support safe operations, and protect the environment and surrounding communities.

About the Team:

Mechanics in the Vehicles and Equipment Section perform highly skilled work that is essential to the daily operations of the Solid Waste Division. Working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment, mechanics maintain and repair a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment that support landfill and transfer station operations.Mechanics work alongside experienced journeyman mechanics and other skilled trades professionals, performing repairs both in the shop and in the field. The position offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and participation in initiatives such as evaluating specifications for new vehicles and equipment purchases.

The Section fosters a positive and inclusive work culture built on teamwork, respect, innovation, and open communication. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, participate in decision-making processes, and advance their careers while delivering high-quality service to internal and external customers.

Commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. In this Lead Mechanic position, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity. Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities. Job Duties

What You Will De Doing:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the daily activities of mechanics, managing workflow and monitoring productivity through Shop Floor Manager in Faster to ensure work is completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Provide technical leadership and assistance to mechanics by troubleshooting and resolving mechanical, electrical, and complex equipment issues, as well as offering guidance on unusual or challenging repair projects.
• Diagnose, maintain, and repair a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, including gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid-powered automobiles, light- and heavy-duty trucks, backhoes, dozers, street sweepers, loaders, and refuse trailers.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and replace ignition systems, fuel systems, lighting systems, electrical and computerized control systems, and ABS brake systems.
• Generate, review, and maintain accurate work orders and service records, ensuring labor charges, parts issuance, technician notes, and work order statuses accurately reflect completed work.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, and illustrated parts diagrams to support diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Utilize Windows-based software systems, including Faster, to track completed work, document repairs, retrieve maintenance information, and monitor workflow.
• Monitor work quality and performance, addressing substandard work when necessary and providing constructive feedback to both new and probationary mechanics to support development and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with management to identify training needs, support employee development, and promote continuous improvement within the workgroup.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers, vendors, and other sections within Solid Waste to ensure effective communication and service delivery.
• Seek opportunities to expand technical knowledge, learn effective approaches for addressing workplace challenges, and request assistance when needed to successfully resolve issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Experience as a Journeyman Mechanic (4 years preferred) heavy-duty truck and construction equipment repair, supplemented by completion of a two-year vocational, military, or community college diesel/automotive mechanics program, or a recognized state-approved apprenticeship program.
• Experience as a Lead Mechanic (1-2 years preferred).
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, with thorough knowledge of safe work practices, policies, and procedures in a maintenance environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook, as well as maintenance management systems such as Faster.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using industry-standard diagnostic and repair software, including Cummins INSITE, CAT Electronic Technician (ET), John Deere Service Advisor Pro, DAVIE4, ESA, ALLDATA, Allison DOC, WABCO Toolbox, Solis Scan Tool, Nexiq Driver, Inline 7 Driver, and CAT Communication Adapter software.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical manuals, service information, schematics, and diagnostic data to effectively troubleshoot and repair a wide range of equipment and vehicles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with coworkers, supervisors, vendors, and customers.

Competencies You Bring:

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

It Would be Great if You Also Bring:

• ASE (Premium) – Automotive Service Excellence certification.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

Work Location: The operations Section works onsite, The work associated with this position will be located: SWD Maintenance Facility, 201 SW 34th Street, Renton, WA. Will be travelling to other transfer stations, Cedar Hills and Bow Lake.

• Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Work Schedule: This position works a 40-hour workweek and is overtime eligible with Supervisor approval. Service hours are Monday to Friday, 6:00am to 2:30pm or Monday to Friday, 2:30 to 11:00pm. The Solid Waste Division is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. In this position, you are considered an essential employee and will be expected to work during weather, health and other emergency events. Union Representation: This position is represented by JCC L289-Mechanic/Machinist. Physical Environment/Requirements: The candidate must be able and willing to work in an industrial site setting with adverse conditions such as dust, odor, high volume noise and heavy traffic. Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a skills test and one or more panel interviews. To apply, submit the required Complete Application and Resume Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Sonali Sharma at sonsharma@kingcounty.gov. Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News. Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest. “Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Application Process If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Sonali Sharma at sonsharma@kingcounty.gov King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us. King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.”

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.