Equipment Technician, Lead

This position may work second shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. That earns $1.20 per hour more in shift differential.

Why It's a Great Opportunity: In this role your experience and leadership will lead highly skilled equipment technicians through allocated and managed workflow distributing work based on staffing, work requests, planned maintenance, and unexpected service needs. You will track work, provide expert guidance, communicate with vendors and internal customers, and support maintenance on gas and diesel powered heavy equipment, vehicles, trailers, generators, and more. You will lead the team to deliver timely, reliable, and consistent customer service, ensuring that the County has the equipment ready to do all types of infrastructure maintenance as needed.

Why It's a Great Department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County roads and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here. 

How to be Successful in the Role: You and your team’s ultimate success will come from effective communication and leadership, allowing work to be done correctly, on time, and allowing for County maintenance operations to continue without delay. Your sharing of expert level knowledge of heavy equipment, diesel technology, welding, and fabrication will further you and your team’s success. 

Your Future in this Role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Monitor and evaluate repair and maintenance of equipment, used by county departments and divisions, performed by all levels of technicians.
• Spot check repairs being performed on vehicles, equipment, and assist technicians as needed.
• Inform supervisor of problem areas regarding employees’ activities.
• Provide input on performance evaluations.
• Assign work to technicians and other personnel and ensure tasks are completed correctly and timely; prepare and furnish shop equipment repair orders; and inspect completed work.
• May approve leave requests and work schedules.
• Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals and technical knowledge.
• Forecast the necessary parts such as toolboxes, top lights, cab protectors, etc. required for up-fitting of incoming equipment and coordinate ordering in a timely manner.
• Maintain records, both computerized and manual, such as charges to the departments and sections receiving repairs; prepare associated cost control data.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Five years as a journey-level diesel technician performing full range of diesel, electrical, hydraulic, welding and machine work is required 
• One year in a supervisory or lead capacity is desired
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain ASE Master Certification within the first year of employment.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. 

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.