Title- Fabrication Lead
Classification- Construction and Maintenance Project Lead
Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP)
Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County
Closing Date- 11/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Actively engage in hands-on fabrication and installation, this position is an opportunity to lead and mentor skilled trades staff while performing as an active crew member.
Collaborate closely with the Construction and Maintenance Project Supervisor to plan, design, and execute projects that meet safety standards and meet deadlines.
Ensure each project is set up for success by preparing detailed drawings and material estimates, reviewing consultant plans and coordinating procurements.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fabrication Lead will,
Fabrication Leadership:
- Independently prepares drawings and sketches to illustrate fabrication projects for staff to follow, as well as conveys verbal instructions.
- Independently composes bills of materials for the use in estimating project expenses and orders materials based on drawing and sketch reviews.
- Manages the use of shop space and time management of staff to meet project deadlines, while ensuring safety protocols are followed.
- Respond quickly to priority changes and scheduling constraints.
- Operate a variety of fabrication shop equipment such as Oxyacetylene, wire feed, tig and arc welders.
- Leads by example as a peer-to-peer hand-on crew member on the production floor.
Project Leadership:
- Assists in the preparation, scheduling and supervision of the work layout for the maintenance, alteration and repair of building structures and components.
- Communicates the job(s) to and with the crew.
- Determine materials, equipment and manpower needed.
- Identifies needs and deficiencies in the plan/schedule and communicates these to the Construction and Maintenance Project Supervisor.
- Oversees the execution of the work, including quality, production, and safety, by ensuring that crews work to job specifications and follows all Agency standards.
- Continuously inspects completed work making sure it is up to code and specifications and initiates timely problem resolutions.
- Leads by example as a crew member on the production floor
Hydraulics and Plumbing:
- Design lift gates that have been modified from stem driven to hydraulic, along with fish traps that have raiseable floors.
- Diagnose and repair various existing hydraulic units, retrofitting outdated systems with hydraulic, such as knife gates, tote tilts, and crowders.
- Fabricate, install, and repair pipes, valves, manifolds, and gates.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Duties are performed in a fabrication shop and on occasion at construction sites in hatchery and wildlife areas. Some tasks will involve sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Work on rough terrain, riverbanks, slippery slopes, confined and difficult to reach spaces and in inclement weather.
- Bend, stoop, squat, twist, push, pull, and lifting of 50 pounds repetitively when loading and unloading trucks or moving materials around project site.
- Welding activities may involve exposure to chemicals such as paint, solvents, glues and gases, use of heavy machinery and overhead cranes, and welding and mechanical tools such as torches, welders, lathes, milling machines.
- Operate motor vehicles and trailers in inclement weather conditions such as snow and ice while on mountain passes, highways and roads.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 10 hour per day. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. This may include overnight stays.
Travel Requirements: Travel required 20-40% depending on the season.
Tools and Equipment: Basic hand tools, power tools such as drills, roto hammers, cut off saws, circular saws, tubing/pipe notchers, lathe, hydraulic punch, metal band saws, welders, cutting torch, plasma cutter, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, welding hoods (including PAPRs) chainsaws, 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:
Six (6) years of experience in the welding trade including three (3) years of experience in fabrication.
Fabrication experience must include each of the following:
- Characteristics of ferrous and non-ferrous metals under welding conditions.
- Oxyacetylene and arc welding equipment operation.
- Fluxes, hardening agents, and fundamentals of heat treatment.
- Standards for welding high-pressure boilers, steam lines, or other potentially hazardous equipment.
And all the following (may be gained concurrently):
Two (2) years of experience:
- Reading and interpreting blueprints, engineered drawings, sketches, and technical notes.
- Basic computer skills (e.g., email, documentation, data entry).
One (1) year of experience with spatial and mechanical reasoning and hydraulics including experience with:
- Two-and three-dimensional orientation.
- Understanding of heat conduction, velocity, gravity, and force.
- Reading and interpreting hydraulic drawings, sketches, and designs.
- Diagnosing and repairing hydraulic components.
Option 2:
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a skilled mechanic trade.
And:
Two (2) years of experience as a journey-level worker in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.
And all the following (may be gained concurrently):
Two (2) years of experience:
- Reading and interpreting blueprints, engineered drawings, sketches, and technical notes.
- Basic computer skills (e.g., email, documentation, data entry).
One (1) year of experience with spatial and mechanical reasoning and hydraulics including experience with:
- Two-and three-dimensional orientation.
- Understanding of heat conduction, velocity, gravity, and force.
- Reading and interpreting hydraulic drawings, sketches, and designs.
- Diagnosing and repairing hydraulic components.
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 one or more of the following:
- Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) certification to perform structural welding using specific methods, namely 7018, 6011, or dual-shield welding
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) endorsement with current Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Leadership experience.
Your application must 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.
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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07947.