Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, EO2 

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
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 2/6/25. 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 Southeast Region. Working as a wildland fire equipment operator for the wildfire program located in Ellensburg Washington.   

This position supports the mission and goals of the DNR, through fire suppression, fire hazard mitigation, and forest resiliency improvement. The overall objectives are to minimize fire damage and acres burned. In addition, this position supports the WA DNR’s 20-year Forest Health Strategic Plan and 10-Year Wildland Fire Protection Strategic Plan by performing forest resiliency projects, forest fuel reduction work activities, and prescribed fire support. Activities are coordinated with other agencies and industry staff to avoid duplication and waste of resources whenever possible.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide for the skilled and safe operation of heavy equipment owned or leased by the WA DNR including transports, dozers, excavators, tenders, engines, masticating equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment. This position provides operation of heavy equipment in response to wildland fire emergency incidents, serves as fire line overhead as qualified, and supports forest resiliency and fire hazard mitigation projects.

This position may coordinate with other local government and federal fire suppression agencies. A typical year’s workload includes approximately 50 fire responses and 10 Forest Health and Fire Preparedness Projects.

This position also operates heavy equipment in non-emergency land management activities within the Region. This position serves as the primary operator of an initial attack fire dozer and as the primary transport driver. This position coordinates and/or conducts physical labor necessary to suppress and extinguish wildfires. Duties include heavy equipment operation, fire readiness, fire suppression, hazardous fuels mitigation, equipment/vehicle maintenance, forest resiliency activities, and general building/grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities:

• Fire readiness, fuels mitigation, forest resiliency
• Operate dozers, excavators, and transports both during fire suppression and non-emergency situations.
• Perform maintenance on heavy equipment, engines, chainsaws, and pumps.
• Assist with training both internal firefighters, along with external equipment operators for “blue card training”
• Occasionally participate on region and statewide committees. May assist with unit vehicle maintenance and assist with inventory of fire unit equipment.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Possession of a Class A CDL.

Required Qualifications: 

• Minimum of two years experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two-year minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL-rated transport equipment including lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport 
  trucks, etc.
• Team Leadership – Actively takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
• Decisiveness -- Makes timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions may produce unpleasant consequences. Under emergency or ambiguous circumstances, can produce an effective action plan on a timely basis.
• Tact and Diplomacy -- Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.