Dozer Operator - Laborer Trades & Equipment

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title:
Dozer Operator
Job Class:
Laborer, Trades, and Equipment
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job :96279
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted
  : 8/12/2026
• Closing Date
  : 9/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Department of Natural Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours
  :
  Day Shift
• Days of Work
  :
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required
  :
  Yes – fire suppression and training
• Salary Range:$26.40 - $30.45 / hourly; $55,123 - $63,580 / annually
• Classified Status
  :
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to provide specialized equipment operations necessary to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire on all land ownerships within the assigned Forestry Area and across the state. The position also performs specialized labor and equipment operations to support the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry‑administered state lands. This position’s primary assigned duty is the operation of bulldozers and Type 4 engines to suppress wildfires, establish fire breaks, and perform equipment tasks to support prescribed burning on DNR‑administered lands.

Season dates are approximately February 16 to November 15 annually. Seasons are subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and business need; hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate fire engine, dozer, tracked vehicle, or perform as crew member to suppress wildfires so that losses to life, property, and natural resources are minimized.
• Organize and prepare wildfire suppression equipment and supplies so that the program can operate safely and efficiently.
• Assist in presenting wildfire prevention outreach to a variety of audiences to reduce the occurrence of wildfires across the Area.
• Attend training as both a student and an instructor to further the Division’s wildfire program training and qualification goals.
• Operate, service, and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment and perform labor tasks using hand tools to accomplish forest stand development and management objectives on State Forest lands throughout the work area.
• Apply technical knowledge to operate, service and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment in the development and maintenance of state forest roads, trails, user facilities, forest recreation sites, field stations, and Area offices.
• Complete administrative tasks and safety and other job‑related training, as assigned.

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25‑pound pack within 30 minutes.

• This position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) and passing a pre‑employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Qualified as a Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) in accordance with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) OR as a Firefighter I & II in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).
• Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work directions.
• Ability to operate equipment…