Equipment Operator ; Fernwood State Forest

Job Title

Equipment Operator 2 – Fernwood State Forest, Jefferson County, Ohio

Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio (11 TOWNSHIP RD. 181, BLOOMINGDALE, OH 43910). Full-time position, 8:00 am‑5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday (days and hours may vary).

$22.29 per hour, with scheduled increases over the first 3.5 years and a final salary of $24.63 per hour. Additional adjustments (COLA) and longevity pay apply after five years of service.

Operate heavy motorized equipment to support forestry construction, maintenance, and wildfire response activities at Fernwood State Forest.

• Operate heavy motorized equipment to complete construction and maintenance tasks.
• Construct and maintain wildfire lines, trails, culverts, roads, and bridges.
• Perform general maintenance and repairs on equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Assist in wildfire suppression and prescribed fire support.

Must complete the Basic Firefighter Introduction to Fire Behavior Course (S‑130/S‑190) within the first year of employment. Other safety and operator training may be required.

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to dust, mud, dirt, fumes, noise, and dangerous machinery.

Education & Experience

• Formal education in arithmetic, English language skills, and basic reading, writing, and speaking.
• At least nine (9) months of training or experience operating heavy motorized equipment such as dozers, rollers, concrete mixers, excavators, low‑boys, sweepers, tractors, or dump trucks.
• Valid Class‑A Commercial Driver's License with no restrictions.

Skills & Knowledge

• Equipment operations and forestry operations.
• Teamwork and safety practices.
• Basic knowledge of fire behavior and suppression techniques.

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities (employee development funds, public service loan forgiveness).

Submit an online application that clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications. Transcripts are required for all stated coursework or degrees and must be uploaded by the posting deadline. Please use the additional attachments section of the application to include your transcripts. If you have difficulty attaching documents, contact hro.gov.

If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614‑265‑6992 or mohammad.yakubuo.gov.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to provide access and inclusion for all individuals, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and related laws.