Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator ; EO

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)

Location: Northeast Region - Deer Park, WA

Salary: $4746.00 - $5506.00 Monthly

This position will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of firefighting bulldozers, excavators, and transport trucks/trailers. When not assigned to wildfires, Heavy Equipment Operators may act as support staff for Wildland Fire Managers, work as line‑qualified firefighters, help with prescribed fire preparation and implementation, and assist with other forest health‐related work.

• Two (2) years minimum experience operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two (2) years minimum documented experience operating Class A CDL‑rated transport equipment, including lowboy trailers, tilt‑bed trailers, tilt‑bed transport trucks, etc.
• Must be able to pass the moderate work‑capacity test required for all NWCG qualified positions.
• Requires a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle endorsement.
• Must complete and pass IS‑700 and ACS‑100 courses, and successful completion of Operator Safety Training with knowledge of standard fire orders, situations requiring shutdown, and LCES.
• Pre‑employment CDL verification, work history background check, and drug testing required.

• Fully qualified in multiple NWCG Single Resource Boss positions; ICT4 and maintained certification.
• Proven ability with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, mobile navigation, and GPS.
• Three (3) or more years documented experience operating dozers, excavators, skid steers, or wood processing equipment in a forested environment with wildland fire experience.
• PM‑310‑1 rated Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
• Experience with burn permit regulations, fire regulatory enforcement, forest fire prevention, fire investigation, and good writing and verbal communication skills.

• Position’s assigned duty station is Deer Park work center; majority (≈85%) of work is field‑based on wildfires or forest resiliency projects, requiring the ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments, and the work center is frequent; overnight travel may be required 1–3 times per year.
• A current valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience; license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
• Must pass the required courses (IS‑700, ACS‑100) and Operator Safety Training; must also pass the NWCG moderate work‑capacity test.
• Pre‑employment background check, drug testing, and CDL verification required.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plan participation with employer contributions.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal‑opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability diversity.