Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator ; EO

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator (Equipment Operator
2)

Location:

Northeast Region – Deer Park, WA

Position Type:
Full‑time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Salary: $4,746.00 – $5,506.00 per month

• Operate firefighting bulldozers, excavators, and transport trucks/trailers safely and effectively during wildfires.
• Provide support to Wildland Fire Managers, act as line‑qualified firefighters, assist with prescribed fire preparation and implementation, and support other forest health work when not assigned to fires.

• Minimum two (2) years experience operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Minimum two (2) years documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment (e.g., low‑boy trailers, tilt‑bed trailers, tilt‑bed transport trucks).

• Team Leadership – Actively builds a cohesive and results‑oriented team.
• Decisiveness – Makes timely decisions under limited data or ambiguous circumstances.
• Tact and Diplomacy – Handles difficult or sensitive interpersonal situations to reduce conflict.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
• Adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and public record retention.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Work station at Deer Park work center; 85% field work on wildfires or forest resiliency projects.
• Frequent day travel between wildfires, assignments, and work center; overnight travel may be required one to three times per year.
• Valid driver’s license, Class A CDL with tank vehicle endorsement; no suspended or revoked license.
• Must complete and pass IS‑700 and IC‑100 courses.
• Must complete operator safety training (knowledge of standard fire orders, situations, and LCES).
• Must pass the moderate work capacity test required for all NWCG qualified positions.
• Pre‑employment CDL verification, background check, and drug testing are required.

• Fully qualified in multiple NWCG Single Resource Boss positions and ICT‑4, maintaining certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile navigation apps, and GPS technology.
• Three (3) or more years documented experience operating dozers in a forested environment with wildland fire experience.
• Three (3) or more years documented experience operating excavators, skid steers, and wood processing equipment in a forested environment.
• Three (3) or more years documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment (low‑boy, tilt‑bed).
• PM‑310‑1 rated Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
• Experience with burn permit regulations, fire regulatory enforcement, forest fire prevention, fire investigation, writing, and verbal communication.
• Successful completion of S‑236.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness.
• Work/life balance.
• DNR Employee Resource Groups.
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups.
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Educational and career development aid.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments.
• Comprehensive benefits package with employer contributions for health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

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, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.