Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator 2 (EO2

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator. Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself operating Heavy Equipment to fight fire across Washington's most diverse geographic areas? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator.

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered. Salary: $4746.00 - $5506.00 Monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/27/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Responsibilities:
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.

Required Qualifications:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Two (2) years minimum experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two (2) years minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL-rated transport equipment to include 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 -- Responds 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.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and requests are followed.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

• Position's assigned duty station is the Deer Park work center. The majority (85%) of work is in the field on wildfires or forest resiliency projects, requiring the ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The position must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments, and the work center is frequent. Overnight travel for training and meetings may be required one to three times per year.
• A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses.
• Successful completion of Operator Safety Training including knowledge of standard fire orders, situations that shout watch out, and LCES.
• Must pass the work capacity test at the level required for all NWCG qualified positions.…