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Cal Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$139 - $258/hr

California Water Service California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a ... Acts as the Shift Operator as needed * When functioning as the Shift Operator will supervise the ...

Cal Fire Dozer Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$14

$21

$39

How much do cal fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire dozer operator in Kentucky is $21.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire dozer operator?

A Cal Fire Dozer Operator is responsible for operating bulldozers to create fire lines, clear vegetation, and assist in wildfire suppression efforts. They work in challenging and hazardous conditions, often in remote areas, to help control and contain wildfires. Operators must have experience with heavy equipment, strong situational awareness, and the ability to work as part of a wildfire response team. This role requires physical endurance, emergency response training, and knowledge of fire behavior.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cal Fire dozer operator during fire season?

During fire season, Cal Fire Dozer Operators are responsible for operating bulldozers to construct fire lines, clear vegetation, and create defensible spaces to help contain wildfires. Their day often involves collaborating closely with fire crews, using communications equipment to receive instructions, and performing regular maintenance checks on their machinery. Operators may be deployed to remote or rugged terrain for extended periods, sometimes working long shifts in challenging conditions. This vital work is performed as part of a larger incident response team, contributing directly to fire suppression and community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cal Fire dozer operator?

To excel as a Cal Fire Dozer Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, knowledge of fire behavior, and relevant training or certification such as a valid equipment operator's license and completion of Cal Fire safety programs. Familiarity with bulldozers, GPS navigation systems, radio communication devices, and fire suppression equipment is essential. Strong decision-making skills, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure that operators can safely and efficiently create fire breaks, support firefighting crews, and protect communities in high-risk, dynamic environments.

How to be a Cal Fire Dozer Operator?

To become a Cal Fire dozer operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, experience operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, and often must complete specialized training or certification in firefighting and equipment operation. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments are also important requirements.

What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Cal Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,648 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

London, KY โ€ข On-site

$33.11/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position is established on a Forest Unit to serve primarily as an operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The incumbent also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Element: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Ability to operate engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth in steep, hilly, rocky, and other types of adverse terrain, close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, or other obstructions and obstacles)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator (to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on all types of terrain including mountains, steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky and soft ground, and hilly forests)

Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER