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Cal Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Cal Fire Dozer Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$15

$24

$42

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire dozer operator in Ohio is $24.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire Dozer Operator position, and why are they important?

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 much do bulldozer operators make?

Bulldozer operators, including Cal Fire dozer operators, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. In firefighting and land management roles, additional certifications and working in hazardous environments can influence pay rates.

How to be a dozer operator for CAL FIRE?

To become a CAL FIRE dozer operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, experience operating heavy equipment, and completion of relevant training or certification in heavy equipment operation. Prior firefighting or land management experience is beneficial, and applicants must pass physical and background checks. Knowledge of fire behavior and safety protocols is also important for this role.

What is a Cal Fire Dozer Operator job?

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.

How much does a firefighter dozer operator make?

A Cal Fire dozer operator typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work full-time, with additional pay for overtime and hazardous duty conditions, and must operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers in wildfire suppression efforts.

What are typical daily responsibilities for 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.

How much does a dozer operator make for CAL FIRE?

A CAL FIRE dozer operator typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work seasonal or emergency response shifts and may receive additional pay for overtime or hazardous conditions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,967 per year, or $24 per hour.

Equipment Operator 2 (Fernwood State Forest) - 20051200

Ohio Department of Taxation

Richmond, OH • On-site

$24.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

What we need:

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of Equipment Operator 2 within the Division of Forestry, headquartered at Fernwood State Forest, assigned to Jefferson County. The address is 11 TOWNSHIP RD. 181, BLOOMINGDALE, OH 43910.  To learn more about Fernwood State Forest, please visit Fernwood State Forest | Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

This position requires a Class A Commercial Driver's License with no restrictions.

What you will do...

  • Operates heavy motorized equipment to complete variety of construction & maintenance functions
  • Performs wildfire support (e.g., Forest fire line construction, trails, culverts, roads & bridges)
  • Performs general maintenance & repairs on equipment & buildings/ground maintenance
  • Assist with wildfire suppression (e.g., wildfire & prescribe fire support)
  • Starting hourly pay of $22.29/hr. with multiple pay increases over your first 3.5 years of service with end salary of $24.63/hr.
  • There may also be cost of living adjustments (COLA) applied. Longevity pay supplements begin after five (5) years of state service. For more details, refer to the OCSEA pay range schedule & longevity rates OCSEA Employees | Department of Administrative Services.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT:
Must successfully complete Basic Firefighter Introduction to Fire Behavior Course (S-130/S-190) within first year of employment.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works outside in all weather conditions; exposed to dust, mud, dirt, fumes, noise & dangerous machinery.

Formal education in arithmetic to include fractions, decimals & percentages & reading, writing & speaking common English vocabulary; 9 mos. trg. or 9 mos. exp. in operation of heavy motorized equipment (e.g., 7 ton dozer, 8-10 ton roller, concrete mixer, excavator, low-boy, vac-all or 10 ton sweeper, 10 ton tractor, 25,000 to 35,000 pound dump truck) & related safety practices; valid commercial driver's license. 
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. 
Job Skills: Equipment Operations

Technical Skills: Forestry, CDL

Professional Skills: Teamwork