ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cal Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All JobsCal Fire Dozer Operator JobsCal Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Virginia

Cal Fire Dozer Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$25

$44

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire dozer operator in Virginia is $25.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $26.68 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Virginia? For Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Virginia 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 $52,107 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Instructor and Assessor

Instructor and Assessor

PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC

Virginia Beach, VA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position title: Instructor and Assessor

Location: Little Creek, Virginia

Clearance required: SECRET

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Delivering classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula.
  • Preparing training areas, including weapons loading, target placement, and equipment setup.
  • Conducting operator-level maintenance and cleaning of authorized weapons systems.
  • Maintaining training binders and course materials.
  • Completing and maintaining required Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for each watch station.

Education and Certification:

  • Must be a graduate of a certified Navy Instructor Training Course (e.g., NEC 9502, 9501, or 9518) or a civilian/commercial equivalent course certified as
  • JIT/NITC equivalency by the Center for Professional Development.
  • Must complete Core Unique Instructor Training (CUIT) and the Instructor Certification and Qualification Program (ICQP) prior to the performance start date.
  • Must complete command and course indoctrination, high-risk screenings, and CPR/AED/First Aid certifications.
  • Must be a qualified Range Safety Officer (RSO) or possess a civilian industry standard equivalent for small arms and crew-served weapons (CSW) static and dynamic live-fire ranges.
  • Must have recent (within three years) weapons qualifications for:
    • M9/M18 Pistol or designated replacement.
    • M4/M16 (or variants) Rifle.
    • M500 Shotgun.
  • Must be able to qualify on the following weapons systems as required:
    • M240 Machine Gun.
    • M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun.
    • M203 Grenade Launcher.
    • Other weapons systems as assigned.

Experience:

  • Must have at least one (1) year of instructional experience, as evidenced by documentation such as a DD-214 or course certificates.
  • Must have prior experience in one or more of the following areas: USN Naval Coastal Warfare, Maritime Expeditionary Security, Riverine, Coast Riverine, or Special Operations.
  • Experience from tactical small arms weapons training schools (e.g., Blackwater, Mid-South Shooting Institute, Gryphon, SFAUC, or MCAUC) or equivalent schools will be considered.
  • Must have an honorable discharge from active-duty military service with a favorable reenlistment code.
  • Must have recent (within three years) weapons qualifications for the M9/M18 Pistol (or replacement), M4/M16 Rifle, and M500 Shotgun.

Skills and Knowledge:

  • Must be able to qualify on the M240 Machine Gun, M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun, M203 Grenade Launcher, and other weapons systems as assigned.
  • Must complete knowledge and performance tests related to the course(s) assigned to teach.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must be capable of clearly writing and speaking in English.
  • Must adhere to and enforce all safety protocols and Navy policies, including those governing high-risk training environments.

Security Clearance and Physical Requirements:

  • Must maintain a Secret Clearance as required.
  • Must meet physical and psychological requirements, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in high-risk environments.

Apply