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Cal Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Durham, NC

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$57K - $88K/yr

... operating equipment; performing tests and inspections; performing preventative maintenance; enter data into maintenance management system; and performing field and emergency calls. Incumbents ...

BME Fire Trucks

Press Brake Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

BME has manufactured apparatus for CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and municipal fire departments across the ... As a press brake operator, you will be responsible for: Setting up and operating a hydraulic brake ...

BME Fire Trucks LLC

Press Brake Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

BME has manufactured apparatus for CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and municipal fire departments across the ... As a press brake operator, you will be responsible for: · Setting up and operating a hydraulic ...

California State University

$4K/mo

Light Automotive Equipment Operator (2 Positions) Apply now Job no: 556377 Work type: Staff ... Cal State East Bay offers a broad range of benefits that includes medical, dental, vision ...

California State University

$4K/mo

Light Automotive Equipment Operator (2 Positions) Apply now Job no: 556377 Work type: Staff ... Cal State East Bay offers a broad range of benefits that includes medical, dental, vision ...

BME Fire Trucks LLC

Press Brake Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

BME has manufactured apparatus for CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and municipal fire departments across the ... As a press brake operator, you will be responsible for: • Setting up and operating a hydraulic ...

Guardian Fire Services

Fire Sprinkler Fitter

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

... and equipment; keeps the vehicle clean and organized with a complete inventory of tools and ... Valid Cal Fire Fitter Certification * Safety training specific to the role Job Type: * Full-time, ...

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Cal Fire Equipment Operator information

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire Equipment Operator job?

A Cal Fire Equipment Operator operates and maintains heavy equipment such as bulldozers, transport trucks, and fire dozers to support wildfire suppression and prevention efforts. They are responsible for constructing fire breaks, clearing vegetation, and assisting in emergency response operations. This role requires specialized training, mechanical skills, and the ability to work in hazardous conditions. Equipment Operators often work long hours in extreme environments to support firefighting crews and protect communities from wildfires.

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

To thrive as a Cal Fire Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers and fire engines, and a valid California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Operators must be proficient with fire suppression equipment, communication radios, and often require certification in firefighter training and wildland operations. Problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail, and composure under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficient emergency response, and effective teamwork during high-stress wildfire incidents.

What does a typical workday look like for a Cal Fire Equipment Operator during wildfire season?

During wildfire season, a Cal Fire Equipment Operator’s day can involve long hours operating bulldozers or other heavy equipment to create firebreaks, assisting in fire suppression, and performing routine maintenance on machinery to ensure readiness. You’ll work closely with CAL FIRE crews and supervisors, responding rapidly to changing fire conditions, and may be required to deploy to remote or rugged locations on short notice. Teamwork and coordination with firefighters, incident commanders, and other agencies are a key part of the role. While physically demanding and at times unpredictable, the work is critical in protecting communities and natural resources from wildfire damage.

More about Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs are:
Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 5% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Fire Equipment Mechanic

City of Durham, NC

Durham, NC • On-site

$57K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $57,228.00 - $88,775.00 Annually
Location : 1900 Camden Ave., Durham, NC
Job Type: Full time with benefits
Job Number: 25-05784
Department: Fleet Management
Opening Date: 01/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of DurhamAdvance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.
Hiring Range: $57,228 - $88,775/ Annually
Workdays/Hours: 6:30 am-3:00 pm
Nationally recognized for our innovative fleet management practices, it's our employees who make the difference. We are looking for exceptional individuals to join our winning team. If innovation and sustainability are important to you, bring your skills and talents to Durham!
To provide repair and maintenance of equipment, vehicles and related systems. Incumbents provide advanced specialized and skilled labor diagnosing, repairing and maintaining construction equipment, heavy trucks, fire apparatus and other miscellaneous equipment including performing mechanical repairs, diesel repairs and hydraulic repairs; dismantling, overhauling, repairing and reassembling engines; rebuilding/replacing transmissions; rebuilding drive trains, carburetors, differentials, pumps and gear boxes; welding metal components; fabricating unique parts; operating equipment; performing tests and inspections; performing preventative maintenance; enter data into maintenance management system; and performing field and emergency calls.
Incumbents assigned to fire equipment, perform technical and mechanical diagnostic and repair work on specialized fire apparatus and related equipment, including preventative maintenance; welding; electric network troubleshooting and repair; and providing on-call support to the fire department.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performing technical and mechanical diagnostic and repair work on specialized fire apparatus and firefighting equipment, and related equipment.
  • Performing preventative maintenance duties.
  • Performing preventative maintenance duties.
  • Welding equipment as needed.
  • Troubleshooting electrical network issues.
  • Providing on-call support to the fire department.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
  • Associate's degree in auto mechanics/repair, automotive diesel technology, or a related field; "OR" equivalent;
  • Three (3) years of automotive repair experience.
  • North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record or obtain within 6 months of hire.
  • Emergency Vehicle Technician Fire Pump Certification or Hale Pump Certification or obtain within 2 years of hire.
  • Environmental Protection Agency 609 Certification or obtain within 6 months.

Additional Preferred Skills
  • Three years of Medium/Heavy Duty truck experience.
  • Advanced skills with automotive diagnostic equipment to include OEM diagnostic software, scan tools and similar equipment.
  • Valid Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
  • Welding experience.

Benefits - General Full-Time Employees
  • 12-13 paid holidays per year
  • 13 standard work days of vacation per year
  • 13 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; sick leave may be used toward early retirement
  • 2 weeks paid military leave per year
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans
  • State and City retirement plans
  • Short and long term disability plans
  • Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions
  • City contribution of 13.6% into the N.C. State Retirement System
  • Paid funeral leave
  • Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling
  • Paid life insurance equal to annual salary
  • 48 hours for volunteer work each year*
  • 4 hours parental leave each year
  • Workman's Compensation Insurance
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Benefits - Part-Time (1,000 hours or more per year)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan
Benefits Part-Time (Average 30 hours per week over 12 month period)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Health insurance effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Dental and life insurance, after one year of service
  • Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service

01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
  • City of Durham Website
  • Walk in
  • Job fair
  • Employee referral
  • Professional organization ***Please list the organization in "other" box below***
  • Internet posting ***Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below***
  • Craig's List
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • GlassDoor
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Monster.com
  • Indeed.com
  • Employment Security Commission
  • Magazine/Newspaper
  • Other

02
If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03
Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.
  • Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree (PhD, Juris Doctorate)

04
Do you have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license? (If you have a valid license from a State other than North Carolina, you must be willing and able to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days of hire).
  • I have a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license.
  • I have a valid license from another State and I am willing to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days.
  • I do not have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.

05
How many years of automotive repair experience do you have?
  • No related experience
  • Less than 3 years of related experience
  • 3 years but less than 7 years of related experience
  • 7 years but less than 11 years of related experience
  • 11 or more years of related experience

06
How would you rate your experience level with automotive diagnostic equipment to include OEM diagnostic software, scan tools, and similar equipment?
  • No experience
  • Beginner level
  • Intermediate level
  • Advanced level
  • Expert level

07
How would you rate your experience level with welding?
  • No experience
  • Beginner level
  • Intermediate level
  • Advanced level
  • Expert level

08
Do you have an Emergency Vehicle Technician Fire Pump Certification or Hale Pump Certification?
  • Yes
  • No, but I AM willing and able obtain within 2 years of hire.
  • No, and I am NOT willing or able to obtain within 2 years of hire.

09
Do you have at least three (3) years of hands-on experience servicing, maintaining, or repairing medium/heavy-duty trucks -OR- fire apparatus?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you currently hold one or more valid Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications
  • Yes
  • No, but I AM willing and able to obtain ASE certification.
  • No, and I am NOT willing and able to obtain ASE certification.

Required Question

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