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Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

THE BEASLEY GROUP

ATL OPERATOR

Hazlehurst, GA

$14 - $19/hr

Maintain log yard organization: build stable stacks/decks, maintain clear lanes, and keep fire ... Forklift, dozer, or skidder experience (a plus) Physical & Work Environment * Work outdoors in heat ...

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Fire Dozer Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$14

$21

$38

How much do fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire dozer operator in Georgia is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire dozer operator?

A Fire Dozer Operator operates heavy bulldozers to create firebreaks and assist in wildfire suppression efforts. They work with firefighting crews to clear vegetation, build containment lines, and access difficult terrain. Operators must have experience handling heavy equipment in hazardous conditions and be familiar with wildfire behavior. This role requires quick decision-making, physical endurance, and coordination with firefighting teams to help control and contain wildfires safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fire dozer operator position?

To thrive as a Fire Dozer Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, a solid understanding of wildland fire behavior, and typically a commercial driver's license (CDL) or relevant heavy equipment certification. Operators must be proficient with dozers and related firefighting tools, as well as follow established safety protocols and communications systems such as radio dispatch. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure are important soft skills for this demanding role. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient support to firefighting crews while protecting lives, property, and natural resources during wildfire incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by fire dozer operators during wildfire incidents?

Fire Dozer Operators often face physical and mental challenges, including working in rugged terrain, rapidly changing fire conditions, and exposure to smoke and heat. Operators must stay alert for hazards such as falling trees, poor visibility, and shifting wind patterns, all while maneuvering heavy equipment near active fire lines. The work is typically performed as part of a larger wildfire response team, requiring effective communication and close coordination with incident commanders and ground crews. Being able to quickly adapt and make safe decisions under these dynamic conditions is crucial for both personal safety and the overall success of firefighting efforts.

How to become a fire dozer operator?

To become a fire dozer operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience operating heavy equipment like bulldozers. Training on fire suppression techniques and obtaining certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized wildfire equipment training can improve job prospects; physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions are also important.

What do fire dozer operators make?

Fire dozer operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They operate heavy machinery to create firebreaks and control wildfires, often working in challenging outdoor environments and requiring specialized training and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Georgia?

For Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Fire Dozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,379 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

ATL OPERATOR

THE BEASLEY GROUP

Hazlehurst, GA

$14 - $19/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

ob Title: ATL Log Loader Operator
Department: Woodyard / Log Yard
Reports To: Woodyard Supervisor / Yard Foreman
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Shift: Varies (days/nights, weekends, overtime as needed)

PAID ON HOURLY BASIS. 

60 HRS WORK SCHEDULE, 12 HR SHIFTS, 5 DAY WORK WEEK, OCCASSIONAL WEEKENDS, 

BENEFITS AVAILABLE, PTO, 401K, AND MORE. 

NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTAL PAY AVAILABLE. 

Job Summary

The ATL Log Loader Operator safely operates an ATL (or similar knuckleboom/log loader) to unload, sort, stack, and supply logs to the mill. This position is responsible for maintaining steady log flow to production, protecting equipment, and maintaining an organized, safe log yard while following all safety policies and environmental requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate ATL/log loader to unload log trucks, sort logs by species/length/grade, and stack logs in designated decks.

  • Supply logs to the infeed/log deck to meet production needs; maintain consistent flow and avoid starving the mill.

  • Inspect incoming logs for foreign material (metal, rocks, chains) and report hazards to reduce downtime and equipment damage.

  • Communicate with truck drivers and scale house to coordinate unloading order and traffic flow.

  • Maintain log yard organization: build stable stacks/decks, maintain clear lanes, and keep fire lanes and access routes open.

  • Perform daily equipment inspections (pre-start and post-shift) and document:

    • fluids, filters, grease points, lights/alarms, tires/tracks, brakes, hydraulics, boom and grapple condition

  • Perform basic preventive maintenance: fueling, greasing, cleaning cab, reporting leaks/abnormal sounds.

  • Work safely around pedestrians, trucks, and heavy equipment; maintain safe swing radius and load control.

  • Assist with yard housekeeping: remove debris, manage mud/dust control (as assigned), maintain berms/drainage.

  • Follow all safety and environmental rules: PPE, spill response, stormwater controls, and fire prevention procedures.

  • Respond to production changes, weather conditions, and shifting priorities to maintain uptime.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED (preferred)

  • 1+ year experience operating heavy equipment (log loader/knuckleboom preferred) or willingness to train with demonstrated aptitude

  • Ability to operate equipment safely in tight areas with traffic and changing ground conditions

  • Ability to pass pre-employment screening (as applicable)

  • Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and overtime

  • Strong safety mindset and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior woodyard/sawmill experience

  • Experience unloading log trucks and building stable log decks

  • Basic mechanical knowledge (hydraulic leaks, hose wear, pins/bushings, grease/PM routines)

  • Familiarity with radio communication and mill traffic control

  • Forklift, dozer, or skidder experience (a plus)

Physical & Work Environment

  • Work outdoors in heat/cold/rain and dusty conditions

  • Prolonged sitting with repetitive hand/foot controls

  • Ability to climb in/out of equipment multiple times per shift

  • Exposure to noise, vibration, and uneven terrain

  • PPE required: hard hat (as required), safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-vis, steel-toe boots

Safety-Critical Expectations

  • Maintain three points of contact entering/exiting equipment

  • Use seatbelt at all times in equipment

  • Never swing loads over people/vehicles; maintain clear communication and exclusion zones

  • Stop work and report hazards/near misses immediately

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