Examples of such experience include: (1) operating gasoline or diesel powered equipment such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front end loaders, excavators, backhoes ...
Examples of such experience include: (1) operating gasoline or diesel powered equipment such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front end loaders, excavators, backhoes ...
Examples of such experience include: (1) operating gasoline or diesel powered equipment such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front end loaders, excavators, backhoes ...
Examples of such experience include: (1) operating gasoline or diesel powered equipment such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front end loaders, excavators, backhoes ...
Fire Dozer Operator information
See Oregon salary details
$17.54 - $20.29
13% of jobs
$21.23 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$20.29 - $23.04
36% of jobs
The median wage is $23.16 / hr.
$23.04 - $25.79
24% of jobs
$26.47 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.79 - $28.53
8% of jobs
$28.53 - $31.28
5% of jobs
$31.28 - $34.03
5% of jobs
$34.03 - $36.78
3% of jobs
$36.78 - $39.53
1% of jobs
$39.53 - $42.28
0% of jobs
$42.28 - $45.03
0% of jobs
$45.03 - $47.78
4% of jobs
$17
$26
$47
How much do fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire dozer operator in Oregon is $26.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator job?
Fire dozer operators, who operate bulldozers in wildfire suppression and land management, can earn high wages, especially with experience and specialized skills. Generally, heavy equipment operators working in high-risk environments or with specialized machinery tend to have higher salaries, with some earning over $70,000 annually depending on location and certifications.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fire Dozer Operator position, and why are they important?
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.
How much does a firefighter dozer operator make?
Fire dozer operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They operate heavy machinery like bulldozers to create firebreaks and assist in wildfire suppression, often working in remote or hazardous environments and requiring specialized training and certifications.
What is a Fire Dozer Operator job?
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 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 firefighter dozer operator?
To become a firefighter dozer operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience operating heavy equipment, and certification such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Training programs or on-the-job training are often required to develop skills in fire suppression and equipment operation in wildfire environments.
How much does a dozer operator make for Cal Fire?
A fire dozer operator working for Cal Fire typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience and location. They often work seasonal hours, with additional pay for overtime and specialized certifications such as heavy equipment operation. Salaries can vary based on union agreements and specific job assignments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon? For Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
- Independent Contractor Heavy Equipment Operator
- No Experience Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice
- Paid Training Heavy Equipment Operator
- Full Time Heavy Equipment Mining
- Remote Backhoe Operator
- Overnight Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem
- Senior Work From Home Excavator Operator
- Overnight Excavator Operator
- Remote Dozer Operator
- Excavation Equipment Operator
What job categories do people searching Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Dozer Operator jobs in Oregon are:
- Heavy Equipment Operator Heavy Equipment Operator
- Heavy Equipment Telehandler
- Government Heavy Equipment Operator
- Remote Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator
- Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator
- Before School Caterpillar Heavy Equipment
- Prevailing Wage Heavy Equipment Operator
- Freelance Dozer Operator Mining
- Hourly Heavy Equipment Sales
- Heavy Equipment Operator Mass Grading
$28.90/hr
Other
Posted 11 days ago
Job description
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.This position is located in Oregon, Burns District.
We expect to fill few vacancy/vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.Qualifications:Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified:
We expect to fill few vacancy/vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.Qualifications:Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified:
- Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision.
- This position requires the operation of gasoline or diesel-powered engineering/construction equipment. A valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with appropriate endorsements is required prior to entrance on duty. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. You MUST submit documentation with your application package to receive further consideration.
- I have knowledge and/or ability to operate one or more of the following small and large wheeled diesel-powered construction equipment such as crawlers (D-6), bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, brush-cutters, and front-end loaders on my own, under normal supervision.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Screen-out Element: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
Examples of such experience include: (1) operating gasoline or diesel powered equipment such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front end loaders, excavators, backhoes, wheel loader, or trench diggers in simple terrains; (2) using equipment to push, pull, pile, or load materials such as sand, gravel, or earth; (3) conducting routine minor maintenance in the areas of welding, carpentry, or painting; (4) interpreting instructions/specifications associated with heavy equipment operations.
OPM Job Qualifications System for Trades and Labor Occupations will be used in determining your qualifications. There is no specific length of training or experience required; however, you must be able to demonstrate through experience shown in the resume materials, that you possess the skill level that has equipped you with the particular job elements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator without more than normal supervision.
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.