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Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$36.19/hr

... an operator of heavy equipment on Initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The ... dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan ...

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

$36.19/hr

... an operator of heavy equipment on Initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The ... dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan ...

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

$26.79/hr

This position assists the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The helper assists in support of other natural resource projects. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$26.79/hr

This position assists the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The helper assists in support of other natural resource projects. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...

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Fire Dozer Operator information

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$15

$23

$42

How much do fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire dozer operator in Texas is $23.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $25.10 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Dozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,966 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

New Waverly, TX • On-site

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
See more jobs at Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Serviceexternal

$36.19/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

These positions are located at USDA Forest Service Units.
This position is established on a Forest Unit to serve primarily as an operator of heavy equipment on Initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The operator also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See Additional Information Section for Details.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Element: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Experience operating engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles to perform engineering/construction work (such as maintaining ditches, road shoulders, road beds, and/or firelines and clearing terrain of brush, tree stumps and rocks on flat or rolling terrain with simple terrain problems).
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order).
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation).
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator.
There is no substitution of education for this position.
Selective Placement Factors:
A Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License is required.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters:This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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