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Fire Dozer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Dozer information

See California salary details

$10

$23

$41

How much do fire dozer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire dozer in California is $23.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.65 and $26.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire dozer?

A Fire Dozer job involves operating a specialized bulldozer to create firebreaks, clear vegetation, and assist in wildfire suppression. Fire Dozer operators work in rugged terrain, often alongside firefighters, to contain and control wildfires. They must have advanced equipment-handling skills and knowledge of fire behavior to work safely in hazardous conditions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a fire dozer operator during wildfire season?

During wildfire season, a Fire Dozer operator is responsible for creating and maintaining firebreaks, clearing vegetation and debris, and supporting fire containment efforts as part of a coordinated firefighting team. The work often involves operating heavy equipment in rugged, hot, and smoky environments, sometimes during extended shifts or emergency situations. Operators also inspect and maintain equipment for safe, reliable use and may assist with other tasks such as mapping fire lines or monitoring flare-ups. Teamwork with firefighters, incident commanders, and other equipment operators is essential for effective communication and safety. This role is physically demanding and requires adaptability to rapidly changing conditions on the fire line.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fire dozer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Dozer operator, you need robust heavy equipment operation skills, a strong understanding of wildfire behavior, and often a high school diploma or equivalent along with specialized training. Competency in operating various types of bulldozers, familiarity with fire suppression techniques, and possession of relevant certifications such as Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) and heavy equipment operator credentials are important. Physical stamina, quick decision-making, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are major soft skills for this role. These skills are critical to effectively and safely creating firebreaks, supporting firefighting operations, and ensuring crew safety in hazardous, rapidly changing environments.

How to become a fire dozer operator?

To become a fire dozer operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers. Certification in heavy equipment operation and wildfire suppression training are often required, and familiarity with safety protocols and environmental conditions is essential.
Infographic showing various Fire Dozer job openings in California 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 $49,113 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Forest Service

Arcadia, CA • On-site, Remote

$57K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position is located within the Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5.
This position serves as an assistant to the Fire Dozer Operator of a Forest Service Fire Dozer Module.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • May provide on-the-job training to others in methods and techniques of firefighting including use of hand tools, use of dozers, and safety.
  • Completes reports for time and attendance, fire time, crew time, and accident/injury reports, fire replacement equipment requisitions.
  • Prepares job hazard analysis for the fire dozer operator for review and concurrence. Prepares and leads tailgate safety meetings.
  • Gathers data and may lead others in gathering data from natural and/or activity generated fuels and assists in the preparation of plans and direction for fuels management, fuels treatment, and other plans such as burn plans for other resources.
  • Makes initial evaluation of fire situation and determines suppression method to use, suppression access, vehicle placement, deployment of dozer, point of initial attack.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • 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 is requesting a waiver to the requirement.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-5)
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Made initial evaluation of fire situation and determined suppression methods to use, suppression access, vehicle placement, deployment of dozer, and point of initial attack. Laid out fuel reduction contract areas and conducted the initial surveys to establish area boundaries and prepared maps delineating treatment areas. Assisted the operator of fire dozer module in responding to wildland fires. Assisted in directing the dozer to fire location and positioning in appropriate location in consideration of safety of personnel and equipment.
OR
One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
OR
Combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
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
Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 Days of Entry on Duty.
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.
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 ARDUOUS 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
See QUALIFICATION section for educational requirements.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
Availability of government housing, federal day care facilities, and telework may be available. Some positions filled via this announcement are bargaining unit positions represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW. This is dependent upon unit location.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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