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Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division North Carolina Forest Service Job Classification Title Forest Fire Equipment Operator (S) Position Number 60031783 Grade NC07 About Us The N.C.

Fire Equipment Inc

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Medford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Fire Equipment Inc

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire Equipment Inc ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

City of Durham

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC

$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 ...

Fire Equipment Inc

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Hartford, CT · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Fire Equipment Inc

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Agawam, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest fire equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forest Fire Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy machinery, and a solid understanding of wildfire behavior, often backed by specialized training or certification in wildland firefighting. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, water tenders, and chainsaws, along with knowledge of safety protocols and communication systems, is essential. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operations and effective support during high-risk wildfire suppression efforts.

What are some common challenges Forest Fire Equipment Operators face in the field?

Forest Fire Equipment Operators often work in rapidly changing and hazardous conditions, which require them to adapt quickly to shifting fire behavior and rugged terrain. Navigating heavy equipment through dense forests, steep slopes, or low-visibility environments can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. Operators also need to stay vigilant about safety for themselves and their crew, especially when working long shifts or during high fire activity. These challenges are often balanced by a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork as operators closely collaborate with firefighters and incident command staff to contain and control wildfires.

What is a Forest Fire Equipment Operator job?

A Forest Fire Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, water tenders, and other specialized equipment, to control and contain wildfires. They create firebreaks, clear vegetation, and assist firefighting crews in suppressing fires. Operators must be skilled in handling equipment under hazardous conditions and often work long hours in emergency situations. Their role is crucial in minimizing fire damage and protecting both natural and human-made environments.

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Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Fire Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
FFEO-Forest Fire Equipment Operator

FFEO-Forest Fire Equipment Operator

State of North Carolina

NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 50 rated states

Job description

Agency
Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services
Division
North Carolina Forest Service
Job Classification Title
Forest Fire Equipment Operator (S)
Position Number
60031783
Grade
NC07
About Us
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Description of Work
The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NCFS provides services to all 100 counties in North Carolina.
This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation. Performs minor equipment repairs and assists district mechanic with major repairs. May assist with information and education programs, a variety of forest management activities or other tasks. Responds in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters.
Participates on incident management teams as assigned.
Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Extended times of readiness will involve evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Must be available after working hours during fire danger periods and times of emergency response. Overnight travel will be required.
Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location: 4578 NC HWY 242 N, Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Official NCFS uniforms provided by employer.
** 13 speed hauling unit Driving evaluation will be given the day of the interview
** Crawler Proficiency evaluation will be given the day of the interview
Pre-employment mandatory drug testing required.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range-$37,377-$65,408
  • Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator.
  • Ability to operate a truck tractor with low boy trailer over the road in a variety of driving conditions.
  • Skilled in performing minor equipment repairs.
  • Ability to work independently or as a team player.
  • Must be a self-starter, service oriented and work cooperatively with others.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
High school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.
Necessary Special Requirement:
  • Completion of NC FFEO training schedule within two years of hire.
  • Possession of a current North Carolina Commercial Driver's License on hire date; OR possession of the North Carolina Commercial Driver Learner's Permit and obtain the NC Commercial Driver's License within 90 days of the hire date.
  • Job applicants must pass a drug screening test and possess a Medical Examiner's Certification (Medical Card) as a condition of a job offer and employment

EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Toni Lynn Tooley
Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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