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Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

Hooksett, NH · 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

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 ...

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

Westford, 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

Westford, 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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Forest Fire Equipment Operator information

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

As of Jul 31, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Equipment Operator 2 (Fernwood State Forest) - 20051200

Ohio Department of Taxation

Richmond, OH • On-site

$24.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

What we need:

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of Equipment Operator 2 within the Division of Forestry, headquartered at Fernwood State Forest, assigned to Jefferson County. The address is 11 TOWNSHIP RD. 181, BLOOMINGDALE, OH 43910.  To learn more about Fernwood State Forest, please visit Fernwood State Forest | Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

This position requires a Class A Commercial Driver's License with no restrictions.

What you will do...

  • Operates heavy motorized equipment to complete variety of construction & maintenance functions
  • Performs wildfire support (e.g., Forest fire line construction, trails, culverts, roads & bridges)
  • Performs general maintenance & repairs on equipment & buildings/ground maintenance
  • Assist with wildfire suppression (e.g., wildfire & prescribe fire support)
  • Starting hourly pay of $22.29/hr. with multiple pay increases over your first 3.5 years of service with end salary of $24.63/hr.
  • There may also be cost of living adjustments (COLA) applied. Longevity pay supplements begin after five (5) years of state service. For more details, refer to the OCSEA pay range schedule & longevity rates OCSEA Employees | Department of Administrative Services.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT:
Must successfully complete Basic Firefighter Introduction to Fire Behavior Course (S-130/S-190) within first year of employment.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works outside in all weather conditions; exposed to dust, mud, dirt, fumes, noise & dangerous machinery.

Formal education in arithmetic to include fractions, decimals & percentages & reading, writing & speaking common English vocabulary; 9 mos. trg. or 9 mos. exp. in operation of heavy motorized equipment (e.g., 7 ton dozer, 8-10 ton roller, concrete mixer, excavator, low-boy, vac-all or 10 ton sweeper, 10 ton tractor, 25,000 to 35,000 pound dump truck) & related safety practices; valid commercial driver's license. 
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. 
Job Skills: Equipment Operations

Technical Skills: Forestry, CDL

Professional Skills: Teamwork

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