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

As of Sep 3, 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 is a forest fire equipment operator?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest fire equipment operator?

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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Tulelake, CA • On-site

$33.11/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
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 incumbent also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.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:
  • Ability to operate 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 (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 in steep, hilly, rocky, and other types of adverse terrain, close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, or other obstructions and obstacles)
  • 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 (to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on all types of terrain including mountains, steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky and soft ground, and hilly forests)

Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
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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