Freelance Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Acorn Forestry is seeking an experienced Dozer Operator to join our field operations team. This is a full-time, year-round position supporting prescribed burning, forestry site preparation, and land management projects throughout the western Gulf region.

The primary role of this position is to operate a dozer as part of our prescribed burn and land management crews. However, this is not an equipment-only position. When not operating equipment, the employee will be expected to work alongside the crew and assist with prescribed burn activities, reforestation, site preparation, and other general forestry duties as needed.

We are looking for a dependable, hardworking operator who prioritizes safety, takes pride in their work, and is willing to step out of the equipment and work as part of the crew when necessary.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate a dozer during prescribed burn operations, including constructing, maintaining, and securing fire lines.
• Operate a dozer for forestry site preparation and other land management projects.
• Assist with prescribed burn operations when not operating equipment, including ignition activities, securing fire lines, monitoring fire behavior, and other crew duties.
• Follow the direction of the Burn Boss and supervisors during prescribed fire operations.
• Assist with reforestation, site preparation, and general forestry activities as needed.
• Operate and maintain hand tools and other forestry equipment.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or repair needs.
• Safely load, unload, and work around heavy equipment as required.
• Work safely and efficiently while following company policies, safety procedures, and supervisor instructions.
• Travel to project sites throughout the western Gulf region, including approximately 25% overnight travel.
• Work extended hours, early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends when project schedules or burn conditions require.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of dozer operating experience required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to safety.
• Willingness and ability to perform physical outdoor labor when not operating equipment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a burn crew and follow the direction of supervisors and the Burn Boss.
• Previous forestry, prescribed fire, agricultural, or land management experience is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This is a physically demanding outdoor position that combines heavy equipment operation with hands-on field work. Employees must be able to:

• Work safely in extreme weather conditions, including high heat, humidity, cold temperatures, rain, dust, and smoky conditions associated with prescribed burns.
• Walk over uneven, rough, and heavily wooded terrain.
• Sit for extended periods while operating equipment and stand, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and walk when performing ground duties.
• Enter and exit heavy equipment multiple times throughout the workday.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier lifting performed with assistance.
• Work extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight travel when required.
• Tolerate exposure to smoke, dust, dirt, mud, insects, poison ivy, snakes, and other environmental conditions common in forestry and prescribed fire operations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all company safety requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Full-time, year-round employment.
• Opportunities for training and advancement.
• Varied work involving heavy equipment operation, prescribed fire, forestry, and land management.
• Opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to responsible land management and conservation.

Important: This position is for an experienced dozer operator who will be an active member of the burn crew. Applicants should understand that they will be expected to assist with ground operations and other physical forestry duties when they are not operating equipment.

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

For more than 20 years, Acorn Forestry has specialized in reforestation, land management, and silviculture services in the western Gulf region. Our crews provide professional services including:
• Site preparation and tree planting
• Prescribed burning
• Herbicide applications
• Harvest planning and supervision
• Wildland firefighting
• Timber management plans
We are committed to quality work, safe practices, and dependable service for landowners across the region.