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Freelance Fire Dozer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Resource Specialist I

Alice, TX · On-site

$20.45/hr

Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools ... FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools ... FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools ... FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools ... FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools ... FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

ATL OPERATOR

Hazlehurst, GA

$14 - $19/hr

Maintain log yard organization: build stable stacks/decks, maintain clear lanes, and keep fire ... Forklift, dozer, or skidder experience (a plus) Physical & Work Environment * Work outdoors in heat ...

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Freelance Fire Dozer Operator information

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$16

$25

$45

How much do freelance fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance fire dozer operator in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Freelance Fire Dozer Operator?

A Freelance Fire Dozer Operator is a heavy equipment operator who specializes in operating bulldozers and similar machinery to create firebreaks and clear vegetation during wildfire suppression efforts. Unlike full-time employees, freelance operators are hired on a per-project basis, often during peak fire seasons or emergencies. Their main responsibility is to assist firefighting teams by constructing barriers that help contain and control the spread of wildfires. This role requires specialized training in both equipment operation and wildfire safety protocols. Freelance operators may work for government agencies, private contractors, or land management companies.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance fire dozer operators during wildfire response operations?

Freelance fire dozer operators often encounter unpredictable and hazardous conditions, including rugged terrain, limited visibility due to smoke, and rapidly changing fire behavior. As freelancers, they must also adapt quickly to varying incident command structures and coordinate closely with other firefighting teams, such as hand crews and engine operators, to ensure effective and safe operations. Managing fatigue during long shifts and maintaining equipment reliability in remote locations are also frequent challenges. Building strong communication skills and staying current with safety protocols are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Fire Dozer Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Fire Dozer Operator, you need extensive experience operating heavy machinery, especially bulldozers, and typically require a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, fireline construction techniques, and maintenance protocols for dozers is essential. Strong situational awareness, communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe, effective, and timely creation of firebreaks to protect lives and property during wildfire incidents.

What is the difference between Freelance Fire Dozer Operator vs Fire Equipment Operator?

AspectFreelance Fire Dozer OperatorFire Equipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires dozer operation certifications and firefighting safety trainingRequires fire equipment operation certifications and safety training
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in wildfire suppression, often on temporary or contract basisOperates fire trucks and equipment at fire scenes or training sites
Employer & IndustryContracted by firefighting agencies or private contractors in wildfire managementEmployed by fire departments or government agencies

While both roles involve operating specialized equipment in firefighting contexts, Freelance Fire Dozer Operators focus on using bulldozers for wildfire containment, often working independently or on contract. Fire Equipment Operators typically handle various fire trucks and related machinery as part of a firefighting team. The key differences lie in the equipment used, work setting, and employment type.

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$20.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title
Resource Specialist I
Agency
Texas A&M Forest Service
Department
Alice Task Force
Proposed Minimum Salary
$20.45 hourly
Job Location
Alice, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
The Resource Specialist I will attend all required training, assist with the delivery of agency programs to local communities, operate and maintain wildland fire suppression equipment and respond to wildland fires and other all-hazard incidents. They will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Responsibilities:
-Serve as a wildland firefighter and/or emergency responder on a statewide basis. Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools, and perform ground reconnaissance on wildfires. Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard which includes successfully completing a 2-mile walk carrying a 25 pound pack in 30 minutes or less and obtain required NWCG training and Red Card Certification. Employee will carry a communication device to facilitate 24-hour availability. Will be required to respond to dispatcher within 30 minutes of receiving an emergency page, notification, or alert.
-Assist Regional Fire Coordinator with the delivery of the Capacity Building programs to VFDs and municipal fire departments. Support the development and delivery of the programs within Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and with other government agencies. These programs include: VFD assistance, insurance, and vehicle liability risk pool; Fire Safe; FEPP; VFA cost shares; Helping Hands; training; fire risk assessment; aviation; and TICC.
-Assist in the delivery of programs developed by the Regional Fire Coordinators, Fire Prevention Specialists, Urban Interface Specialists, and Prescribed Burning Specialist. Support the Fire Risk Assessment Coordinator with data collection.
-Maintain assigned state vehicle, transport/dozers and other emergency equipment in a professional state of readiness.
-Provide support for Fire Emergency Response and Forest Natural Resource programs as requested and support other TAMFS programs as requested.
-Manage and account for TAMFS credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
-Serve on TAMFS Incident Management Team, Fire Prevention Teams, and Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Teams. (percent of time is dependent on severity and frequency of fire seasons)
-Within 90 days of hire must establish a primary residency within 30 minutes travel time of home base to insure timely response for duty as directed.
-Working Conditions: May require exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain and temperature extremes. May require walking long distances, standing for extended periods, twisting, bending, reaching and kneeling. May require lifting and carrying heavy objects. May require driving motor vehicles for long distances. May require operating computers with monitors for extended periods of time.
-Other duties as assigned.
Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.
Education and Experience:
Required Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
Preferred Education: Graduate with a 2 year natural resources related technical degree
Required Experience: One or more years general work experience.
Preferred Experience: One or more years of experience with a VFD, municipal fire dept., wildland fire agency, or wildland fire suppression. Experience as an instructor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Water delivery systems. PC-based programs and software.
Required Ability: Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Ability: Ability to utilize GIS/GPS programs, wildland fire hand tools, personal protective equipment, and wildland fire engines.
Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Commercial drivers license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of date of hire.
Preferred: NWCG firefighter and prevention training or equivalent. FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.
Other Requirements:
Required: Response to wildland fires. Meet and maintain a moderate physical fitness standard
Preferred: Meet and maintain an arduous physical fitness standard.
Applicant Instructions:
Resume is REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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