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Heavy Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Heavy Fire Dozer Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$15

$23

$42

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy fire dozer operator in Arizona is $23.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy fire dozer operator?

Heavy Fire Dozer Operators are specialized equipment operators who use bulldozers and similar heavy machinery to help control and suppress wildfires. They create firebreaks by clearing vegetation, soil, and debris, which helps to slow or stop the spread of fire. These operators work closely with firefighting teams, often in challenging and hazardous conditions, to provide critical support during wildfire emergencies. Their expertise in handling heavy equipment is vital for both the safety of crews and the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy fire dozer operator?

To thrive as a Heavy Fire Dozer Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and knowledge of wildfire suppression techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and fire-specific machinery is commonly required, along with safety certifications such as S-130/S-190. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, effective wildfire containment, and seamless coordination during high-risk emergency operations.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy fire dozer operators during wildfire suppression efforts?

Heavy Fire Dozer Operators often work in rugged, unpredictable terrain and under extreme weather conditions, which can present significant safety and operational challenges. Navigating limited visibility due to smoke, coordinating with ground crews and aerial resources, and adapting to rapidly changing fire behavior are all part of the job. Additionally, operators must remain vigilant to avoid hazards like falling trees, unstable ground, and equipment malfunctions. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick, sound decisions are essential for success and safety in this high-pressure environment.

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

AspectHeavy Fire Dozer OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires CDL and specialized dozer trainingRequires CDL and various equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, firefighting supportConstruction, mining, industrial sites
Job FocusOperating dozers for fire suppression, land clearing, or constructionOperating a variety of heavy machinery for earthmoving

The main difference between a Heavy Fire Dozer Operator and a Heavy Equipment Operator lies in their specific roles and work environments. Heavy Fire Dozer Operators often focus on land clearing and firefighting support, requiring specialized training for dozer operation. Heavy Equipment Operators have a broader scope, operating various machinery across construction and industrial sites. Both roles require similar certifications but serve different operational purposes.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Heavy Fire Dozer Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Heavy Fire Dozer Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Fire Dozer Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,978 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Forest Service

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site, Remote

$36.19 - $42.28/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These positions are located at USDA Forest Service Units.
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 operator also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See Additional Information Section for Details.
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Duties
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  • Duties listed are at full performance grade WG-08 level.
  • The primary purpose of this position is the operation of a variety of heavy equipment for fire suppression activities.
  • Suppression activities may be under immediate supervision, however, incumbent may be required to conduct suppression activities independently.
  • Operates one or more types of heavy equipment to push, pull, pile, or load materials such as sand, gravel, and earth.
  • Clears brush, tree stumps, and rocks while constructing fire lines for suppression and prescribed fire activities.
  • Adjusts the attachments for proper level, angle, or depth, according to the work to be done and the type of equipment used.
  • Incumbent must have an understanding of fire behavior, fuels, weather and topography to safely and effectively perform initial attack on wildland fires.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • 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 is requesting a waiver to the requirement.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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:
  • Experience operating 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 to perform engineering/construction work (such as maintaining ditches, road shoulders, road beds, and/or firelines and clearing terrain of brush, tree stumps and rocks on flat or rolling terrain with simple terrain problems).
  • 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.

There is no substitution of education for this position.
Selective Placement Factors:
A Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License is required.
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.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 3: Southwestern Region - Tobe Haught at tobe.haught@usda.gov
Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Region 6: Pacific Northwest Region - Shalyn Whitson at shalyn.whitson@usda.gov
Region 8: Southern Region - Russ Marchion at russell.marchion@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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