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Heavy Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Riverside

MECHANIC

Riverside, CA

$65K - $79K/yr

Maintain and repair gas- and diesel-powered light and heavy fire equipment and apparatus such as ... Possession of an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

City of Riverside, CA

MECHANIC

Riverside, CA · On-site

$65K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain and repair gas- and diesel-powered light and heavy fire equipment and apparatus such as ... Possession of an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Landmarc Environmental Systems

Operator

Sunnyvale, CA

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Battalion Chief

Irvine, CA · On-site

$197K - $207K/yr

... Heavy Rescue and Crash units At least two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain with ... Operating Procedures (SOP) and any referenced handbooks OCFA General Orders (GO) OCPFA Memorandum ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

Landmarc Environmental Systems

Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to do heavy, manual work * Lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds on a non-consistent basis ... Oil and Gas pipeline experience * 5 + years' experience in operating excavator, dozer, and ...

City of Montclair, CA

Fire Engineer

Montclair, CA · On-site

$89K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. Must be able to work outdoors ... Driver Operator 1A Certificate. * Driver Operator 1B Certificate. Failure to provide proof of the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHeavy Fire Dozer Operator JobsHeavy Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in California

Heavy Fire Dozer Operator information

See California salary details

$16

$24

$44

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy fire dozer operator in California is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $26.59 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.

Heavy Fire Dozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Fire Dozer Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 56% Physical, 43% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,870 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator MOJA

National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Kelso, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Equipment Operator MOJAID:NPSPWR-007-010Location:KelsoProgram:NPS
Wage/Hr:$40.00Hours/Week:40-50 per weekMinimum Age:55
Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in Project crew environment operating heavy equipment. Operating equipment with a high degree of dexterity, i.e., operating motor grader with hydraulic controls, making adjustments to blade while machine is in motion in order to do fine grading, ensuring the front wheels are properly adjusted for each cut made and maintains control of the machine. Work on unpaved roads, trails and grounds work practices, keeping erosion to a minimum and eliminating hazardous conditions. OR AA/HS Degree

  • CDL
Duties:

This position is in Mojave National Preserve. The primary purpose of this position is to operate gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction heavy equipment to restore unpaved roads after flooding.

  • Operates gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler type traction, such as road graders (including Cat 16/160 or John Deer 722 (or equivalent) with up to 16-foot blade, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders (e.g., Caterpillar 988 size), excavators, backhoes, wheel loader, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments.   30%
  • Operates vehicles equipped with auxiliary attachments (snowplow blade, rotary snow blower, mower and sweeper or sanding units).   30%
  • Operates equipment to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on such projects as breaking new ground for trails, roads, canals, tunnels, or construction sites. Work is completed to exact specifications on flat or rolling terrain, requiring more ?touch? than at lower grade levels. At this level, earth is moved on mountainous and steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky or soft ground, hilly forests, and other surfaces with similar rough terrain/features.   30%
  • May work with other staff in areas such as: assists with erosion control projects; digs holes to install signs; cleans drainage ditches, installs or cleans culverts and gutters; roadside litter patrol; unloads truck loads of supplies; cleans tool caches and work areas; removes rock slides from trails; and/or performing grass cutting as necessary. Uses and repairs hand and power tools.   10%

Other:
  • Required Certifications: Required to possess and maintain a valid CDL with appropriate endorsements prior to being assigned operator duties.
  • Travel Requirements: Traveling to and within Mojave National Preserve
  • Overnight travel: During the term of this assignment.
  • Health and Safety Considerations: Enrollee is required to wear all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) associated with the job. PPE will be provided at no cost and training will be provided for it.
  • Required Safety Gear: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Safety Gear Use: While on job site
  • Physical requirements: Working outside operating heavy equipment in many weather conditions.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.