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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Durham

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$58K - $90K/yr

... heavy trucks, fire apparatus and other miscellaneous equipment including performing mechanical ... unique parts; operating equipment; performing tests and inspections; performing preventative ...

Staff Experts LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Staff Experts, LLC is currently seeking to fill Heavy Equipment Operator positions. If you are ... fire, working with ground personnel, and Blue Stake * May perform the following duties: road ...

Harwell & Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Summary We have an immediate opening for a Heavy Equipment Operator. Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of heavy equipment ...

City of Tacoma

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$41.99 - $44.10/hr

Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about making an impact in your community. The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team as a ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator information

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy fire equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy fire equipment operator?

Heavy fire equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate and maintain large machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and water tenders during wildfire suppression and prevention efforts. They play a critical role in creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation, constructing access routes, and supporting firefighting crews in hazardous environments. These operators must be trained to handle both the equipment and the challenging conditions present during wildfires, ensuring safety and effectiveness in their operations.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator, you need expertise in operating and maintaining heavy machinery, a high school diploma or GED, and typically a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with GPS, two-way radios, and specialized fire suppression equipment is often required, along with completion of safety and wildfire management training. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring both safety and effectiveness when responding to wildland fires and protecting life and property.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy fire equipment operators during wildfire suppression operations?

Heavy Fire Equipment Operators often work in high-risk, rapidly changing environments where visibility and terrain can be unpredictable. Navigating heavy machinery in dense forests, steep slopes, or near active fire lines requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground crews. Operators must also be prepared for long shifts and the physical demands of working under intense conditions, all while ensuring their own safety and that of their team. Building strong teamwork skills and maintaining situational awareness are crucial for success in this role.

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

AspectHeavy Fire Equipment OperatorFire Apparatus Operator
CertificationsFirefighter certification, heavy equipment operation licensesFirefighter certification, vehicle operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, emergency response scenes involving heavy machineryFire trucks, emergency response vehicles at fire scenes
Employer & IndustryFire departments, industrial plants, construction companiesMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Heavy Fire Equipment Operators primarily handle heavy machinery used in firefighting and industrial settings, focusing on operating large equipment like bulldozers and cranes. Fire Apparatus Operators, on the other hand, operate fire trucks and emergency vehicles during fire responses. Both roles require firefighting certifications and vehicle operation licenses, but their work environments and equipment differ significantly.

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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy 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 $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Crossland Heavy Contractors

Junction City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Get to Know Us:
If you are looking for a career in construction then you've come to the right place!
Crossland Construction is a leader in the industry and we are growing-right here in the Midwest-with opportunities for hard working, dedicated men and women to join our team. Crossland works year round and offers top pay, great benefits including health and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, paid time off, paid education to allow you to move up, and much more! You would join a team of people with a passion for construction who love to build and who know that their hard work will pay off.
Whether you have several years of experience under your belt or you are new in the industry you can have a career at Crossland!
Crossland Benefits:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401 (k) retirement plan with guaranteed match
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay
  • Paid education opportunities

Job Qualifications:
We are currently accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operators for Junction City, KS. Candidates for Heavy Equipment Operator must have at least 3-5 years of experience on bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, scrapers and graders. Must have own transportation, be highly motivated, and willing to travel. Drug screen, physical and criminal background check are required of successful candidates.
Essential Responsibilities:
Performs any combination of the following duties on construction projects, usually working in a utility capacity and by transferring from one task to another.
Activities included but not limited to:
*Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers and backhoes.
*Operate routinely used tools and equipment
*Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
*Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers
*Complete required paperwork, forms and records as required
*Coordinate machine actions with crew members in response to hand or audio signals
*Ability to work without close supervision once directed on task
*Obeys and follows all safety rules on the job site and encourages others to do the same
*Maintains a good relationship with co-workers and works well with others to accomplish a task.
*Must have water, sewer and drain experience
Physical demands of this position include lifting up to 70 pounds occasionally; 40-50 pounds frequently and carrying same along with constant sitting, grasping and reaching, frequent climbing, walking and standing. Must be able to work year-round outdoors and travel as needed.
EOE/M/F/D/V
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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