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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

... Fire Equipment Operator (S) Position Number 60031783 Grade NC07 About Us The N.C. Department of ... Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator. * Ability to ...

City of Durham

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC

$57K - $88K/yr

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

Turner Staffing Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

What You Will Do As a Heavy Equipment Operator placed through Turner Staffing Group , you will ... emergency and fire response, working around ground personnel, and Blue Stake requirements

Apply Early

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 ...

Staff Experts

Heavy Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

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

City of Durham, NC

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$57K - $88K/yr

... unique parts; operating equipment; performing tests and inspections; performing preventative ... Three years of Medium/Heavy Duty truck experience. * Advanced skills with automotive diagnostic ...

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 ...

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 ...

Condustrial, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Ladson, SC · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator for one of our trusted clients in the Ladson, SC area. This is a great opportunity for an experienced professional looking to stay busy on long-term ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are heavy fire equipment operators?

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.
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What cities are hiring for Heavy Fire Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Fire Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Fire Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Fire Equipment Operator jobs include:
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 65% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
FFEO-Forest Fire Equipment Operator

FFEO-Forest Fire Equipment Operator

State of North Carolina

NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 50 rated states

Job description

Agency
Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services
Division
North Carolina Forest Service
Job Classification Title
Forest Fire Equipment Operator (S)
Position Number
60031783
Grade
NC07
About Us
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Description of Work
The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NCFS provides services to all 100 counties in North Carolina.
This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation. Performs minor equipment repairs and assists district mechanic with major repairs. May assist with information and education programs, a variety of forest management activities or other tasks. Responds in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters.
Participates on incident management teams as assigned.
Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Extended times of readiness will involve evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Must be available after working hours during fire danger periods and times of emergency response. Overnight travel will be required.
Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location: 4578 NC HWY 242 N, Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Official NCFS uniforms provided by employer.
** 13 speed hauling unit Driving evaluation will be given the day of the interview
** Crawler Proficiency evaluation will be given the day of the interview
Pre-employment mandatory drug testing required.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range-$37,377-$65,408
  • Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator.
  • Ability to operate a truck tractor with low boy trailer over the road in a variety of driving conditions.
  • Skilled in performing minor equipment repairs.
  • Ability to work independently or as a team player.
  • Must be a self-starter, service oriented and work cooperatively with others.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
High school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.
Necessary Special Requirement:
  • Completion of NC FFEO training schedule within two years of hire.
  • Possession of a current North Carolina Commercial Driver's License on hire date; OR possession of the North Carolina Commercial Driver Learner's Permit and obtain the NC Commercial Driver's License within 90 days of the hire date.
  • Job applicants must pass a drug screening test and possess a Medical Examiner's Certification (Medical Card) as a condition of a job offer and employment

EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Toni Lynn Tooley
Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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