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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site ...

Successful completion of a promotional examination (ranking on an eligible list) for Fire Equipment Operator on one of the last two most recent Operator examinations, which includes the 2025 and 2026 ...

OR Seven years of combined full-time suppression line experience as both a Firefighter and Fire Equipment Operator, with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a ...

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Reno, NV · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

OR one year of experience as a Medium Equipment Operator and certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator by the Washoe County Roads & Stormwater Superintendent; OR an equivalent combination of ...

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Reno, NV · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

OR one year of experience as a Medium Equipment Operator and certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator by the Washoe County Roads & Stormwater Superintendent; OR an equivalent combination of ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

We are seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in operating a variety of heavy machinery and equipment, ensuring the safe and efficient ...

Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Equipment Operator - Underground Construction Location: Reno, NV Department: Field Type: Full-Time ... or heavy civil construction experience • Bilingual preferred; must be able to read, write, and ...

Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Equipment Operator - Underground Construction Location: Reno, NV Department: Field Type: Full-Time ... heavy civil construction experience Bilingual preferred; must be able to read, write, and speak ...

Equipment Operator

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

Perform snow removal with heavy equipment, including graders, push plows, and blowers. * Maintain ... Vehicle codes and safety practices relevant to operating light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

Operate a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water ... Experience operating dozers, loaders, excavators, graders, haul trucks, water trucks, and utility ...

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Heavy Fire Equipment Operator information

See Reno, NV salary details

$14

$23

$33

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy fire equipment operator in Reno, NV is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $26.83 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.

Infographic showing various Heavy Fire Equipment Operator job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,185 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Waste Management

Reno, NV • On-site

$36.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 656 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM - and more. 

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II:

  • Starting salary of $36.63 per hour depending on experience

    • Stable hours for your financial stability

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator II. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with WM:

  • Multiple shifts available
    • 12pm-830pm, 330am-12pm, 8am-430pm
    • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.
    • The normal setting for this job is our waste disposal site in RENO, NV

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our recycling facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As a Heavy Equipment Operator II you'll be responsible for operating heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this role is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment operators take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination.  Our waste disposal sites have strict procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Operates heavy equipment in compliance with the company operating safety policies and procedures. 
    • Conducts routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance on equipment; maintains accurate records. 
    • Moves and positions raw materials and finished components with use of material moving equipment.
    • Follow appropriate standard operating procedures as per guidelines for operating and maintaining vehicle. 
    • Performs other duties as assigned. 

What do you need to be considered for the role of Heavy Equipment Operator II?

  • 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment.
    • Be over 18 years of age.
    • Legally eligible to work in the United States
    • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
    • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.
    • Take accountability for adhering to our safety guidelines.
    • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues
    • Able to problem solve while independently.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) most of the workday.
    • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 30 pounds occasionally.
    • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) rarely. 
    • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements most of the workday. 
    • Normal setting for this job is: shop or field. 

Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $36.63. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

What Waste Management employees say

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US