1

Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... response to fire, power line contact, tipping, malfunction characteristics and performance ... The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Must be willing to ...

... response to fire, power line contact, tipping, malfunction characteristics and performance ... The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Must be willing to ...

... response to fire, power line contact, tipping, malfunction characteristics and performance ... The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Must be willing to ...

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$58K - $90K/yr

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

... response to fire, power line contact, tipping, malfunction characteristics and performance ... The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Must be willing to ...

The ideal Heavy Equipment Operator candidate is capable of operating large equipment (i.e., excavators, loaders, and bulldozers) and GPS grade control experience is preferred. Pay is $28 - $33 based ...

Maintains housekeeping standards as part of fire safety program or as designated by location staff ... Ensure that safe equipment operating conditions are met before and during operation. * Works ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Fire Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$14

$23

$33

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

As of Aug 12, 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?

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 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.
More about Heavy Fire Equipment Operator jobs
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:
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, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Waste Management

Morrisville, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator 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 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:

  • Depending on experience

  • Stable hours for your financial stability

  • Access to a stock purchase plan 

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.

  • We are Committed to Growth: Annual Education Assistance Benefit available for team members

  • Company-matched 401(k)

  • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator. 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 with WM:

  • Monday - Friday every week
    • 6am to 4:30pm
    • Some Weekends
    • 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 Raleigh, NC

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

  • 1 year 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.
    • Preferred Experience: Wheel loader and dozer

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.  

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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom