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Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs

FOREST RANGER

Concord, NH · On-site

$25.96 - $41.77/hr

Forest Ranger I: Under the supervision of higher-level Forest Ranger staff, performs technical ... Inspects all state-owned and town woodland fire equipment to ensure that all are in good working ...

... forest. Work includes improving existing fire lanes in rugged terrain, building new fire lanes ... Ensure equipment is maintained and prepared for use. * Ensure operator maintenance such as ...

... forest. Work includes improving existing fire lanes in rugged terrain, building new fire lanes ... Ensure equipment is maintained and prepared for use. * Ensure operator maintenance such as ...

O&M provides public works services for the contracted cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Dana ... fire and storm events and other general emergencies. OC Public Works provides services on a ...

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

O&M provides public works services for the contracted cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Dana ... fire and storm events and other general emergencies. OC Public Works provides services on a ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Wildland Firefighter

Columbia, SC · On-site

$35K - $46K/yr

... operator maintenance necessary to maintain fire suppression equipment in a state of readiness; performs various forestry services including firebreaks, prescribed burns, and water bar construction ...

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Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator information

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How much do independent contractor forest fire equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor forest fire equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator vs Firefighter?

AspectIndependent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment OperatorFirefighter
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingFirefighter certification, EMT training
Work EnvironmentRural, forested areas, often seasonalFire stations, emergency scenes, various locations
Employer & IndustryContracted by forestry agencies or private companiesGovernment agencies, fire departments

While both roles involve fire management, Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operators focus on operating specialized equipment in forested areas, often on a contractual basis. Firefighters perform direct fire suppression and rescue in various environments. The key differences lie in certifications, work settings, and employment structure.

More about Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Forest 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 $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

SEASONAL FOREST FIRE INTERN

Providence, RI • On-site


State of Rhode Island
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Seasonal Forest Fire Intern

The State is accepting online applications for available Seasonal Forest Fire Intern positions.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

Assist in delivering the Forest Fire Program to promote resilient landscapes and fire-adapted communities. This applicant will be required to assist fire staff with manual and technical tasks including, but not limited to, Firehose testing, cleaning and delivery/pickup; Fire equipment inventory and maintenance; Forest data collection, compilation, and recording; Conduct wildfire risk and hazard assessments. Training for required tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications for Appointment

Degree in Forestry/Forest Management, (Forest) Ecology, OR similar biological science, OR be currently enrolled in college and having had courses in those disciplines OR have equivalent field experience. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Applicant must be able to work outdoors, often in varying weather and environmental conditions. This position requires a commitment of a 35-hour work week, occasionally on a weekend, from spring through the fall, with some flexibility with scheduled work hours and start/end dates. Must be 18 years of age to apply for this position.



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