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Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire Equipment Inc ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Medford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Hartford, CT · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

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Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator information

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$13

$22

$31

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

As of Aug 10, 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, 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 $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Forest Fire Equipment Operator-FFEO

State of North Carolina

Columbus, NC • On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th 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
60032011
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
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
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: 3835 Joe Brown Hwy., Chadbourn, NC 28431
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

What State Of North Carolina employees say

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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