Independent Contractor Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs

CAREER DESCRIPTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Equipment Operator positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST). The first round of consideration ends Friday, August 21, 2026 The second round of consideration ends Friday, September 11, 2026 The third round of consideration ends Friday, October 2, 2026 OC OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE/OC PUBLIC WORKS OC Operations and Maintenance (O&M) is a section of OC Public Works (OCPW) whose goal is to serve the citizens of Orange County by providing a safe environment and enhanced quality of life through improvements to and maintenance of public infrastructure

Operations and Maintenance provides a wide range of planning, design, project management, construction, and maintenance services to Orange County's unincorporated areas, 380 miles of flood control channels, 4 dams, 8 pumping stations, 320 road miles, and other infrastructure. O&M provides public works services for the contracted cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and the Foothill/Eastern and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agencies. O&M also plays a crucial role in responding to the needs of the public in the aftermath of devastating fire and storm events and other general emergencies.

OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works' core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance & OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance. Click here for more information on OC Public Works. Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating ten-wheel haul trucks and various types of small equipment. The Equipment Operator hauls materials to support the maintenance and repair of activities associated with flood control facilities, channels, parks, beaches, and unincorporated roads in the County of Orange. The Equipment Operator also has supporting roles such as proper installation of Best Management Practices (BMP's), traffic control during the storm or fire season, water truck operations for dust control, and wild land fire assistance.

In addition, the equipment operator may lead crews of various sizes to accomplish projects; and performs other manual intensive labor duties as required. The immediate vacancies are within the following area(s): Equipment Operations Unit - The incumbent will work a 4/10 shift, Monday to Thursday with every Friday off OR Tuesday to Friday with every Monday off. An employee within this classification may be designated as a "key responder" and as such shall be required to respond to non-normal working hour emergency operational conditions.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class A, with air brakes, tanker, and combination vehicle endorsements, is required before the date of appointment and must be maintained while employed in this series. Please attach a copy (FRONT & BACK) of license when applying. In accordance with the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, incumbents will be subject to random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES The successful candidate will possess one (1) year or more of experience which demonstrates the ability to operate single unit trucks, wheel and track-laying tractors, rollers and other light equipment safely to accomplish a task and knowledge of single unit trucks, dump trucks, wheel and track laying tractors, rollers and other specialized light equipment. Incumbents will also be expected to perform manual labor duties as assigned. In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies: Technical Expertise Knowledgeable of the appropriate use of equipment and materials, traffic control, traffic safety regulations, utility protection, and construction-related skills Uses knowledge and judgment in applying appropriate methods and techniques to ensure speed, quality, and consistency in work objectives Has a clear understanding of on-the-job knowledge and skills relating to construction and/or related fields Safety Knowledge Ensures safe work practices associated with the appropriate use of equipment and materials, traffic control, traffic safety regulations, utility protection, and construction site safety Recognizes potential hazards in the workplace and sees that they are addressed Knowledgeable of Public Works, State, and Federal safety regulations including reporting requirements Communication Accurately and concisely exchanges information with others, both orally and in writing Effectively follows written and oral instruction and is able to take instructions from others Actively listens to others for full understanding of what is being communicated Comprehends and interprets technical material related to the position MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Please click here for details on the Equipment Operator classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer) Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job.

Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Performance Exam (Weighted 100%) A performance exam is a test in which applicants demonstrate their knowledge, skills and, ability to performing job related tasks. It is designed to assess how effectively applicants apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities in realistic or simulated scenarios.

A panel of job knowledge experts evaluates performance using standardized criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified.

All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures. Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person.

Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at brian.quinlan@pw.oc.gov or 714-667-9750. EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.