Internship Forest Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Dozer Operator

Job Class: Laborer, Trades, and Equipment

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96279

• Location: Brainerd

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-time

• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 8/12/2026

• Closing Date : 9/01/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Forestry

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes – fire suppression and training

• Salary Range: $26.40 - $30.45 / hourly; $55,123 - $63,580 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME

• Work Area : Brainerd Area

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to provide specialized equipment operations necessary to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire on all land ownerships within the assigned Forestry Area and across the state. The position also performs specialized labor and equipment operations to support the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry-administered state lands. This position’s primary assigned duty is the operation of bulldozers and Type 4 engines to suppress wildfires, establish fire breaks, and perform equipment tasks to support prescribed burning on DNR-administered lands.

Season dates are approximately February 16 to November 15 annually. Seasons are subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and business need; hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate fire engine, dozer, tracked vehicle, or perform as crew member to suppress wildfires so that losses to life, property, and natural resources are minimized.

• Organize and prepare wildfire suppression equipment and supplies so that the program can operate safely and efficiently.

• Assist in presenting wildfire prevention outreach to a variety of audiences to reduce the occurrence of wildfires across the Area.

• Attend training as both a student and an instructor to further the Division’s wildfire program training and qualification goals.

• Operate, service, and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment and perform labor tasks using hand tools to accomplish forest stand development and management objectives on State Forest lands throughout the work area.

• Apply technical knowledge to operate, service and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment in the development and maintenance of state forest roads, trails, user facilities, forest recreation sites, field stations, and Area offices.

• Complete administrative tasks and safety and other job-related training, as assigned.

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Minimum Qualifications

• This position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) and passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.

• Qualified as a Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) in accordance with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) OR as a Firefighter I & II in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

• Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work directions.

• Ability to operate equipment and vehicles including dozers, skid steers, tractors, pumps, trailers, fire equipment, attachments, construction equipment (e.g. excavator, bulldozer, road grader), and specialized equipment is required

• Ability to service, perform minor repairs and adjust machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.

• Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work sufficient to assist or perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical assignments, including installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.

• Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.

• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely and effectively with others.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions sufficient to carry out assignments in a safe and efficient manner.

• Record keeping and basic math skills sufficient to record inventory data for inventory records

• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a group.

• Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public.

• Ability to communicate using hand-held radio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience OR two-year technical degree, with experience or coursework in wildfire suppression, equipment operation and maintenance, site design and construction, and landscape/vegetation management.

• Qualified as a Heavy Equipment Single Resource Boss (HEQB)

• Qualified as a Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)

• Qualified as a Dozer Operator – Initial Attack (MN DZIA).

• Experience in the safe operation of equipment and vehicles in fire suppression

• Knowledge of general construction methods.

• Knowledge of equipment, machinery and materials needed to develop, operate and maintain trail and water recreation facilities.

• Knowledge of various forest tending practices and operations to promote desired forest stand conditions.

• Basic First Aid/CPR certification or above.

• Tree identification skills.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.