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$16

$25

$45

How much do seasonal cal fire dozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal cal fire dozer operator in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator?

A Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator is a trained professional who operates bulldozers during California's wildfire season to help control and contain wildfires. These operators are responsible for creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation, and assisting ground crews by moving heavy materials and debris. They work under hazardous and rapidly changing conditions, typically as part of a larger firefighting team. This position is seasonal, meaning operators are employed primarily during periods of high wildfire risk, usually from spring through fall.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator?

To thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, knowledge of fire behavior, and typically a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) along with relevant safety training. Familiarity with dozer maintenance, GPS navigation systems, and fire suppression tools is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective wildfire containment, personal and crew safety, and protection of property and natural resources during high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operators during wildfire incidents?

Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operators often face challenging terrain, unpredictable fire behavior, and long shifts, especially during peak wildfire season. Operators must navigate steep, rugged landscapes while maintaining safety and precision under pressure. Coordinating with firefighters and command staff is critical, as is adapting quickly to changing conditions to effectively create fire breaks and support containment efforts. These challenges require strong situational awareness, teamwork, and a high level of technical skill with heavy equipment.

What is the difference between Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator vs Seasonal Forest Firefighter?

AspectSeasonal Cal Fire Dozer OperatorSeasonal Forest Firefighter
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety trainingFirefighter certification, basic first aid
Work EnvironmentOperating heavy machinery in fire-prone areasDirect fire suppression, terrain navigation
Employer & IndustryCal Fire, firefighting agenciesCal Fire, forest service, emergency agencies

The Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator primarily focuses on operating heavy machinery like bulldozers to create firebreaks and clear vegetation, requiring specialized equipment certifications. In contrast, the Seasonal Forest Firefighter engages directly in fire suppression efforts, often performing ground patrols and rescue operations. Both roles are essential in wildfire management, but they differ in job duties, required skills, and work environment.

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Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Cal Fire Dozer Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,558 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

San Fernando, CA • On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 295 rated public sector bodies

Job description

This position is located within the Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5.
This position serves as an assistant to the Fire Dozer Operator of a Forest Service Fire Dozer Module.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-5)
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Made initial evaluation of fire situation and determined suppression methods to use, suppression access, vehicle placement, deployment of dozer, and point of initial attack. Laid out fuel reduction contract areas and conducted the initial surveys to establish area boundaries and prepared maps delineating treatment areas. Assisted the operator of fire dozer module in responding to wildland fires. Assisted in directing the dozer to fire location and positioning in appropriate location in consideration of safety of personnel and equipment.
OR
One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
OR
Combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience
Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 Days of Entry on Duty.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATION section for educational requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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