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Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator Jobs in California

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Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator information

What is a volunteer fire dozer operator?

A Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator is a trained volunteer who operates bulldozers and similar heavy equipment during wildfire and fire suppression efforts. Their main responsibility is to create firebreaks, clear vegetation, and assist firefighters in containing and controlling wildfires. These operators work alongside fire personnel, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, to help protect lives, property, and natural resources. They must be skilled in using heavy machinery and understanding fire behavior. Volunteer Fire Dozer Operators typically receive specialized training and may be called upon during emergency fire incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer fire dozer operator?

To thrive as a Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation experience, and a basic understanding of wildfire behavior, often supported by specialized training or certification in heavy machinery and fire safety. Familiarity with fire dozers, GPS systems, and communication radios is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, effective fireline construction and supporting wildfire suppression efforts in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer fire dozer operators during wildfire incidents?

Volunteer Fire Dozer Operators often face unpredictable terrain, rapidly changing fire conditions, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. Coordination with other firefighting teams is critical, as operators must ensure their equipment is used safely and effectively to create firebreaks and protect structures. Additionally, the physical and mental demands of long shifts and potential exposure to smoke and heat require strong endurance and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectVolunteer Fire Dozer OperatorVolunteer Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter training, equipment operationBasic firefighting, first aid
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, construction sites, rough terrainFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency scenes
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency response teams

The Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator specializes in operating heavy machinery like dozers to create firebreaks and clear debris, often working alongside firefighters. Volunteer Firefighters perform direct firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical tasks. Both roles require firefighting training, but the dozer operator focuses on equipment operation in challenging terrains, while firefighters engage in direct fire suppression and rescue efforts.

How to become a volunteer fire dozer operator?

To become a volunteer fire dozer operator, individuals typically need to complete fire service training, including equipment operation and safety courses, and gain experience in wildfire suppression. Certification in heavy equipment operation and familiarity with firefighting protocols are often required, along with physical fitness and availability for emergency responses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California?

For Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Fire Dozer Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Forest Service

Arcadia, CA • On-site, Remote

$57K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Fire Dozer Operator in responding to wildland fires and positioning the dozer appropriately.

  • Complete reports related to fire activities, time, attendance, and safety incidents.

  • Gather data on fuels and assist in preparing plans for fuels management, treatment, and burn plans.


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
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.gov
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • May provide on-the-job training to others in methods and techniques of firefighting including use of hand tools, use of dozers, and safety.
  • Completes reports for time and attendance, fire time, crew time, and accident/injury reports, fire replacement equipment requisitions.
  • Prepares job hazard analysis for the fire dozer operator for review and concurrence. Prepares and leads tailgate safety meetings.
  • Gathers data and may lead others in gathering data from natural and/or activity generated fuels and assists in the preparation of plans and direction for fuels management, fuels treatment, and other plans such as burn plans for other resources.
  • Makes initial evaluation of fire situation and determines suppression method to use, suppression access, vehicle placement, deployment of dozer, point of initial attack.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • 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 is requesting a waiver to the requirement.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
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.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
Availability of government housing, federal day care facilities, and telework may be available. Some positions filled via this announcement are bargaining unit positions represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW. This is dependent upon unit location.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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