Engineering Equipment Operator Helper

Forest Service•Baldwin, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located on a National Forest fire crew and supports a fire management organization. The employee assists a fire dozer operator and journeyman engineering equipment operators with initial attack, fire suppression, and fuels management activities. Under close supervision, the employee learns and performs common duties involved in operating and maintaining heavy engineering equipment, including tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, dump trucks, and soil compactors. Work also includes manual construction and repair tasks, such as installing culverts, drainage structures, water sources, and pipelines, and repairing equipment or house trailers. The position may support wildfire suppression within the employee’s training and physical capabilities. The position is temporary, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year (not to exceed one year). The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds, and an extension may be possible without further competition. The anticipated start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework. Work may involve remote locations and occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments. The employee must pass and maintain the arduous-level Work Capacity Test and meet applicable medical standards for wildland firefighting. Depending on the equipment operated, the position may require a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must satisfy applicable Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
Must pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify employment verification, and pre-employment drug test; random drug testing also applies.
Must pass and maintain the arduous-level Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test: hike three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Must undergo medical screening and meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate-level duty.
Must be willing to live and work in remote locations; occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments.
Must be able to perform the work with no more than normal supervision, follow instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation, and work safely with motor vehicles and non-motorized equipment.
A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license may be required depending on the type of equipment operated.
There is no substitution of education for this position.
Qualifications are evaluated based on relevant experience and training, including paid or unpaid and volunteer experience; applicants are assessed on job-related knowledge and abilities.

Responsibilities

Assist journeyman equipment operators with equipment operation and operate equipment under close supervision.
Support the operation of heavy equipment, including industrial tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, dump trucks, and soil compactors.
Service equipment and perform operator maintenance, minor repairs, and adjustments; report major mechanical problems to a supervisor.
Learn equipment controls, adjust attachments, and perform common duties associated with operating heavy engineering equipment.
Help maintain equipment for emergency use in fire suppression.
Perform work safely and efficiently according to established standards, following detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments.
Perform manual work such as installing culverts, drainage structures, water sources, and associated pipelines.
Assist with repairs to equipment, including house or equipment trailers.
Provide wildfire suppression support as directed and within training and physical capabilities.