Engineering Equipment Operator Helper

Forest Service • Chadron, NE

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization. The employee assists a fire dozer operator and supports initial attack, fire suppression, and fuels management activities. Under close supervision, the employee assists journeyman engineering equipment operators, operates equipment, and performs service and operator maintenance. The employee receives training in the common duties of heavy-equipment operation, including operating controls and adjusting attachments, and reports major mechanical problems to a supervisor.

The role also includes manual work requiring prior experience or training, some manual skill, and very heavy physical effort. Examples include installing culverts, drainage structures, water sources and pipelines, and water capture and storage structures; assignments may also involve repairing equipment such as house or equipment trailers. The employee may provide wildfire suppression support within their training and physical capabilities, and must perform work safely and efficiently according to established standards.

This is a temporary federal position for the FY2027 hiring season, expected to start between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The appointment may last up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year, and may end early due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework. Work may be in remote locations, and occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. Duty location and pay vary; the posted salary range is based on Rest of the U.S. locality pay.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing with a negative result and be subject to random drug testing after appointment.
• Must undergo medical screening and meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for the specified duty level.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test at the Moderate level: hike two miles within 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• Must be able to perform very heavy physical work and wildfire suppression support within training and physical capabilities.
• Must demonstrate the job elements listed in the announcement, including ability to work without more than normal supervision, operate motor vehicles and equipment safely, maintain orderly work practices, and interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation.
• May be required to hold a valid state driver's license and a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license, depending on the equipment operated.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement's closing date.

Responsibilities

• Assist journeyman equipment operators and operate heavy equipment under close supervision.
• Support operation of heavy equipment such as 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 to operate equipment controls and adjust attachments.
• Assist in maintaining equipment for emergency use in fire suppression.
• Perform manual work such as installing culverts, drainage structures, water sources and pipelines, and water capture and storage structures.
• Repair various types of equipment, which may include house or equipment trailers.
• Provide wildfire suppression support as directed and within training and physical capabilities.
• Perform work safely and efficiently in accordance with established standards and follow detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of federal employee benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed