Engineering Equipment Operator Helper

Forest Service • Butte, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization. The employee assists a fire dozer operator and journeyman engineering equipment operators with initial attack, wildfire suppression, and fuels management activities. Under close supervision, the employee helps operate and maintain heavy equipment and performs manual work supporting fire and engineering projects.

The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year, and may end earlier due to lack of work or funding. The job is not eligible for telework. Employees must be willing to live and work in remote, potentially volatile or unpredictable locations, and occasional overnight travel may be required for fire assignments. The position involves arduous wildland-fire physical demands and requires passing and maintaining the required Work Capacity Test level.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must successfully pass an employment eligibility verification check and background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and may be subject to random drug testing; appointment requires a negative result.
• Must pass and maintain the Arduous-level Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test: a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Must undergo medical screening and meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for the applicable duty level; the announcement specifies moderate-level medical qualification standards.
• Must be able to do the work without more than normal supervision and demonstrate safe motor-vehicle and non-motor-vehicle operation, safe driving, good work practices, and the ability to interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation.
• May be required to hold a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License depending on the vehicle or equipment operated.
• No substitution of education is allowed for this position.

Responsibilities

• Assist journeyman engineering equipment operators with operating heavy equipment, including large industrial tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, dump trucks, and soil compactors.
• Operate equipment under close supervision and learn to use controls and adjust equipment attachments.
• Service and perform operator maintenance on assigned equipment; make minor repairs and adjustments, and report major mechanical problems to a supervisor.
• Help maintain equipment for emergency use in fire suppression.
• Perform manual construction and repair tasks, including installing culverts, drainage structures, water sources, pipelines, and water capture and storage structures; assignments may also include repairing equipment or house trailers.
• Perform wildfire suppression support as directed and within training and physical capabilities.
• Perform work safely and efficiently according to established standards and follow detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on appointment type and schedule.
• Government housing and federal day-care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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