Engineering Equipment Operator

Forest Service • Butte, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization. The Engineering Equipment Operator primarily operates heavy equipment for initial attack, fire suppression, and fuels management activities. The operator uses knowledge of fire behavior, fuels, weather, and topography to perform initial attack safely and effectively. Suppression work may be performed under immediate supervision or independently.

The position may also support fire, roads, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities. Work is generally conducted on flat or rolling terrain with simple terrain problems. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment lasting up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funding, and an extension may be possible without further competition. The position is not eligible for telework.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and at least 18 years old.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks, E-Verify, and pre-employment drug testing; subject to random drug testing thereafter.
• Must register with the DOT Clearinghouse as a driver and complete and respond to a Query Consent.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required for fire assignments.
• Must pass the moderate-level Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test: hike two miles within 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.
• Must meet the applicable Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards, including medical screening for moderate-level wildland firefighting.
• Must hold a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, as applicable to the equipment operated.
• Must demonstrate the ability to perform the work with no more than normal supervision, operate motor vehicles safely, follow instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment, maintain orderly work practices, and demonstrate reliability and dependability.
• Must obtain required permits for transporting and operating assigned equipment.
• No substitution of education is allowed for this position.
• Must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to push, pull, pile, or load materials such as sand, gravel, and earth.
• Clear brush, tree stumps, and rocks while constructing fire lines for suppression and prescribed fire activities.
• Adjust equipment attachments to the appropriate level, angle, or depth for the work and equipment.
• Perform qualified duties on wildland and prescribed fires.
• Support fire, roads, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities as assigned.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
• Transport heavy equipment to job sites.
• Complete required agency administrative duties.
• Provide direction and instruction to personnel assigned to assist.
• Perform wildfire suppression support as directed and within training and physical capabilities.
• Obtain appropriate permits for transporting and operating assigned equipment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees; specific eligibility depends on position type and appointment.

What This Job Offers

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