Forest Fire Equipment Operator

State of North Carolina•89 Buck Forest Rd Transylvania, NC

3d•$37,377 - $65,408•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks a Forest Fire Equipment Operator to maintain and operate a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation. The role includes performing minor equipment repairs and assisting the district mechanic with major repairs. The operator may also assist with information and education programs, forest management activities, and other tasks, and responds to wildland fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Participation on incident management teams may be assigned. Work hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended readiness periods may require evening, holiday, or weekend work. The employee must be available after regular working hours during fire danger periods and emergencies; overnight travel is required. The duty station is 89 Buck Forest Road, Cedar Mountain, North Carolina. Residency requirements will be discussed at interview. Official NCFS uniforms are provided. A 13-speed hauling-unit driving evaluation and a crawler proficiency evaluation will be conducted on the interview day. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.
Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator.
Ability to operate a truck tractor with low-boy trailer over the road in a variety of driving conditions.
Skill in performing minor equipment repairs.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team; must be self-starting, service-oriented, and cooperative.
Complete the NC FFEO training schedule within two years of hire.
Possess a current North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License on the hire date, or possess a North Carolina Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit and obtain the CDL within 90 days of the hire date.
Pass a drug screening test and possess a Medical Examiner’s Certification (Medical Card) as a condition of a job offer and employment.
Be available after working hours during fire danger periods and emergencies; extended readiness may involve evening, holiday, or weekend work, and overnight travel is required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and operate a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment for wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation.
Perform minor equipment repairs and assist the district mechanic with major repairs.
Respond to wildland fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Participate on incident management teams as assigned.
As needed, assist with information and education programs, forest management activities, or other tasks.