Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)

State of WashingtonSpokane County – Other, WA
$4,746 - $5,506Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator. This position is for an Initial Attack Heavy Equipment Operator in the East Zone of Northeast Region, based out of our Deer Park (Arcadia) location. The East Zone is the most active zone in the state for fire response, averaging 400-450 fire starts per year. It is a dynamic area that contains a wide variety of terrain and fuel types, from fast-moving urban interface fires to remote timber fires. The Arcadia unit serves areas of Spokane, Pend Orielle and Lincoln counties.

Requirements

  • Two (2) years minimum experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
  • Two (2) years minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc.
  • Team Leadership -- Actively takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
  • Decisiveness -- Makes timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions may produce unpleasant consequences. Under emergency or ambiguous circumstances, can produce an effective action plan on a timely basis.
  • Tact and Diplomacy -- Responds to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
  • Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
  • Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
  • A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
  • Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses.
  • Successful completion of Operator Safety Training including knowledge of standard fire orders, situations that shout watch out and LCES.
  • Must pass the work capacity test at the level required for all NWCG qualified positions. At a minimum, must be able to pass the moderate work capacity test.
  • Employee must possess a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle endorsement to be able to drive equipment.
  • Pre-employment CDL verification, work history background check, and drug testing will be required as a condition of employment.
  • This position may be subject to pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug testing.

Nice To Haves

  • Fully qualified in multiple NWCG Single Resource Boss positions and ICT4 and maintain that level of certification.
  • Proven ability in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, mobile navigation applications and Global Positioning technology.
  • Three (3) or more years documented experience in operating dozers in a forested environment with wildland fire experience.
  • Three (3) or more years of documented experience operating excavators, skid steers and wood processing equipment in a forested environment.
  • Three (3) or more years of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc.
  • PM-310-1 rated Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
  • Experience with: Burn permit regulations, Fire regulatory and enforcement, Forest fire prevention, Fire investigation, Good writing and verbal communication skills, General forestry, Successful completion of S-236

Responsibilities

  • Safe and effective operation of Firefighting Bulldozers, Excavators, and Transport Trucks/Trailers.
  • When not assigned to wildfires, Heavy Equipment Operators may act as support staff for Wildland Fire Managers, work as line qualified firefighters, help with Prescribed Fire preparation and implementation, and assist with other Forest Health related work.

Benefits

  • Commitment to organizational health and wellness
  • Work/life balance
  • DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
  • Leadership that empowers and supports employees
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Educational and career development aid
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
  • Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
  • A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.
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