Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, EO2

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, EO2
Recruitment #2025-7-A149
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region - Ellensburg, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,517.00 - $5,241.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 7/10/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within its Southeast Region as a Wildland Fire Equipment Operator for the Wildfire program, located in Ellensburg, Washington.

This position supports the mission and goals of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, WADNR, through fire suppression, fire hazard mitigation, and forest resiliency improvement. The overall objectives are to minimize fire damage and the number of acres burned. In addition, this position supports the WADNRs 20-year Forest Health Strategic Plan and 10-Year Wildland Fire Protection Strategic Plan by performing forest resiliency projects, forest fuel reduction work activities, and prescribed fire support. Activities are coordinated with other agencies and industry staff to avoid duplication and waste of resources whenever possible.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide for the skilled and safe operation of heavy equipment owned or leased by the WADNR, including transports, dozers, excavators, tenders, engines, masticating equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment. This position provides operation of heavy equipment in response to wildland fire emergency incidents, serves as fire line overhead as qualified, and supports forest resiliency and fire hazard mitigation projects.

This position may coordinate with other local government and federal fire suppression agencies. A typical years workload includes approximately 50 fire responses and 10 Forest Health and Fire Preparedness Projects.

This position also operates heavy equipment in non-emergency land management activities within the Region. This position serves as the primary operator of an initial attack fire dozer and as the primary transport driver. This position coordinates and/or conducts physical labor necessary to suppress and extinguish wildfires. Duties include heavy equipment operation, fire readiness, fire suppression, hazardous fuels mitigation, equipment/vehicle maintenance, forest resiliency activities, and general building/grounds maintenance. Duties

Responsibilities:

• Fire readiness, fuels mitigation, and forest resiliency
• Operate Dozers, excavators, and transports both during fire suppression and nonemergency situations.
• Perform maintenance on heavy equipment, engines, chainsaws, and pumps.
• Assist with training both internal firefighters as well as external equipment operators for blue card training.
• Occasionally participate in region and statewide committees. May assist with unit vehicle maintenance and assist with the inventory of fire unit equipment.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Possession of a Class A CDL

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years' experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two-year minimum documented experience operating Class A CDL-rated transport equipment, including lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, and 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 -- Respond 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The positions assigned duty station is the Southeast Region office in Ellensburg. The majority (85%) of work is in the field on wildfires or forest resiliency projects, requiring the ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Incumbent is often directed to work overtime hours during fire season. The schedule is also diverse and varies for fire response coverage. The schedule may include weekend days with schedule changes to accommodate weekend and evening training. Emergency overtime is provided for all responses within the Incident Command System.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments, and work centers is frequent. Overnight travel for training and meetings may be required one to three times per year.
• A valid, unrestricted drivers license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Must possess a Class A Commercial Drivers License with tank vehicle endorsement to be able to drive equipment.
• Must pass the work capacity test at the level required for all NWCG-qualified positions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years of minimum documented experience in operating dozers in a forested environment with wildland fire experience.
• Three years of documented experience operating excavators, skid steers, and wood processing equipment in a forested environment.
• Three years of minimum documented experience operating Class A CDL-rated transport equipment, including lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, and tilt bed transport
  trucks, etc.
• PM-310-1 rated Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
• Knowledge and/or experience of:
  • 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

Dont let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at ... . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Dont hesitate to apply! Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at ... with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Court Martin at ... /... or e-mail us at ...

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call ... or email ... . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or ....

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washingtons lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision Our actions ensure a future where Washingtons lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washingtons lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving We solve our states most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Womens Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• 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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .

Veterans wishing to claim Veterans preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at ... or email ... .

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