Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, EO2

Full Job Description

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 2/5/26. 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 our Southeast Region working as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, EO2 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 acres burned. In addition, this position supports the WADNR’s 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 year’s 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.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Fire readiness, fuels mitigation, forest resiliency.
• Operate dozers, excavators, and transports both during fire suppression and non-emergency situations.
• Perform maintenance on heavy equipment, engines, chainsaws, and pumps.
• Assist with training both internal firefighters and 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:

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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position’s 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.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments, and the work center is frequent. Overnight travel for training and meetings may be required one to three times per year.
• Must pass the work capacity test at the level required for all NWCG qualified position

A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

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 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.

Desired Qualifications:
• 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.
• Equipment Operating Experience: Three years 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 minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL-rated transport equipment, including lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, 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
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills,s and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
• 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: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• 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 info@governmentjobs.com 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 court.martin@dnr.wa.gov/509-899-7613 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s 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 state’s 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, Women’s 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 includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and 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 Veteran’s 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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