Forest Roads Eqipment Operator

Klickitat Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,517.00 – $5,241.00 Monthly

Please Note: In addition to the salary range advertised, assignment pay of 10% of the base rate may be available when operating higher-level equipment.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 02/18/2026. 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 as an Equipment Operator 2 (EO2).
 
Are you passionate about the outdoors? Are you interested in a career that allows you to serve local communities by promoting healthy working forests? Do you enjoy operating heavy equipment in challenging and diverse terrain? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast (SE) Region Engineering workgroup is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator 2 to join a team responsible for maintaining the DNR’s road infrastructure, improving recreation sites, assisting in timber sale implementation, and supporting various SE Region programs from Recreation to Natural Areas. In conjunction with the Heavy Equipment Operator Lead, the Equipment Operator 2 performs a variety of maintenance and construction projects in the Klickitat area of the SE region. This position is part of an engineering team that maintains approximately 100 or more miles of forest roads each year for the benefit of SE Region State Lands operations and the public. The role also involves working on diverse projects, ranging from forest road maintenance to supporting wildfire suppression activities. Typical duties include: – Maintaining road infrastructure using a variety of heavy equipment (typically a dozer, grader, dump truck and tilt trailer, and excavator as needed) throughout the Klickitat area in challenging conditions and terrain; – Performing preventative maintenance on heavy equipment in consultation with SE Region mechanics; – Completing all assigned paperwork related to position activities; – Assisting other programs as needed, including but not limited to timber sale road maintenance, snow plowing, maintaining and improving recreation sites, emergency road repairs to DNR infrastructure, special projects requiring heavy equipment operation, and initial attack support for fire control. If you love working outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy providing benefits to the public, and have practical experience operating heavy equipment focused on road maintenance and improvement, along with a proven ability to work as part of a small team, we encourage you to apply.

Required Qualifications: 

• Ability to operate a pickup-sized vehicle in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment such as: John Deere 772 grader, D-5dozer, excavator, vibratory roller, 10 cubic yard tandem axle diesel dump truck, 20-ton tilt bed trailer, backhoe w/ front end loader, 40-foot boom truck, power brush cutter, and various hand tools needed for maintenance (welder, cutting torch, etc.).
• Ability to perform routine heavy equipment maintenance along with troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of state motor vehicle laws, including those pertaining to the use and transportation of heavy equipment.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.