Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

Anticipated Non-permanent appointment 06/01/2026 – 06/30/2027
Location: Southeast Region – Naches, WA

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 04/23/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

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 agency and industry staff to avoid duplication and waste of resources whenever possible. 

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, along with 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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications: 

• Two-year minimum experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two-year minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment, to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 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.
• 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.