Become a Wildland Firefighter: Fire Dozer Operator

Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill, physical challenge, and a mission of service? The USDA Forest Service is currently hiring for the role of Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator). This position is vital to our nation's fire suppression strategy and the ongoing stewardship of our public lands.

Job Responsibilities

As a Fire Dozer Operator (WG-10), your primary responsibility is the safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery during wildfire suppression and natural resource projects. Key duties include:

Operating dozers, graders, backhoes, and front-end loaders on steep and rugged terrain.
Creating firelines and performing fuels management to prevent fire spread.
Hauling heavy equipment using semi-trucks and trailers up to 120,000 lbs.
Performing daily preventive maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on heavy machinery.
Following precise site specifications for road and campground construction.

Comparison of Key Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Licensure	Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required
Physical Fitness	Must pass the Work Capacity Test (Moderate)
Age Limit	Under 37 (with exceptions for veterans/prior service)
Background	Must pass drug testing and background checks

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Because this is a primary firefighter position, it is subject to specific age limits. You must also maintain a valid CDL and be registered with the DOT Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Salary and Benefits

Positions offer an hourly rate ranging from $33.11 to $45.46. Beyond base pay, the Federal government provides a robust benefits package including:

Specialized retirement provisions for firefighters.
Eligibility for relocation or recruitment incentives.
Government-managed housing opportunities in specific regions.

Serving as a Fire Dozer Operator is more than a job—it is a responsibility to protect our national heritage. If you possess the mechanical aptitude and the grit to operate heavy machinery under extreme conditions, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and submit your application.

Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator) Job Matters

Master the terrain and protect our nation's wildlands. The U.S. Forest Service is seeking skilled heavy equipment operators to serve as frontline Wildland Firefighter Dozer Operators.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator) Job Overview

Join the USDA Forest Service in a critical role as a Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator). You will be tasked with operating specialized heavy equipment for initial attack, active fire suppression, and fuels management, as well as essential road and natural resource maintenance. This is a high-stakes, physically demanding role operating graders, bulldozers, and loaders across varied and challenging terrains.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must be possessed and maintained.
Registration for Selective Service if male born after 12-31-59.
Ability to pass a pre-employment and random drug screening.
Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the moderate level.
Must meet primary firefighter age requirements (under 37 or qualified for waiver).
Ability to perform heavy equipment operations in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations.
Registration with the DOT Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

Proficiency in operating various engineering and construction machinery including graders, dozers, backhoes, and front-end loaders.
Experience in heavy vehicle operation across steep, rocky, and adverse terrain.
Documented experience in preventive maintenance and minor repair of heavy equipment.
Ability to interpret complex technical specifications and instructions for equipment operation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
✓Federal retirement coverage under special 5 USC 8336(c) or 8412(d) provisions.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Opportunity for government housing in select locations.
✓Access to federal benefits package including health, life, and leave programs.

💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator) Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a comprehensive resume detailing your experience, hours worked per week, and equipment operated.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire at the official application portal.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, DOC, etc.).
Submit your application package electronically before the closing date of September 22, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties described in the announcement.
Verify that your uploaded documents transfer correctly to the agency's internal staffing system.
Do not include Adobe Portfolio files; stick to standard formats like PDF or Word.
Contact HR well in advance if you require reasonable accommodation or have a hardship that prevents online application.
Ensure your supervisor's contact information is accurate and that they are available for reference checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for this firefighter position?

Applicants must generally be under the age of 37. Waivers may be available for veterans with preference eligibility or those with specific prior Federal service in firefighting or law enforcement roles.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, this position is located in remote, rugged, and sometimes unpredictable environments. Candidates must be willing to work in various locations as mission needs dictate.

Do I need a specific license for this job?

Yes, you must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as a selective placement factor.

Job from Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests to meet the needs of present and future generations. As a Dozer Operator, you are a crucial part of a team that works in some of the most challenging environments in the country.