Forest Fire Equipment Operator

State of North Carolina; Goldsboro (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to maintain and operate equipment for wildland fire suppression and forest management. Responsibilities include equipment repairs and emergency response. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in heavy equipment operation, with a focus on teamwork and effective communication.

Benefits

Official uniforms provided

Overnight travel may be necessary

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozers, motor graders, or excavators.
• Ability to operate a truck tractor with a low boy trailer under various conditions.
• Experience/training in wildland firefighting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate heavy equipment for wildland fire suppression and forest management.
• Assist with minor equipment repairs and support educational programs.
• Respond during emergencies like wildfires and participate on incident management teams.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Self-starter, service-oriented, and cooperative work attitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is designated as an emergency response division comprising professionals dedicated to forest protection, resource management, and environmental education for North Carolina residents and landowners through various programs. The NCFS serves all 100 counties in the state.

This position involves maintaining and operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, hauling units, and others used in wildland fire suppression, presuppression, prescribed burning, and forestation. Responsibilities include minor equipment repairs, assisting district mechanics with major repairs, and supporting information and education programs or other forest management activities. The role also requires responding during emergencies like wildfires and natural disasters, and participating on incident management teams as assigned.

Work hours are typically from 8-5, Monday through Friday, with extended readiness involving evenings, holidays, and weekends. Availability after hours during fire danger periods and emergencies is required. Overnight travel may also be necessary. Residency requirements will be discussed during the interview.

Duty Station Location: 434 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Official NCFS uniforms are provided by the employer. A driving evaluation for a 13-speed hauling unit and a crawler proficiency evaluation will be administered on the day of the interview. Pre-employment mandatory drug testing is required.

For more information about state employee benefits, Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aims to promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for all North Carolinians. The department employs approximately 2,000 staff members.

To learn how to apply, Click Here to Watch this video.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozers, motor graders, or excavators.
• Ability to operate a truck tractor with a low boy trailer under various conditions.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Self-starter, service-oriented, and cooperative work attitude.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications include skills in minor equipment repairs and experience/training in wildland firefighting. Candidates may qualify through a combination of education and experience, typically requiring a high school diploma or GED and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.

Special requirements include:

• Completion of NC FFEO training within two years of hire.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Learner's Permit with the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire.
• Passing a drug screening and possessing a Medical Examiner's Certification (Medical Card).

Applicants must follow application instructions carefully, including documenting all relevant education and experience. Veterans or National Guard applicants should submit appropriate documentation.

Positions requiring law enforcement, aviation safety, or pilot licenses, as well as those requiring a CDL, are subject to pre-employment drug testing and DMV physicals. A USDOT medical certificate is required before employment.

Questions regarding this posting can be directed to 919-707-3201.