Forest Fire Equipment Operator

Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, seeks a Forest Fire Equipment Operator to maintain and operate heavy equipment for wildland fire suppression and forest management across North Carolina. The role requires CDL or ability to obtain it within 90 days, long hours during fire danger, and readiness for overnight travel.

Responsibilities include operating bulldozers and hauling units, performing minor repairs, and supporting education

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Two years of heavy equipment operation experience preferred.
• Completion of NC FFEO training within two years of hire.
• Possession of a valid NC Commercial Driver's License on hire date or obtain CDL within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator.
• Drive a truck tractor with a low boy trailer as needed.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and assist district mechanic with major repairs.
• Respond to emergencies and participate on incident management teams as assigned.
• Work 8–5, M-F with after-hours readiness during fire danger periods and emergencies.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Operate bulldozer

Operate truck tractor

Teamwork

Self-starter

Service oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years heavy equipment operation experience

Job description

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division North Carolina Forest Service Job Classification Title Forest Fire Equipment Operator (S) Position Number 60031967 Grade NC07

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NCFS provides services to all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Duties

• Maintenance and operation of a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation
• Perform minor equipment repairs and assist district mechanic with major repairs
• Assist with information and education programs, a variety of forest management activities or other tasks
• Respond in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters
• Participate on incident management teams as assigned

Work Hours and Availability

Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Extended times of readiness will involve evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Must be available after working hours during fire danger periods and times of emergency response. Overnight travel will be required.

Duty Station Location

116 Smokey Lane, Clinton, NC.

Equipment and Evaluations

• Official NCFS uniforms provided by employer
• 13 speed hauling unit Driving evaluation will be given the day of the interview
• Crawler Proficiency evaluation will be given the day of the interview
• Pre-employment mandatory drug testing required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

• Ability to maintain heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator
• Ability to operate a truck tractor with low boy trailer over the road in a variety of driving conditions
• Skilled in performing minor equipment repairs
• Ability to work independently or as a team player
• Must be a self-starter, service oriented and work cooperatively with others

Recruitment Range

$37,377 - $65,408

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Completion of NC FFEO training schedule within two years of hire
• Possession of a current North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License on hire date; OR possession of the North Carolina Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit and obtain the NC Commercial Driver’s License within 90 days of the hire date
• Job applicants must pass a drug screening test and possess a Medical Examiner's Certification (Medical Card) as a condition of a job offer and employment

Eligibility and Compliance

Job applicants must pass a drug screening test and possess a Medical Examiner's Certification (Medical Card) as a condition of a job offer and employment. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources / Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide.