Forest Fire Equipment Operator

Ncagr; Smithfield, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service in Smithfield, NC is seeking a Forest Fire Equipment Operator to maintain and operate heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression and forest management.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, two years of heavy equipment experience, and a current NC CDL on hire date (or permit with CDL within 90 days). The job offers a state-government environment with standard hours and occasional after-hours readiness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Completion of NC FFEO training within two years of hire.
• Current NC CDL on hire date; OR NC CDL permit with CDL within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, or excavator.
• Operate a truck tractor with low boy trailer over the road in varying conditions.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and assist district mechanic.
• Respond to emergencies such as wildland fires and participate on incident management teams.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Bulldozer operation

Motor grader operation

Excavator operation

Truck tractor with low boy trailer

Education

High school diploma or GED

Education/Experience equivalency

Tools

N/A

Job description

## Forest Fire Equipment OperatorApply: Johnston County, NC: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: October 27, 2026 (13 days left to apply): JR-126037**Agency**Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services**Division**North Carolina Forest Service**Job Classification Title**Forest Fire Equipment Operator (S)**Position Number**60031655**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. \\*\\*\\*This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered.\\*\\*\\* 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. This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a bulldozer, hauling unit, and other heavy equipment used in wildland fire suppression, pre-suppression, prescribed burning, and forestation. Performs minor equipment repairs and assists district mechanic with major repairs. May assist with information and education programs, a variety of forest management activities or other tasks. Responds in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters. Participates on incident management teams as assigned. 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. Residency requirements discussed at time of interview. Duty Station Location: 516 County Home Road Smithfield NC 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** Recruitment Range: $37,377 - $65,408 * 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. Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.**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.** Please follow the instructions to apply online. **It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application.**Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. 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. \\* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. \\* Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201. **Minimum Education and Experience**Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. 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