Heavy Equipment Operator - Sr. Operations Specialist

BurnBot; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 91,693,000 - 108,886,000; Full time

Job summary

BurnBot is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator / Senior Operations Specialist to join our Field Operations team in Irvine, CA. You will inspect and maintain equipment, conduct prescribed fuel treatments, and uphold safety standards to support BurnBot’s mission.

This non-exempt, hourly role pays $32-$38 and requires CDL, 2+ years of heavy equipment experience, and willingness to travel. You’ll work in remote, rugged outdoor environments and collaborate with leadership on daily production goals.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Flexibility to travel extensively (up to 75%).
• 2+ years operating heavy equipment (e.g., masticators, mulchers, skid steers).
• Familiarity with fire mitigation or vegetation management projects.
• Ability to perform field diagnostics and equipment maintenance.
• Comfortable working in remote, rugged outdoor environments.
• Excellent customer service skills with a service-minded attitude.
• Physical ability to lift up to 100 lbs and work 8+ hours daily.
• Willingness to travel 5+ days along the west coast, up to 75%.
• Willing to get certified to operate equipment on fire assignments.

Responsibilities

• Operate BurnBot’s remote mastication units in the field
• Navigate rugged terrain and vegetation using heavy equipment best practices
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and field maintenance on machinery
• Coordinate with leadership on daily production goals and project updates
• Comply with all state and federal regulations; safety or otherwise
• Maintain and promote a safe, productive and positive working environment
• Operate chainsaw to fell, delimb and buck trees at worksites
• Strong bias for action and the ability to execute assigned tasks with or without guidance
• Can adapt to a fast changing environment and work priorities
• Desire to learn, ask questions and take on new responsibilities as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

CDL

Travel readiness

Heavy equipment operation

Fire mitigation

Field diagnostics

Equipment maintenance

Remote outdoor work

Customer service

Physical fitness

Certifications readiness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Masticators

Forestry equipment

Chainsaw operation

Skid steer

Job description

• Location 6681 Marine Way, Irvine, CA, 92618, United States
• Base Pay $32.00 - $38.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Non-Exempt (FT)

About BurnBot

BurnBot provides systematic fuels treatment services to prevent destructive wildfires. We're firefighters, scientists, engineers, prescribed fire practitioners, ecologists, and community members who are answering the call to scale fuel treatment capacity. Our modern fuel treatment system recognizes and supports conservation efforts with a clean, smoke-free process. We need technology to amplify our workforces with targeted use of synthetic fire to treat fuel loads 10x faster than previously possible.

The Role

BurnBot is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator / Senior Operations Specialist to join our rapidly growing Field Operations team. This role will be responsible for daily inspection and maintenance of equipment, conducting mechanical and prescribed fire fuel treatments, upholding company safety standards, working with team members on a number of tasks that promote and enhance BurnBot’s mission. With a focus on completing a variety of work to ensure our customers satisfaction.

This role is a non-exempt role with an hourly rate $32-$38. However, we do consider many factors when creating job offers, including (but not limited to), the role, location, responsibilities, experience, training, education, and skillset.

Required Tasks

• Operate BurnBot’s remote mastication units in the field
• Navigate rugged terrain and vegetation using heavy equipment best practices
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and field maintenance on machinery
• Coordinate with leadership on daily production goals and project updates
• Comply with all state and federal regulations; safety or otherwise
• Maintain and promote a safe, productive and positive working environment
• Operate chainsaw to fell, delimb and buck trees at worksites
• Strong bias for action and the ability to execute assigned tasks with or without guidance
• Can adapt to a fast changing environment and work priorities
• Desire to learn, ask questions and take on new responsibilities as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Flexibility to travel extensively (up to 75%)
• 2+ years operating heavy equipment (e.g., masticators, mulchers, skid steers or other forestry machinery)
• Familiarity with fire mitigation or vegetation management projects
• Ability to perform field diagnostics and equipment maintenance
• Comfortable working in remote, rugged outdoor environments
• Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues and ability to discern when to seek assistance for efficient, effective resolutions
• Excellent customer service skills. Including listening, responding and assisting with a positive, of service mindset
• Physical ability to lift/push/pull weights of up to 100 lbs with regularity
• Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach, grasp and climb various surfaces and heights for 8+ hours per day
• Willingness to travel 5+ days along the west coast, up to 75% of the time (and will most likely be home for the weekends)
• Passion for Burnbot’s mission
• Willing to get certified to operate equipment on fire assignments

It would be cool if you…

• Have any of the following certifications: FFT1, FFT2, FALB, FIRB, RXB3, CRWB, ENGB, Commercial Drivers License class A or B
• Have experience in wildland firefighting, prescribed burns, forestry, timber, logging, or as a sawyer, faller or arborist
• Have experience operating farm, forestry, equipment or other heavy equipment, trucks and large trailers
• Have any welding experience

Additional Information

• Package Name: Burnbot Criminal Background Check Package + Drug Test

Burnbot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including but not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with one or more disabilities, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 415-795-9124 or [e-mail].