Heavy Equipment Operator - Sr. Operations Specialist

BurnBot; Placerville (CA); On-site; USD 44,083 - 52,348; Full time

Job summary

BurnBot in Placerville, CA is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Field Operations team. You will be responsible for operating heavy machinery to conduct prescribed fire fuel treatments, ensuring safety standards are met and fostering customer satisfaction through effective service delivery.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience with heavy equipment and a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License. This role offers competitive pay based on experience, with travel up to 75% required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years operating heavy equipment such as feller bunchers and mulchers.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License within first 90 days.
• Ability to perform field diagnostics and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and forestry machinery in the field.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and field maintenance on machinery.
• Comply with all state and federal regulations.

Skills

Operating heavy equipment

Customer service skills

Field diagnostics and equipment maintenance

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Heavy machinery

Job description

Location: 4505 Greenstone Road, Placerville, CA, 95667, 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. The focus is on completing a variety of work to ensure customer satisfaction.

This is a non‑exempt, hourly role with a rate of $32–$38. We consider many factors—role, location, responsibilities, experience, training, education, and skillset—when creating job offers.

Required Tasks

• Operate BurnBot’s heavy equipment and forestry machinery 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, including safety requirements
• Maintain and promote a safe, productive, and positive working environment
• Operate chainsaw to fell, delimb, and buck trees at worksites
• Show a strong bias for action and the ability to execute assigned tasks with or without guidance
• Adapt to a fast‑changing environment and shifting priorities
• Desire to learn, ask questions, and take on new responsibilities as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License and flexibility to travel extensively (up to 75%)
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License required within first 90 days of employment
• 5+ years operating heavy equipment (e.g., feller bunchers, 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
• Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues and discern when to seek assistance for efficient, effective resolutions
• Excellent customer service skills, including listening, responding, and assisting with a positive service mindset
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull, and carry weights of up to 100 lbs regularly
• 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 (likely home weekends)
• Passion for BurnBot’s mission
• Willing to get certified to operate equipment on fire assignments

Desired (It would be cool if you…)

• Certifications such as FFT1, FFT2, FALB, FIRB, RXB3, CRWB, ENGB, Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B
• Experience in wildland firefighting, prescribed burns, forestry, timber, logging, or as a sawyer, faller, or arborist
• Experience operating farm, forestry, or other heavy equipment, trucks, and large trailers
• Welding experience

Benefits & Additional Information

Package Name: Burnbot Criminal Background Check Package + Drug Test

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

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, veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics.