Heavy Fire Equipment Operator

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE); California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

CAL FIRE Riverside Unit seeks a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator in Riverside County for permanent, full-time work. The position operates heavy fire apparatus to support wildland firefighting, training, and incident response, with responsibilities focused on equipment readiness and safe operational techniques.

Applicants must hold a valid California CDL, pass medical clearance, and meet the department's eligibility requirements. Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026.

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver's License (CDL) required.
• Medical clearance required before hire.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-536863
• Position #(s): 542-312-6387-XXX
• Working Title: Heavy Fire Equipment Operator
• Classification: HEAVY FIRE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
• $6,230.00 - $7,694.00 A
• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
• # of Positions: 2
• Work Location: Riverside County
• Telework: In Office
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Facility: Riverside Unit

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Job Description And Duties

Contact Division Chief Mark Scoville at [phone] for questions related to the duties of the position.

Candidate may be selected by resume review.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.