Operations Specialist - Sawyer / Fuels Reduction

Burnbot, Inc.; Diamond Bar B Ranch (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

BurnBot, Inc. seeks Field Operations Specialists to join our wildfire fuel-reduction crews. This hands-on role involves outdoor work with chainsaws and hand tools to clear vegetation and support land-management projects.

The position is full-time, non-exempt, with an hourly range of $24–$32 depending on experience and certifications. Travel up to 75% along the west coast is expected, with work at remote sites and adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Over one year of experience operating and maintaining a chainsaw.
• Excellent customer service skills and a service mindset.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform outdoor labor.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% of the time along the west coast.
• Experience in vegetation management or wildland fire mitigation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate chainsaws, hand tools and brush-clearing equipment to remove vegetation.
• Limb, buck, drag and pile brush and small trees.
• Support fire mitigation and land management projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe worksite and follow field safety protocols.
• Travel to job sites, often in remote or rugged locations.
• Comply with all regulations and ensure equipment is maintained.

Skills

Chainsaw operation

Outdoor labor

Safety awareness

Customer service

Self-motivation

Tools

Mini Skid Steer

Mini Excavator

Job description

• Base Pay $24.00 - $32.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Non-Exempt (FT)

Operations Specialist

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 Field Operations Specialists to join our on-the-ground wildfire fuel reduction crews. This role is hands-on and physically demanding. You’ll be working outdoors using chainsaws and hand tools to cut, limb, and clear trees and brush. We’re looking for individuals who have real-world field experience; whether you’ve worked in forestry, wildland fire suppression, fuels mitigation or vegetation management. 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 $24-$32. Placement within the range depends on experience, certifications, and skills.

Required Tasks

Operate chainsaws, hand tools and brush-clearing equipment to remove vegetation

Limb, buck, drag and pile brush and small trees

Support fire mitigation and land management projects

Maintain a clean, safe worksite and follow all field safety protocols

Travel to job sites, often in remote or rugged locations

Comply with all state and federal regulations, safety or otherwise

Ensure issued equipment is properly maintained and clean at all times

Perform minor repairs on hand tools, power equipment and vehicles, as needed

Assess site, terrain and weather conditions before operating equipment to ensure personal and team safety

Strong bias for action and the ability to execute assigned tasks with or without guidance

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

More than one year of experience operating and maintaining a chainsaw

Valid driver's license and ability to be insured under company policy (this role requires driving company vehicles and trailers to remote job sites)

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 50 lbs. with regularity

Comfortable with physically demanding, outdoor labor in varying conditions

Willingness to travel 5+ days along the west coast, up to 75% of the time (and will most likely be home for the weekends)

Experience in vegetation management, tree work, or hazardous fuels mitigation

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for Burnbot’s mission
• Experience operating a Mini Skid Steer and Mini Excavator
• Any of the following certifications; FFT1, FFT2, FALB, FIRB, CRWB, ENGB
• Experience in wildland firefighting, prescribed burns, forestry, timber, logging, or as a sawyer, faller or arborist
• Experience operating farm, forestry, equipment or other heavy equipment, trucks and large trailers
• Welding experience

Physical requirements and working conditions

This position is performed primarily outdoors at active fuels treatment and prescribed fire sites. Essential functions include: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing on uneven, steep, or unimproved terrain for extended periods; working full shifts in variable and adverse conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and smoke; operating, carrying, and maintaining hand and power tools, including chainsaws; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and occasionally more with assistance; wearing required personal protective equipment for the duration of the shift, including fire-resistant clothing, hard hat, hearing and eye protection, gloves, and safety footwear; maintaining situational awareness and communicating clearly by radio in high-noise environments; and traveling by vehicle and by air to remote sites, including overnight and multi-day assignments.

BurnBot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, military or veteran status, status as a protected or honorably discharged veteran, reproductive health decisionmaking, primary language, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, request for family care or medical leave, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, or any combination of these characteristics.

Employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background check and a pre-employment drug screen, conducted after a conditional offer of employment and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law, including fair chance laws under which qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records are considered for employment.