Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator 2 (EO2)

Posting number: 2026-7-A200-05930

Department: Dept. of Natural Resources

Job classification: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Fire & EMS, Land Use, Natural Resources, Forestry

Summary

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered 
Salary: $4746.00 - $5506.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/27/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator. 

Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself operating Heavy Equipment to fight fire across Washington’s most diverse geographic areas? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a bright, quick-thinking individual to fill the role of Initial Attack Heavy Equipment Operator in the East Zone of Northeast Region, based out of our Deer Park (Arcadia) location.  

The East Zone of the Northeast Region is comprised of the North Columbia and Arcadia units and serves areas such as Colville, Kettle Falls, Chewelah, and the greater Spokane area. The East Zone is the most active zone in the state for fire response, averaging 400-450 fire starts per year. It is a dynamic area that contains a wide variety of terrain and fuel types, from fast-moving urban interface fires to remote timber fires. The Arcadia unit serves areas of Spokane, Pend Orielle and Lincoln counties.

Examples of duties

Responsibilities:
This position will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of Firefighting Bulldozers, Excavators, and Transport Trucks/Trailers. When not assigned to wildfires, Heavy Equipment Operators may act as support staff for Wildland Fire Managers, work as line qualified firefighters, help with Prescribed Fire preparation and implementation, and assist with other Forest Health related work.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience.  It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 

• Two (2) years minimum experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two (2) years minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc. 

• Team Leadership -- Actively takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
• Decisiveness -- Makes timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions may produce unpleasant consequences. Under emergency or ambiguous circumstances, can produce an effective action plan on a timely basis.
• Tact and Diplomacy -- Responds to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
    
    

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position's assigned duty station is the Deer Park work center. The majority (85%) of work is in the field on wildfires or forest resiliency projects, requiring the ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The position must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments and work ce