Heavy Fire Equipment Operator

Title: Heavy Fire Equipment Operator

Agency: Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Council

Supervisor: Fire Chief / Deputy Fire Chief

Salary Classification: TMTC/TMHA Non-Exempt (N), Hourly

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Personal Holiday, 401(k)

Summary:

Under general supervision of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and the Lead Heavy Fire Equipment Operator, the Heavy Fire Equipment Operator operates and maintains heavy fire equipment: dozers, excavators, transports, and other specialized firefighting apparatuses, to support fire suppression, emergency response, and fuels management project operations within the Tuolumne Rancheria, surrounding areas, throughout California and the United States. The Heavy Fire Equipment Operator ensures operational readiness, performs routine and preventative maintenance, and assists in wildland fire suppression, fuels management, and emergency incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate bulldozers, excavators, skidders, transport units, and other heavy equipment in fire suppression, fire prevention, and other fuels management projects.
• Construct fire control lines, fuel breaks, and access roads to aid in wildland fire suppression efforts.
• Respond to emergency incidents, including wildfires, structure fires, floods, and other disasters, to assist in containment and mitigation efforts.
• Perform routine inspections, servicing, and preventative maintenance of fire equipment and apparatus to ensure operational readiness.
• Able to safely and properly load or unload heavy equipment, ensuring proper load securement for transportation to and from emergency incidents or project sites.
• Work under hazardous conditions, often in rugged terrain, inclement weather, and extreme heat.
• Collaborate with fire crews, incident commanders, and other emergency personnel to coordinate firefighting and rescue operations.
• Conduct fuel reduction projects, vegetation management, and prescribed burning operations to mitigate fire risks.
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, regulations, and department policies while operating heavy equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment use, repairs, fuel consumption, and incident response activities.
• Participate in ongoing training, safety briefings, and professional development related to heavy equipment operation and firefighting.
• Assist with community outreach programs to promote fire safety and prevention efforts.
• Perform routine maintenance such as greasing, blowing air filters and equipment.
• Able to identify repair needs such as replacing broken hoses or other minor repairs, perform welding, cutting and/or fabricating metal as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Tuolumne Rancheria Fire Department

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year experience operating heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, and masticators, preferably in a fire suppression or fuels management setting.
• Possession of a valid Class A commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements or the ability to obtain within (1) year.
• Must be willing to register for the DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Clearinghouse Services program.
• Successful completion of an approved Heavy Fire Equipment Operator training program within 18 months of hire.
• Knowledge of safe operating practices for heavy equipment in fire suppression and emergency response situations.
• Ability to work extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and be on call as needed.
• Must be able to work in remote locations under physically demanding conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as fire dozer operator or swamper.
• Qualified dozer operator initial attach (DZIA) or ability to obtain.
• Experience working with Tribal, federal, state, or local fire agencies.
• Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) courses (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800).
• Basic Wildland Firefighter Certification FF1 (S-130/S-190) or ability to obtain.
• Experience conducting prescribed burns and fuels reduction projects.
• Mechanical aptitude for diagnosing and repairing heavy equipment.

Uphold Tribal Vision Statement:

The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a Sovereign Nation that is dedicated to upholding Social and Economic Stability through Self-Reliance and to promote the Health, Safety and Welfare of our Indian People.

Physical Requirements:

Work involves frequent exposure to fire, smoke, extreme temperatures, and hazardous conditions. Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including fire-resistant clothing, helmet, gloves, and boots. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; hiking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, crawling, and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting in excess of 50 pounds; working for long periods of time; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity; hearing, talking and possess good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers; subject to outside environmental conditions of heat and cold; walking on uneven ground.

Indian Preference:

Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to qualified Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native American of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal opportunity employer.

Pre-employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon pre-employment background and drug test results.