Job Summary

The MN Department of Natural Resources—Division of Forestry is hiring a full-time, * seasonal Dozer Operator, who will provide specialized equipment operations necessary to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire on all land ownerships within the assigned Forestry Area and across the state. * Seasonal employment dates run approximately February 16 to November 15 annually.

Based in Little Falls, MN, the Dozer Operator’s primary assigned duty is the operation of bulldozers, heavy equipment, and other engines to suppress wildfires, establish fire breaks, and perform equipment tasks to support prescribed burning on DNR-administered lands. Dozer Operators also perform specialized labor and equipment operations to support the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry-administered state lands.

Job Responsibilities

Dozer Operator primary responsibilities include:

• Operating fire engine, dozer, tracked vehicle, or performing as crew member to suppress wildfires so that losses to life, property, and natural resources are minimized. 
• Organizing and preparing wildfire suppression equipment and supplies so that the program can operate safely and efficiently. 
• Assisting in wildfire prevention presentations and outreach to a variety of audiences to reduce the occurrence of wildfires across the Area. 
• Attending training, as both a student and an instructor, to further the Division’s wildfire program training and qualification goals.
• Operating, servicing, and maintaining small, medium, and heavy equipment and performing labor tasks using hand tools to accomplish forest stand development and management objectives on State Forest lands throughout the work area.
• Applying technical knowledge to operate, service and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment in the development and maintenance of state forest roads, trails, user facilities, forest recreation sites, field stations, and Area offices.
• Completing administrative tasks and safety and other job-related training, as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) and passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise, qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of fire suppression including fire behavior, the incident command structure, suppression techniques, and fire equipment operation.
• Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work directions.
• Ability to operate equipment and vehicles including dozers, skid steers, tractors, pumps, trailers, fire equipment, attachments, construction equipment (e.g. excavator, bulldozer, road grader), and specialized equipment is required
• Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
• Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work sufficient to assist or perform carpentry, plumbing, and electrical assignments, including installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.
• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely and effectively with others.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions sufficient to carry out assignments in a safe and efficient manner.
• Record keeping and basic math skills sufficient to record inventory data for inventory records
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a group.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public.
• Ability to communicate using hand-held radio.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience OR two-year technical degree, with experience or coursework in wildfire suppression, equipment operation and maintenance, site design and construction, and landscape/vegetation management.
• Qualified as a Heavy Equipment Single Resource Boss (HEQB)
• Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
• Qualified as a Dozer Operator – Initial Attack (MN DZIA).
• Experience in the safe operation of equipment and vehicles in fire suppression 
• Knowledge of field management techniques, including engineering skills, needed to maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
• Knowledge of general construction methods.
• Knowledge of equipment, machinery and materials needed to develop, operate and maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
• Knowledge of various forest tending practices and operations to promote desired forest stand conditions.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification or above.
• Tree identification skills.