Overview

Dozer Operator Jobs in Bemidji, USA at Society of American Foresters.

Dozer Operator

  • Job Class:
    Laborer Trades and Equipment
  • Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
  • Job
  • Location:

    Bemidji

  • Telework Eligible:
    No
  • Full/Part Time:
    Full-time
  • Regular/Temporary:
    Seasonal
  • Work Shift:

    Day Shift (Monday – Friday)

  • Travel Required:

    Yes – fire suppression and training

  • Salary Range: $25.95 – $29.93 hourly; $54,183 – $62,493 annually
  • Classified Status:
    Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 – Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
  • Work Area:
    Bemidji Area
  • FLSA Status:
    Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
    Yes

Job Summary

This position performs 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, and supports the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry‑administered state lands. The primary duty is operating bulldozers and Type 4 engines to suppress wildfires, establish fire breaks, and conduct prescribed burning tasks on DNR‑administered lands.

Seasonal

Schedule

Season runs approximately February 16 to November 15 annually, with hours that may vary to include weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Operate fire engine, dozer, tracked vehicle or serve as crew member to suppress wildfires.
  • Organize and prepare wildfire suppression equipment and supplies for safe, efficient operations.
  • Assist in delivering wildfire prevention outreach to diverse audiences.
  • Attend training as both student and instructor to support Division’s training goals.
  • Operate, service, and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment and perform labor tasks using hand tools on state forest lands.
  • Use technical knowledge for maintaining state forest roads, trails, user facilities, and recreation sites.
  • Complete administrative tasks and safety training as assigned.

Physical Requirement

Must pass a moderate fitness test (walk 2 miles with a 25‑pound pack in under 30 minutes) within 6 months of start date and annually thereafter.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Class A Driver’s License (CDL) or eligibility to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
  • Pass a pre‑employment drug screen and participate in DNR random screening program.
  • Knowledge of fire suppression, fire behavior, incident command, and suppression techniques.
  • Knowledge of tools and equipment for maintenance and construction work.
  • Ability to operate large equipment—including dozers, skid steers, tractors, pumps, trailers, and specialized fire equipment.
  • Ability to service, perform minor repairs, and maintain machinery.
  • Ability to perform semi‑skilled trades work (carpentry, plumbing, electrical).
  • Good communication skills, problem‑solving, decision making, and teamwork.
  • Basic math, record keeping, and inventory data handling.
  • Work independently and as part of a team; positive interaction with public and staff.
  • Use handheld radio for communication.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two years experience OR two‑year technical degree in wildfire suppression, equipment operation/maintenance, site design, or landscape/vegetation management.
  • Certificates:
    Heavy Equipment Single Resource Boss (HEQB), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Dozer Operator – Initial Attack (MN DZIA).
  • Experience in safe equipment operation for fire suppression.
  • Knowledge of field management and engineering for trail and recreation facilities.
  • Knowledge of construction methods and equipment for trail maintenance.
  • Knowledge of forest tending practices.
  • Basic First Aid/CPR certification or higher.
  • Tree identification skills.

Benefits

  • Paid vacation and sick leave.
  • 12 paid holidays each year.
  • Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans (including fertility care, diabetes care, adult and child dental/orthodontic).
  • 6‑week paid parental leave for newborn or newly adopted children.
  • Pension plan with income after retirement (requires at least 3 years of service).
  • Employer‑paid life insurance.
  • Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
  • Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support.
  • Training, classes, tuition reimbursement, and other professional development resources.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action, and veteran‑friendly employers, committed to creating a workforce reflecting the state’s diversity and encouraging qualified applicants of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, disability holders, women, and veterans.

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Title: Dozer Operator

Company: Society of American Foresters.

Location: Bemidji, USA

Category:

 

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