Engineering equipment operator helper
National Interagency Fire Center · Boise, Idaho · Posted Jul 9, 2026
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Engineering Equipment Operator Helper
This position is located within a National Forest and serves as a crew member on a Forest Unit to assist the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities.
Duties
- Assists journeyman equipment operator in equipment operation and operates equipment under close supervision.
- Supports journeyman engineering equipment operators in operating heavy equipment, such as large industrial tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, dump trucks, and soil compactors.
- Performs operator maintenance on equipment, receives training, and learns the common and typical duties associated with operating heavy engineering equipment.
- Operates controls and adjusts equipment attachments.
- Performs maintenance and makes minor repairs and adjustments to equipment operated; reports major mechanical problems to supervisor.
- Assists engineering equipment operator in maintaining equipment for emergency use in fire suppression.
- Ensures work is performed safely and efficiently in accordance with established standards; follows detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments.
- Under close supervision, performs service and operator maintenance on equipment operated.
- Performs manual tasks requiring prior experience or training and significant manual skill and heavy physical effort, such as installation of culverts or drainage structures.
- Performs manual tasks requiring prior experience or training and significant manual skill and heavy physical effort, such as installation of water sources and associated pipelines, and water capture and storage structures.
- Repairs various types of equipment such as house or equipment trailers.
- Performs wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities.
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Direct deposit is required for all federal employees.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
- Must be willing to live/work in remote and volatile locations.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments.
- Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.
- Must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for the applicable duty level.
- May be required to drive vehicles that require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, depending on equipment.
- Must pass pre‑employment and random drug testing; appointment is based on a negative result.
- Must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate level duty.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the eligibility and qualification requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than the length of experience.
Job Elements:
- Ability to perform job duties without more than normal supervision.
- Operation of motor vehicles.
- Work practices that keep equipment and work area neat, clean, and in order.
- Interpretation of instructions, specifications, and related documents for mobile equipment operation.
- Safe driving of motor vehicles.
- Safe operation of non‑motor equipment.
Experience (paid or unpaid, including volunteer work) that demonstrates the required job elements will be credited. Education is not a substitute for the required experience; however, a college transcript may be required if education is used to meet qualifications.
Requirements
- Resume formatted with personal information, education, work experience related to the major duties, and other qualifications.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
- Official transcripts may be required if education is used to qualify.
- Proof of eligibility for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP if applicable, including SF‑50 documents and performance appraisal.
- Completed required documents and application materials by the closing date.
Employment Overview
- Salary: $20.72 per hour
- Pay Scale: WG 5
- Appointment Type:
Temporary (up to 6 months, possibility of extension)
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Hours:
Multiple schedules
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Work Location:
Various Forest units; location negotiable after selection
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