Dozer Operator - Laborer Trades & Equipment

Location: Brainerd, MN

Full-time, seasonal position (approximately February 16 to November 15 annually; hours and season dates may vary based on weather and business needs, including weekends, evenings, and holidays). Travel required for fire suppression and training.

About the role

This position provides specialized equipment operations to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire on all land ownerships within the assigned Forestry Area and across the state. The role also supports the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry-administered state lands. The primary duty is operating bulldozers and Type 4 engines for wildfire suppression, establishing fire breaks, and performing equipment tasks to support prescribed burning on DNR-administered lands.

Responsibilities

• Operate fire engines, dozers, tracked vehicles, or serve as a crew member to suppress wildfires, minimizing losses to life, property, and natural resources.
• Organize and prepare wildfire suppression equipment and supplies to ensure safe and efficient program operations.
• Assist in presenting wildfire prevention outreach to diverse audiences to reduce wildfire occurrences.
• Attend training as both a student and instructor to advance the Division’s wildfire program training and qualification goals.
• Operate, service, and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment, and perform labor tasks using hand tools to achieve forest stand development and management objectives on State Forest lands.
• Apply technical knowledge to operate, service, and maintain equipment for the development and maintenance of state forest roads, trails, user facilities, forest recreation sites, field stations, and Area offices.
• Complete administrative tasks, safety training, and other job-related assignments.

Requirements

• Possess a Class A Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain one within six months of employment; passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR’s ongoing random drug and alcohol testing program is required.
• Qualified as a Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) per National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards or as a Firefighter I & II per National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards.
• Knowledge of methods, tools, and equipment used in maintenance and construction work to carry out detailed 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.
• Ability to service, perform minor repairs, and adjust machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
• Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical assignments (installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems).
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions to carry out assignments safely and efficiently.
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork skills; ability to work independently and as part of a group.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public, including using hand-held radios.
• Record-keeping and basic math skills to maintain inventory data.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including passing a moderate fitness test (walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack in 30 minutes) within 6 months of hire and annually thereafter.
• Ability to work in environmental conditions typical of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience or a two-year technical degree in wildfire suppression, equipment operation and maintenance, site design and construction, or landscape/vegetation management.
• Qualified as a Heavy Equipment Single Resource Boss (HEQB), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), or Dozer Operator – Initial Attack (MN DZIA).
• Experience in safe operation of equipment and vehicles for fire suppression.
• Knowledge of general construction methods, equipment, and materials for trail and water recreation facility development and maintenance.
• Knowledge of forest tending practices to promote desired forest stand conditions.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification or higher.
• Tree identification skills.

Pay

$26.40 - $30.45 per hour; $55,123 - $63,580 annually.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing retirement income (after three years of service).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services (e.g., chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding, union agreements, location, and length of service.