Careers.org

Forest Service

Engineering Equipment Operator Helper

Department of Agriculture · Location Negotiable After Selection

Salary
$23.02 - $24.49 per hour
Pay grade
WG-5
Schedule
Full-time
Appointment
Temporary
Opened
Oct 30, 2026
Closes
Nov 12, 2026
Remote
No
Telework eligible
No
Openings
Many
Security clearance
Other
Promotion potential
None
Announcement
27-TEMPF3-R2-FS2024-5DH

Who may apply: Open to the public

Apply on USAJOBS

Applications are submitted on USAJOBS.gov, not on Careers.org. Always confirm details in the official announcement.

Summary

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. This position is located 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.
  • Services and performs operator maintenance on equipment being performed. Receives training and learns the common and typical duties associated with operating heavy engineering equipment.
  • Learns to operate controls and adjust 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 that work is performed safely and efficiently in accordance with established standards.
  • Receives and follows detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments. Under close supervision, performs service and operator maintenance on equipment being operated.
  • Performs manual tasks that require prior work experience or training and some degree of manual skill and very heavy physical effort.
  • Such as installation of culverts or drainage structures, installation of water sources and associated pipelines, and water capture and storage structures.
  • Assignments may also include repairing various types of equipment such as house or equipment trailers.
  • Performs wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities.

Qualifications

You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be ranked and rated based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement. Job Elements: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. Operation of Motor Vehicles Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Ability to Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Selective Placement Factors Position may be required to drive vehicles that require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, based on type or kind of equipment being operated. This is a testing designated position which requires a negative test result for illegal drug use prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate level duty wildland firefighting. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Moderate fitness (Field) test requires completing a two (2) mile hike within thirty (30) minutes, while carrying a twenty-five (25) pound pack. In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed. To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements on the closing date of this announcement.

Job data from USAJOBS.gov. Careers.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, 4:14 AM EST.