Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Medford, OR

Primary operator of vehicles and heavy equipment, ensures all fire-fighting equipment is fire ready to support fire suppression activities by completing pre-trip and post trip safety inspections including the transport tractor trailer and equipment, submits requests for maintenance, and maintains general equipment readiness. Responsible for safe vehicle operation on mountainous steep narrow roads. Transporting equipment will meet all ODOT highway rules including flag vehicle, emergency transport, normal transport, weight, height and width limitations and equipment securing / tie-down requirements. Repair equipment in field locations as directed.

Maintains and uses all types of machinery in fabrication shop including but not limited to welders, plasma cutters, lathes, mills, band saws, hydraulic lifts, various power tools, metal brakes, metal shears, torches and forklifts.

Responsible for safe operation of fire-fighting equipment including dozers, excavators, water tenders, engines, and other miscellaneous heavy equipment used in emergency incident response. Transports equipment as necessary. Determines and constructs access roads to fires, constructs safety zones, constructs fuel breaks for prescribed fires, conducts fire line rehabilitation activities such as water barring, closing roads, skidding logs, ripping roads, pulling back berms. Serves as the operator of heavy equipment such as dozers to construct fire lines by removing flammable vegetation down to mineral soil in Initial Attack and Extended Attack emergency incidents as directed by the incident commander or dozer boss.

Determines fire line location with the skilled and safe operation of heavy equipment while in areas with other personnel. Oversees or constructs fire line using hand tools or power equipment by cutting, scraping, digging, and chopping or burning out to remove flammable materials. Conducts pre-trip inspections of equipment and performs wild land fire-fighting activities; locates fires using maps, and GPS. As directed participate in mop up duties of scraping, digging, chopping, and applying water to remove heat.

Operates and monitors fire fighting vehicles in support of wildfire suppression. Effectively communicate incident status/updates via person to person, two way portable and mobile radios, adjoining resources and fire management staff. Intermediate understanding of Fire behavior and National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) Uses base, portable and mobile radios. May operate chainsaws, ATVs, and other small, motorized equipment and hand tools. Assists in the district prescribed fire programs as assigned.

Completes vehicle inspection checklist and maintain files. Participates in District Safety programs. Participates in fire training for cooperators, landowners and fire crews. Completes district vehicle logs, shift tickets, and personnel time reports. Maintains required documentation on all duties i.e., timesheets, Purchase Order books, district vehicle mileage logs, DOT logbooks, maintenance records, and fire reports.

Required to drive tractor/trailer and other vehicles, driving on steep narrow forest roads.

Required to work various shifts including holidays, weekends, and long hours on short notice, days off may be cancelled with little or no prior notice. Assignments to emergency incidents may require employees to be away from duty station up to 21 days.

Required to work under adverse conditions such as noise, smoke, heat, rough terrain, dust, inclement weather and exposure to poison oak, bees, and poisonous snakes. Requires exposure to heavy equipment operations, aircraft, hazards of burning and/or falling material, and chemical and biological pesticides.

Driving 1-ton and 2 ½-ton vehicles, and operate heavy equipment in all types of weather, in remote areas, and on steep narrow roads. A valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tank endorsement is required. Required to wear or use all necessary PPE and safety equipment. May include frequent long hours and infrequent days off during fire season.

Other Duties as Assigned: Attend training sessions or instruct training (including driver’s training) as assigned. Perform equipment operator duties as needed on cooperative work projects in the district, including cooperative agreements with ODOT and local landowners. Assists in district burning programs as assigned. Assists with building maintenance activities such as minor repairs, roofing, painting, concrete work, and custodial duties. That assistance may be directly aiding the emergency effort in the field or at the district headquarters.

Starting wage is based on experience.

Questions about the position should be directed to Randy Leming 541-672-6507 ext 131

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $37.33 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Extended hours
• Weekends as needed
• Year round work

Experience:

• Heavy equipment operation: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CDL with Tank Endorsement, NO Restrictions for Automatic (Required)

Work Location: In person