Dozer Operator - Laborer Trades & Equipment

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Dozer Operator
Job Class: Laborer Trades and Equipment
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 93872
• Location: Little Falls
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 4/28/2026
• Closing Date: 5/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: 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: Little Falls Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position exists to provide 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. The position also performs specialized labor and equipment operations to support the management, maintenance, and enhancement of forest ecosystems on Forestry-administered state lands. This position's primary assigned duty is the operation of bulldozers and Type 4 engines to suppress wildfires, establish fire breaks, and perform equipment tasks to support prescribed burning on DNR-administered lands.

Season dates are approximately February 16 to November 15 annually. Seasons are subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and business need; hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate fire engine, dozer, tracked vehicle, or perform as crew member to suppress wildfires so that losses to life, property, and natural resources are minimized.
• Organize and prepare wildfire suppression equipment and supplies so that the program can operate safely and efficiently.
• Assist in presenting wildfire prevention outreach to a variety of audiences to reduce the occurrence of wildfires across the Area.
• Attend training as both a student and an instructor to further 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 accomplish forest stand development and management
• objectives on State Forest lands throughout the work area.
• Apply technical knowledge to operate, service and maintain small, medium, and heavy equipment in the development and maintenance of state forest roads, trails, user facilities, forest recreation sites, field stations, and Area offices.
• Complete administrative tasks and safety and other job-related training, as assigned.

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• This position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) and passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program.
• Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of fire suppression including fire behavior, the incident command structure, suppression techniques, and fire equipment operation.
• Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work 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 is required
• Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
• Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work sufficient to assist or perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical assignments, including installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.
• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely and effectively with others.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions sufficient to carry out assignments in a safe and efficient manner.
• Record keeping and basic math skills sufficient to record inventory data for inventory records
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a group.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public.
• Ability to communicate using hand-held radio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience OR two-year technical degree, with experience or coursework in wildfire suppression, equipment operation and maintenance, site design and construction, and landscape/vegetation management.
• Qualified as a Heavy Equipment Single Resource Boss (HEQB)
• Qualified as a Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
• Qualified as a Dozer Operator - Initial Attack (MN DZIA).
• Experience in the safe operation of equipment and vehicles in fire suppression
• Knowledge of field management techniques, including engineering skills, needed to maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
• Knowledge of general construction methods.
• Knowledge of equipment, machinery and materials needed to develop, operate and maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
• Knowledge of various forest tending practices and operations to promote desired forest stand conditions.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification or above.
• Tree identification skills.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Adam Hodge at adam.hodge@state.mn.us or 320-630-9990.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.