Deer Creek Forestry is a company located in Sedalia, CO that focuses on forest mitigation and logging. We are looking to hire a motivated and experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. This hands-on, field-based role is responsible for operating heavy equipment and hand tools including chainsaws. In addition, maintenance, cleaning, oiling, and inspecting equipment would be expected. The ideal candidate is self-directed, physically fit, comfortable working independently and willing to travel for jobs within CO and surrounding region occasionally.
Key Responsibilities:
Fire Mitigation
- Participate in forest thinning, brush clearing, and vegetation management to reduce fire fuels and mitigate wildfire risks.
- Construct and maintain defensible space around homes, infrastructure, and sensitive areas.
- Implement firebreaks, fuel reduction zones, and defensible space strategies as part of fire prevention initiatives.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
- Safely operate machinery (dozer, skid steer, mini excavator, etc), chainsaws, hand tools, and other forestry equipment to clear brush, trees, and other vegetation.
- Conduct daily equipment inspection, routine maintenance such as greasing, oiling, fueling, and perform minor maintenance to ensure proper functioning
- Monitor any change in machine performance to identify potential malfunctions and report
Safety & Compliance:
- Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations, including PPE requirements, wildfire safety protocols, and worksite risk assessments.
- Follow project maps, treatment plans, and field markings to complete tasks according to scope and specifications.
- Participate in regular safety training and workshops.
- Manage small-scale projects independently with minimal supervision, ensuring safe and high-quality execution.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Work closely with a diverse team of forestry professionals, homeowners, and local agencies to achieve fire mitigation goals.
Others
- Lift, carry, and hold materials, tools and other supplies as needed
- Willing to travel to various project sites throughout the region when needed, living and working in remote field camps for the duration of the project rotation occasionally
Required Qualifications:
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Previous experience as an operator of skid steers, dozers, and excavators preferred
Skills
- Valid Driver’s license required; ability to tow trailers is preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks, including chainsaw operation, lifting, and brush clearing.
- Strong sense of responsibility, self-direction, and problem-solving ability.
- Basic mechanical knowledge for field maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality work on every job.
Others:
- Willingness and ability to travel when needed and live/work in remote camps (housing and per diem provided).
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive hourly wage: $32-42 per hour
- Per diem and camp accommodations provided during travel
- Paid training and certification opportunities
- Year-round work
- Monday to Friday
- Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedule
- Bonus
- PTO
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00 - $42.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
