Location:
Based in Australia during the 2026 bushfire season (applicants from across Canada welcome)
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Overview
We're building a small strike team of Canadian heavy equipment operators to join an Australian wildfire contractor Dakota Contracting for the 2026 bushfire season (approx. November 2026 to March 2027).
If you've cut line on BC or Alberta wildfires, you already know the work: cut guard, box the fire in, move fast, think ahead, and keep people safe.
This is not a sightseeing trip. It's front-line wildfire work.
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Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
* Operate dozers, excavators, skidders or feller-bunchers on active bushfire lines
* Cut and reinforce guard using roads, ridges, rivers and existing breaks
* Push new line where terrain and fire behaviour demand it
* Work alongside Australian incident management and fire crews
* Work day shifts with potential night operations (cooler temps, faster progress)
* Follow all safety procedures to protect crews, equipment, and the land
Your work directly influences how the fire moves and how much country is protected.
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What We Offer
* Full-time seasonal contract for the Australian summer (approx. Nov–Mar)
* Competitive seasonal pay, with higher earnings potential based on hours and overtime
* All heavy equipment supplied
* Camp-style or project accommodation arranged
* Hands-on local supervision and support from experienced Australian crews
* A different fire environment on your resume – and you get paid well to do it
Specific pay details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates based on role and experience.
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Requirements
We're looking for operators who:
* Can confidently run a dozer, excavator, skidder, or feller-buncher
* Have experience on Canadian wildfires or relevant heavy civil work
* Make decisions without constant supervision
* Work safely around crews, flame, smoke, and moving equipment
* Can handle long days, heat, and pressure
* Respect the land and minimise unnecessary damage
If you've built wildfire guard before, you go to the top of the list.
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Visa Requirement
You must be eligible for, and willing to obtain, an Australian Working Holiday Visa (or similar suitable visa).
We will point you toward the correct pathway, but you are responsible for your visa application.
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About Us
We are an Australian independent contractor working in heavy civil and wildfire support.
We build guard that actually holds. We hire operators who actually know what they're doing.