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Job Title


Australia 2026 Wildfire Season Strike Team


Company : Thread Recruitment


Location : Burleigh Heads, Australia


Created : 2026-02-02


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Location:Based in Australia during the 2026 bushfire season (applicants from across Canada welcome)OverviewWe''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.ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will:Operate dozers, excavators, skidders or feller-bunchers on active bushfire linesCut and reinforce guard using roads, ridges, rivers and existing breaksPush new line where terrain and fire behaviour demand itWork alongside Australian incident management and fire crewsWork day shifts with potential night operations (cooler temps, faster progress)Follow all safety procedures to protect crews, equipment, and the landYour work directly influences how the fire moves and how much country is protected.What We OfferFull-time seasonal contract for the Australian summer (approx. NovMar)Competitive seasonal pay, with higher earnings potential based on hours and overtimeAll heavy equipment suppliedCamp-style or project accommodation arrangedHands-on local supervision and support from experienced Australian crewsA different fire environment on your resume and you get paid well to do itSpecific pay details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates based on role and experience.RequirementsWe''re looking for operators who:Can confidently run a dozer, excavator, skidder, or feller-buncherHave experience on Canadian wildfires or relevant heavy civil workMake decisions without constant supervisionWork safely around crews, flame, smoke, and moving equipmentCan handle long days, heat, and pressureRespect the land and minimise unnecessary damageIf you''ve built wildfire guard before, you go to the top of the list.Visa RequirementYou 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.About UsWe 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.