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Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wimmer Solutions

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Maintenance Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Coulson Aviation

Structures Technician

Thermal, CA · On-site

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, proudly operating in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Chile. With a world-class fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT · On-site

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Bridger Aerospace

Master Planner

Belgrade, MT

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Metrea

Head of Crew Training

Tampa, FL · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea Management LLC

Senior Field Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

Metrea Management LLC

Maintenance Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

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Aerial Firefighting information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerial Firefighting vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectAerial FirefightingHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting-specific trainingCommercial Pilot License, often with helicopter ratings
Work EnvironmentFire zones, remote areas, often during emergenciesVarious, including transport, surveillance, and firefighting support
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractorsAirlines, charter companies, government agencies, firefighting services

While both roles involve piloting helicopters, aerial firefighting focuses on using aircraft to combat wildfires, requiring specialized firefighting training. Helicopter pilots may work in diverse sectors, including transportation and surveillance, with less emphasis on firefighting-specific skills. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

What are aerial firefighting jobs?

Aerial firefighting jobs involve flying a plane or helicopter to extinguish wildfires, protect property, and save lives. Pilots fly as part of a crew and drop water or other fire retardants to contain the fire and minimize damage. Some aerial firefighters are “smokejumpers,” which means they parachute or rappel into wildfire areas to combat their spread. As an aerial firefighter, your responsibilities involve preserving woodlands and deserts while protecting the safety of residents and your crew, so these jobs are not for the faint of heart. You must be physically fit and able to endure stressful situations and harsh conditions for extended periods. Additionally, both roles require specialized training.

What is aerial firefighting?

Aerial firefighting is the use of aircraft to combat wildfires from the air. Specialized planes and helicopters drop water or fire retardant chemicals directly onto fires or in strategic locations to slow their spread. These aircraft can also be used for reconnaissance, mapping, and transporting firefighters or equipment to hard-to-reach areas. Aerial firefighting is often coordinated with ground crews to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety. This method is essential in managing large, fast-moving, or remote wildfires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aerial firefighting?

To thrive in aerial firefighting, you need advanced piloting skills, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of specialized firefighting and aviation training. Experience with aircraft like helicopters or fixed-wing air tankers, FAA certifications, and proficiency in using GPS navigation and radio communication systems are typically required. Outstanding teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for this high-risk environment. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, effective wildfire suppression, and coordination with ground crews during complex emergency missions.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by aerial firefighting crews during wildfire season?

Aerial firefighting crews often contend with unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing fire behavior, and challenging terrain that can make flying and water drops both risky and complex. Coordinating with ground teams is essential, as is maintaining constant communication to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. Additionally, long hours and high-stress situations require strong teamwork and adaptability, making both physical fitness and mental resilience key components of success in this role.
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Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Blackhawk Pilot

Wimmer Solutions

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Details:

  • PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.
  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.
  • Be able to work on a rotation away from home base for up to two weeks at a time.
  • Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.
  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP’s, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.
  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.
  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP’s and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.
  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.
  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations
    Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).
  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.

Requirements:

  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000+ total rotary-wing flight hours
  • 500 minimum hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S-70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes
  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58 as PIC
  • 100+ hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk
  • Aerial Firefighting experience

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