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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter EMT / AEMT

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$21.28 - $35.73/hr

Climbs and operates master stream appliances from an aerial device. Uses power and hand tools for ... Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of firefighting, emergency medical care, and ...

Firefighter

Kenai, AK · On-site

$70K - $99K/yr

Climb ground and aerial ladders, utilize rope and harness in accessing structures. Drive and ... The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or ...

Firefighter

Kenai, AK

$70K - $99K/yr

Climb ground and aerial ladders, utilize rope and harness in accessing structures. Drive and ... The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or ...

Senior Fire Mechanic

Juneau, AK · On-site

$40.72 - $48.88/hr

... fire pumps, and aerial devices. Proven leadership experience in supervising, training, and ... Participate in ongoing fire training and support firefighting operations. Demonstrate sound ...

Aerial Firefighting information

See Alaska salary details

$30.7K

$64.2K

$107.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Alaska is $64,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $74,300.00 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, and why are they important?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Alaska? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,193 per year, or $30.9 per hour.
Firefighter EMT / AEMT

Firefighter EMT / AEMT

City of Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK • On-site

$21.28 - $35.73/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary Under close supervision of Company Officers, Firefighters perform technical work responding to emergencies. This position functions as a firefighter and BLS provider responding to both fire and medical emergencies for the purposes of saving lives and protecting property. Depending on the nature of the incident, this position provides emergency medical care, extrication and rescue, fire suppression, or hazard control.

This position also supports a wide range of department programs and events. Essential Job Functions / Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Responds to fire, EMS, and a variety of emergency calls. Perform all job performance requirements in NFPA-1001 including but not limited to; respond to fire alarms, lay and connect hose, hold nozzles and direct water streams, raise and climb ladders, have a working functional knowledge of all types of fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment.

Performs a variety of tasks while wearing protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, to include entering burning buildings to extinguish fire, carry and deploy hose lines in multi-storied buildings, and search and remove victims from burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments. Climbs and operates master stream appliances from an aerial device. Uses power and hand tools for forcible entry and ventilation of burning buildings.

Performs salvage and overhaul operations (e.g., protects property, locates hidden fires, removes fire debris and water). Places, raises, climbs and lowers ground ladders. Performs heavy rescue operations

Performs water and ice rescues from land and boats. Drives an ambulance in response to emergency calls and transport of patients to a medical facility. Provides and assists in rendering emergency care according to FFD medical protocols, treating a range of injuries and illness using EMT I (or greater depending on training) scope of practice.

Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use. Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques. Conducts company level fire inspections / pre-fire planning.

Assist with fire investigations. Performs public relations duties and participate in department sponsored public events. The job functions listed above are representative of functions performed by this classification and are not intended to be all inclusive.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Candidates hired must satisfactorily demonstrate these factors during a prescribed probationary period for continued employment: Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of firefighting, emergency medical care, and other applicable emergency services. Ability to perform effectively under emergency conditions and in extreme climatic conditions (hot & cold). Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, and follow directions.

Ability to understand and use a variety of modern firefighting and emergency medical techniques. Ability to apply judgement and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques. Ability to remain composed in difficult, stressful situations requiring emergency action with the ability to make sound decisions promptly under emergency conditions.

Ability to read and understand job-related written material. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, internal and external fire personnel, and the public. Ability to use computers, computer-aided dispatch systems, and related equipment.

Sufficient hand-eye coordination and dexterity to perform physical firefighting tasks, which include but are not limited to tying knots, raising and climbing ladders, and connecting and disconnecting hose couplings and other hose appliances. Ability to perform firefighting tasks which involve pulling, lifting, and carrying of items. Ability to do strenuous firefighting work for occasional extended spans of time, with the ability to change from a state of rest to a state of strenuous activity in a short span of time.

Minimum Qualifications Persons applying for this position must have the following: Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a GED equivalent. Be at least 18 years of age at time of application. Must hold and maintain a valid State of Alaska driver's license throughout the duration of employment (copy of driving record must be provided at the time of offer of employment).

A current State of Alaska Emergency Medical Technician 1 (AK EMT 1) or higher or any level NREMT. Must have passed a CPAT within 18 months of applying. Must successfully pass a written examination and physical ability test.

Must successfully pass a psychological evaluation and a criminal background investigation. Must successfully be evaluated by the City of Fairbanks medical evaluator as capable to function as a Firefighter. Must successfully pass a DOT Haz-Mat Physical.

Preferred Qualifications: A State of Alaska Firefighter I (AK FF-1) or Pro Board / IFSAC Firefighter 1. Work Environment and Physical Demands WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.

Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. It is reasonably anticipated that the individual will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of duties.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud. PHYSICAL DEMANDS* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk; hear; stand; walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 130 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

* Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals.