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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Training Captain

Temecula, CA · On-site

$195K - $215K/yr

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

Firefighter

Turlock, CA · On-site

$6.1K - $7.4K/mo

Employees in this classification perform all firefighting duties at a fire station under the ... aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment and other rescue equipment. Provides basic ...

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

Facility Security Officer

Temecula, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational ... Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather ...

Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational ... Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather ...

... tools, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment, and other firefighting and medical equipment as required. Perform salvage duties at fire scenes by placing salvage covers, sweeping ...

... aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment, and other firefighting and medical equipment as required. • Perform salvage duties at fire scenes by placing salvage covers, sweeping ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aerial Firefighting information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in California? The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in California? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities in California with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:
FIREFIGHTER

$42K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

This announcement uses the Defense Industrial Base, major Range and Test Facilities Direct Hire Authority to Recruit and appoint Qualified Candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
The Secretary of Defense has ordered a department-wide hiring freeze subject to certain limited exceptions. This position is subject to the DoD hiring freeze. Offers of employment related to this vacancy announcement will not be executed until the position has an approved exemption.Qualifications:GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Performing the duties of rescue operations in fires and fire related emergencies involving structures, aircraft, motor vehicles, wild land, and hazardous materials and providing emergency medical treatment to include but not limited to CPR.
GS-04: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-03 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Performing the duties of rescue operations in fires and fire related emergencies involving structures, aircraft, motor vehicles, wild land, and hazardous materials and providing emergency medical treatment.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Certifications required for this position. Must be issued by either the DOD, the Pro-Board, or the international Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC):
GS-05:
Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Airport Firefighter
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
National Registry of EMT
GS4: Incumbent has 1 year to complete the following certifications:
Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Airport Firefighter
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
National Registry of EMT
Additional requirements:
Hazardous Material Technician
Driver/Operator Pumper
Driver/Operator Aerial
NOTE: FIREFIGHTER SPECIAL RETIREMENT COVERAGEMAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a Firefighter (Paramedic). This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran preferenceeligible covered by title 5 U.S.C. 3307.Primary Position- The employee's primary duties must be performing work directly connected with the control andextinguishment of fires (CSRS and FERS). In general, if an employee spends an average of at least 50% of his/hertime performing a duty or group of duties, they are his/her primary duties. Fire Protection Inspectors, Fire ProtectionSpecialists and positions that are predominantly supervisory in nature or perform training are not consideredprimary positions.Education:
The following education may be substituted in lieu of the specialized experience:
GS-05: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or another related field of study leading to a bachelor's degree.
or
GS-04: Successful completion of a 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or another related field of study. A combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of experience. The percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience equal one hundred percent.Employment Type: OTHER

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