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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...

Firefighter/Paramedic

Canyon Lake, CA · On-site

$22.40 - $27.22/hr

... firefighting duties to include the control and suppression of various types of fires, rescues ... Raising and climbing ladders up to 35 feet and may climb a 100 foot aerial ladder; ventilating ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Aerial Firefighting information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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?

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:

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, 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 scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary

In this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive navigator training programs for KC-135 operations. This role ensures compliance with aviation regulations, oversees simulator and flight training, and mentors instructor navigators to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency. Additionally, you will provide ground and inflight instruction aboard the C-135FR aircraft.



What You’ll Do
• Design and implement initial, recurrent, and specialized navigator training programs.

• Ensure compliance with FAA, ICAO, and company standards.

• Conduct instruction in the aircraft.

• Conduct evaluations and audits to maintain training effectiveness.

• Mentor and supervise instructor navigators.

• Manage flight training resources and stay current with advancements in aviation training and technology.

• Integrate SMS and risk management practices into training.


What You’ll bring


  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience and instructor/evaluator background.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • Familiarity with LMS and training software.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
  • Previous military Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135.
  • Valid Driver’s License and Passport.
  • Ability to maintain Secret clearance.


Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.


Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance.

Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements.

Role may require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).



AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard an inflight C-135FR aircraft. 


Travel

30%