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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Aerial Firefighting information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$62.7K

$105.2K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Colorado is $62,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $72,600.00 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 Colorado? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Diego Garcia: Deputy Fire Services Chief (Contingency) with Security Clearance

Diego Garcia: Deputy Fire Services Chief (Contingency) with Security Clearance

KBR

Garcia, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Diego Garcia: Deputy Fire Services Chief (Contingency) Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR provides integrated Base Operations Support (BOS) services to the Commanding Officer, Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia (NSF DG), supporting its mission as a forward logistics base in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Through this comprehensive support, KBR ensures continuous operations, enhances quality of life, and enables mission readiness for NSF Diego Garcia and its tenant commands, directly supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives in this strategically vital location. Job Summary The Deputy Fire Services Chief assists the Fire Services Chief in directing and coordinating all fire protection and emergency response operations at the installation. The position ensures that fire and emergency services programs are administered in accordance with applicable DoD regulations, NFPA standards, and the DoD Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program (F&ESCP). The Deputy Chief provides leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for the Assistant Fire Chiefs responsible for Operations, Training, Prevention, and Dispatch. The role ensures operational readiness, personnel competency, equipment maintenance, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. The Deputy Fire Services Chief also supports emergency incident response, evaluates operational strategies, and assists in developing departmental procedures and plans to maintain effective and safe emergency services operations. Minimum of 3 years as a principal supervisor in an operation the size and scope similar to that required in Diego Garcia and previous experience was within 3 years of hiring. Roles and Responsibilities * Assist the Fire Services Chief in managing all fire and emergency services activities at the installation.
* Ensure the DoD Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program (F&ESCP) is administered and maintained in accordance with DoD procedures and guidelines.
* Supervise Assistant Fire Chiefs responsible for Operations, Training, Prevention, and the Dispatch Center.
* Monitor operational readiness of fire stations, apparatus, facilities, and equipment to ensure compliance with maintenance and safety standards.
* Respond to emergency incidents to assist with strategy, command support, and operational evaluation.
* Oversee training programs and evaluate classroom and practical exercises to ensure personnel proficiency and readiness.
* Support the coordination of fire companies during emergency incidents until relieved by senior command.
* Assist with development and implementation of standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, and departmental policies.
* Ensure compliance with all contract requirements, regulatory standards, and safety procedures.
* Perform additional duties as assigned by the Fire Services Chief. Basic Qualifications * Must have a Secret Clearance at the start of the full performance period.
* U.S. or U.K. Citizenship is required.
* Must pass the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) annually and participate in the DoDI 6055.06 Physical Fitness Program.
* Must hold and maintain licensing in accordance with NAVFAC P-300, OPNAVINST 5100.12, and TA-3000 Operator Training Program.
* Must be certified in the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) and Airfield Vehicle Operator Course (AVOC) and obtain a government driver's license.
* Demonstrated ability to apply firefighter knowledge and skills in compliance with NFPA and DoD standards.
* Ability to operate under high-stress, hazardous conditions while wearing full PPE and SCBA.
* Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills with the ability to interact with multinational staff and military officials.
* Computer literacy with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting and documentation.
* Must pass annual Occupational Health Exam and SCBA Fit Testing IAW NFPA 1500, 1582, and 1583.
* Must pass overseas medical screening and be in good health.
* Must be CAC-eligible and able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC). JOB SPECIFICATIONS: SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS OR TRAINING Must meet DoD Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Minimum Qualification Standards and contract requirements: * DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Firefighter I & II
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Airport, Marine, and Wildland Firefighter
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Driver/Operator - ARFF, Pumper, Aerial, and Mobile Water Supply
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Fire Inspector I, II, and III
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Fire Instructor I, II, and III
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: Fire Officer I, II, III, and IV
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: HAZMAT Incident Commander
* DoD/IFSAC/Pro Board: HAZMAT Awareness & HAZMAT Operations (with Mission-Specific Competencies, PPE, and Product Control)
* Adult First Aid / CPR / AED (American Red Cross or equivalent)
* Emergency Management Institute (FEMA): IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, IS-800
* National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) (or acceptable DoD equivalent) EDUCATION: * High school diploma required.
* Associate or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field preferred.
* Professional certification in the Fire Investigation course is highly preferred. Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

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At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998