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 ...
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 ...
Aerial Firefighting information
See Colorado salary details
$30K - $36.8K
4% of jobs
$36.8K - $43.6K
9% of jobs
$48K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$43.6K - $50.5K
18% of jobs
The median wage is $56.5K / yr.
$50.5K - $57.3K
21% of jobs
$57.3K - $64.1K
14% of jobs
$69.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$64.1K - $71K
11% of jobs
$71K - $77.8K
8% of jobs
$77.8K - $84.6K
5% of jobs
$84.6K - $91.5K
4% of jobs
$91.5K - $98.3K
3% of jobs
$98.3K - $105.2K
2% of jobs
$30K
$62.7K
$105.2K
How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?
What is the difference between Aerial Firefighting vs Helicopter Pilot?
| Aspect | Aerial Firefighting | Helicopter Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | Commercial Pilot License, Firefighting-specific training | Commercial Pilot License, often with helicopter ratings |
| Work Environment | Fire zones, remote areas, often during emergencies | Various, including transport, surveillance, and firefighting support |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Fire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractors | Airlines, 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?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Aerial Firefighting, and why are they important?
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by aerial firefighting crews during wildfire season?

Diego Garcia: Deputy Fire Services Chief (Contingency) with Security Clearance
Garcia, CO • On-site
Other
Posted 2 days ago
KBR rating
8.3
Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
97th of 357 rated engineering
Job description
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.
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