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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

UAS Support Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters and public safety teams save lives. Fotokite systems allow first responders to quickly and easily ...

UAS Support Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters and public safety teams save lives. Fotokite systems allow first responders to quickly and easily ...

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters and public safety teams save lives. Fotokite systems allow first responders to quickly and easily ...

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters and public safety teams save lives. Fotokite systems allow first responders to quickly and easily ...

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters and public safety teams save lives. Fotokite systems allow first responders to quickly and easily ...

Showing results 21-35

Aerial Firefighting information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$62.7K

$105.2K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Colorado are:

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Air Tactical Group Supervisor ATGS)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) for an Air Attack platform covering most interagency lands in and adjacent to the National Forest.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience at least equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted with the direction of air tactical operations for wildland fires suppression by evaluating aircraft needs to perform tactical missions, establishing target identification and/or navigation requirements; Assisted with the inspection of aviation activities, notifying ground crew of tactics, and/or ordering additional air resources as needed; Participated in aviation activities to support contract management, aviation training, and/or safety programs.
For the GW-09: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-08 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted with the direction of air tactical operations for wildland fires suppression by providing aerial supervision and/or establishing priorities for initial and extended attacks; Evaluated aircraft needs to perform tactical missions, establishing target identification and navigation requirements; Performed contract management, aviation training, and safety program support activities for an aviation program.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successful completion of the NWCG Core Requirement of Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) OR Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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