1

Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Aircraft Lead

Tampa, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Teammate Support Specialist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Driver Engineer

Haines City, FL · On-site

$19.76 - $28.63/hr

Operates fire pumps, aerial devices, generators, hydraulic tools, and other firefighting and rescue equipment safely and effectively. * Participates in regular training drills and continuing ...

Driver Engineer

Haines City, FL · On-site

$19.76 - $28.63/hr

Operates fire pumps, aerial devices, generators, hydraulic tools, and other firefighting and rescue equipment safely and effectively. Participates in regular training drills and continuing education.

Operates fire pumps, aerial devices, generators, hydraulic tools, and other firefighting and rescue equipment safely and effectively. * Participates in regular training drills and continuing ...

Fire Lieutenant

Haines City, FL · On-site

$22.83 - $33.06/hr

... Aerial Operations Course * State of Florida Fire Officer I Certificate of Competency. * Minimum four (4) years of full-time firefighting experience. * Strong oral and written communication skills.

... Aerial Operations Course * State of Florida Fire Officer I Certificate of Competency. * Minimum four (4) years of full-time firefighting experience. * Strong oral and written communication skills.

Fire Lieutenant

Haines City, FL · On-site

$22.83 - $33.06/hr

State of Florida Pump Operator Certificate of Competency. 45 Hour Aerial Operations Course State of Florida Fire Officer I Certificate of Competency. Minimum four (4) years of full-time firefighting ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerial Firefighting information

See Florida salary details

$21.3K

$44.5K

$74.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Florida is $44,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $51,600.00 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 Florida?

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

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Florida?

For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,543 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Material Handler

Metrea

Tampa, FL • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 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. These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that give our partners decisive, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global shared-service - spanning people, finance, platform, operations, legal, and engagement. This frees up our Core Groups, who develop and own mission capabilities end-to-end, to focus entirely on delivery. The Market Groups apply a regional lens, ensuring that our agile and adaptable capabilities remain aligned to the wicked problems that matter most to our partners across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
At the heart of our model is a simple but powerful idea: be a true partner with skin in the game. Our partners need effects, not just equipment. By owning the full stack - from the lab to the field - we are able to drive a continuous cycle of innovation that keeps our partners ahead. It's a fast-moving, intellectually demanding environment where talented people are given real responsibility, work on problems that matter, and contribute to an enterprise that is growing quickly and deliberately.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, with facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Position Summary
In this role, you will support critical part 145 Aviation Logistics Operations that directly impact mission readiness and operational success. You will handle inventory, coordinate the movement of aircraft parts, and support supply chain activities across multiple environments. You will be successful if you can prioritize effectively, adapt quickly in a fast-paced setting, operate autonomously and ensure the right parts are in the right place at the right time to keep operations moving forward.
What You'll Do
  • Receive POs, put away inventory, and process shipments for domestic and export orders
  • Operate forklift safely to move materials and support warehouse operations
  • Issue parts and manage aviation inventory: stocking, tracking, and inventory control
  • Prioritize and process parts requests based on urgency, operational needs, and flight schedules
  • Coordinate logistics across receiving, shipping, transportation, and delivery timing
  • Use logistics/maintenance systems (AMOS) to manage workflows and data
  • Fulfill parts requisitions from internal stores or coordinate procurement/repair requests to ensure on-time arrival
  • Support AOG (Aircraft on Ground) needs with expedited handling and rapid delivery
  • Perform cycle counts, pull expired parts, process scrap, and maintain accurate records for analysis
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Global Supply teams and adapt to evolving mission requirements
What You Bring
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in fast-paced environments
  • Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and work with stakeholders at all levels
  • Experience in logistics (FAA part 145 aviation preferred) and/or supporting military/defense operations (preferred)
  • Familiarity with inventory/supply chain systems, NSNs and/or aviation parts (preferred), plus associate degree or equivalent practical experience (preferred)
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including shifts, weekends, and overtime as required

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
  • Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub
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 non-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. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager. This role may require rotating shifts (days, nights, weekends, holidays) based on operational & business needs. Schedule subject to change with 12-hour notice.
Work Environment
This role operates in varied environments, including warehouses, aircraft hangers, and office settings. Standard equipment includes computers, tablets, phones, scanners, and office equipment.
Travel
This role may require occasional travel, approximately 5%
Base Pay Range
The compensation range shown below is a good faith estimate and reflects the expected base pay for this position upon hire. This is just one component of Metrea's overall approach to total rewards and final compensation decisions, including the ultimate salary or hourly rate agreed upon, may vary depending on factors such as job location, job-specific knowledge, skills, experience, and the overall negotiated compensation package. Eligible full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Pay Range
$29-$29 USD
Our Firmware
At Metrea, our single core value is Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes are 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.