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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Firefighting information

See Indiana salary details

$27.1K

$56.7K

$95.2K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Indiana is $56,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $65,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Indiana?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,719 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC/HAZMAT TECH)

Crane, IN • On-site


Commander, Navy Installations
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer. Responsibilities You will be responsible for providing advanced life support. You will be responsible for performing hazard and risk assessments. You will be responsible for performing firefighting duties for a facilities, airfields, or shipboard. You will be responsible for driving and operating firefighting vehicles. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GS-09: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-08 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Providing fire prevention, fire protection, and fire suppression services; 2) Operating a wide variety of firefighting apparatus and equipment; 3) Responding to and/or mitigating hazardous materials incidents; and 4) Providing emergency medical care and/or basic, intermediate, and advanced life support measures. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position. In addition, this position at the GS-09 level, requires possession of the following certifications: 1) Firefighter I & II; 2) Hazmat Awareness; 3) Hazmat Operations; 4) Hazmat Technician; 5) Driver Operator Pumper; 6) Driver Operator Aerial; 7) National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic). These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet the requirement. GS-08: 1) Providing emergency care to injured and/or ill patients; 2) Communicating over the radio with Emergency Room personnel to provide detailed report of the medical case (e.g. patient history, current medical condition, treatment, and current patient status); 3) Performing rescue operations; operating radio equipment; performing fire suppression as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade. In addition, this position at the GS-08 level, requires possession of the following certifications: 1) Firefighter I & II; 2) Hazmat Awareness; 3) Hazmat Operations; 4) Hazmat Technician; 5) Driver Operator Pumper; 6) Driver Operator Aerial; 7) National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic). These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet the requirement. NOTE: If you do not possess all of the above certifications, and provide verification with your application, you will be rated ineligible. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/ Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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. Education Additional Information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf. Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below. Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized. Vacancies filled from this announcement may be filled at any grade level listed. If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This announcement uses the Modified DHA for Certain Personnel of DoD direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.



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