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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity; the ... Responds to fire alarms; operates pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects ...

Attends training classes in firefighting, paramedicine, and related subjects; * Carries raises and takes down ground ladders ranging from 12 to 55 feet; operates aerial ladders; * Lays, charges and ...

Attends training classes in firefighting, paramedicine, and related subjects; * Carries raises and takes down ground ladders ranging from 12 to 55 feet; operates aerial ladders; * Lays, charges and ...

Attends training classes in firefighting, paramedicine, and related subjects; * Carries raises and takes down ground ladders ranging from 12 to 55 feet; operates aerial ladders; * Lays, charges and ...

Firefighter/Paramedic

Duxbury, MA · On-site

$36.46 - $42.27/hr

This is skilled firefighting work incombating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; in answering ... Responds tofire alarms; operates pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment; lays andconnects ...

This is skilled firefighting work incombating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; in answering ... Responds tofire alarms; operates pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment; lays andconnects ...

Aerial Firefighting information

See Massachusetts salary details

$31.1K

$65.1K

$109.2K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Massachusetts is $65,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $75,400.00 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?

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 Massachusetts? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,097 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Town Of Duxbury

Duxbury, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Firefighter/Paramedic

This is skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; in answering emergency calls, and in operation and maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Work involves training for and participating in duties of protecting life and property by fire fighting and rescue activities, usually under close supervision. Employees of this class are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity; the major portion of time is spent drilling and studying methods, techniques, and organization, and in routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers; but the work requires initiative and a thorough individual understanding of firefighting methods.

The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding work assignments and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practice. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, and precedents that may be complex. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions.

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices, and specialized techniques. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions, or unusual circumstances, and determining the methods to accomplish the work.

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, and the Town Departments.

Attends training courses; reads and studies assigned material related to fire fighting and prevention. Responds to fire alarms; operates pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles, directs fog or water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights, or by chopping holes in roofs and floors; removes persons from danger; administers first-aid to injured persons; takes part in emergency rescue; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and first aid.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property; cleans and washes walls and floors; makes minor repairs to property and equipment; washes, hangs and dries hoses; washes, cleans, polishes and tests apparatus.

Relays instructions, orders, and information; gives location of alarms received from dispatcher.

May perform assigned fire inspections, checking fire escape building exits, and related structures and appurtenances for compliance with fire prevention ordinances.

Graduate of High School, vocational school, ACLS or equivalent; valid Massachusetts Driver's License, MA OEMS Paramedic and CPR certifications.