ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Wipaire Inc

Fire Boss Chief Pilot

South Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Quotes and schedules client lessons and test flights Ground training including, but not limited to: aircraft systems and operation, amphibious aircraft operations and aerial firefighting techniques b.

All JobsAerial Firefighting JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs in Minnesota

Aerial Firefighting information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.9K

$58.4K

$97.9K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Minnesota is $58,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $67,600.00 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.
More about Aerial Firefighting jobs
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Minnesota? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:
Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 49% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,379 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Paid on Call Firefighter

City of Columbia Heights

Minneapolis, MN

$22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description This paid-on-call firefighter position responds to fire, hazmat, rescue, medical, and other emergency incidents, participates in training, emergency management, and maintenance activities, and provides fire and safety education training to the public. Work is performed independently and under the direction of fire department officers. Examples of Duties Responds to emergency incidents within his/her assigned station/company assignments during assigned time period meeting minimum participation requirements.

Participates in fire prevention and safety education activities as assigned. Participates in weekly drills, and other required training activities, and meets minimum participation and competency verification requirements. Participates in station and apparatus maintenance activities.

Serves on standby crew and/or duty crew as assigned. Perform other related duties as apparent or assigned. Qualifications To qualify for this position, candidates must live within 10 minutes of the Columbia Heights Fire Station at 825 41st Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.

Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Experience in firefighting, rescue, EMS, or other public safety responder experience is desirable, but not required. Training: Completion of Emergency Medical Technician basic, Operations Level Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Training, current NFPA #1001 Firefighter I & II certification.

Advanced certification in firefighting, rescue, response to hazardous materials incidents, or in provision of emergency medical care is desirable but not required upon initial hire. License or Certification: Possession of a valid unrestricted Minnesota driver's license. Minnesota Firefighter License is desirable but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Operations, services and activities of the Columbia Heights Fire Department. Principles, practices, and methods of comprehensive fire suppression, prevention, and other emergency services desired but not required. Ability to: Operate equipment, which includes but is not limited to hand tools, power tools, light and heavy equipment, fire pumps, aerial ladders, and boats.

Operate all fire department vehicles including cars and fire apparatus. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division necessary for response to fire, rescue, medical emergency, and hazardous materials incidents. Perform fundamental tasks on a computer.

Read fire protection textbooks, first responder medical textbooks, and hazardous materials emergency response textbooks. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must clearly speak the English language, as well as have full comprehension of the English language.

Interpret instructions and use logic to solve concrete problems. Perform all physical duties normally expected of a firefighter. Shall meet minimum medical requirements as established by the fire department physician and shall comply with OSHA respirator requirements on an annual basis.

Work as a member of a team under stress caused by emergencies, danger, or criticism. Make reasonable decisions regarding the safety of team members and his/her own self. Work under limited supervision in stressful situations.

Present a positive, constructive image and attitude in the performance of firefighter duties. Establish positive working relationships with the public, City staff, fire personnel, and other agencies. --AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-- M/F/V/H The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services.

Apply