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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

City of St Joseph, Missouri

Firefighter

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$15.15/hr

Firefighter DEPARTMENT: Fire DIVISION: Suppression SALARY: $51,153.80/Annually CLOSING: Open until ... Drives fire apparatus, operates pump and aerial devices under both emergency and non-emergency ...

City of St. Joseph

Firefighter

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$15.15/hr

Firefighter DEPARTMENT: Fire DIVISION: Suppression SALARY: $51,153.80/Annually CLOSING: Open until ... Drives fire apparatus, operates pump and aerial devices under both emergency and non-emergency ...

All JobsAerial Firefighting JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs in Missouri

Aerial Firefighting information

See Missouri salary details

$26.7K

$55.9K

$93.8K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Missouri is $55,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $64,700.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,911 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Representative of Quality Assurance

Coulson Aviation Inc

California, MO • On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.


Representative of Quality Assurance

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1080


Ensure safety and compliance that keeps our aircraft mission-ready.


Join our team and help ensure the airworthiness of a diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft. This hybrid role includes travel onsite to Thermal, California, supporting aerial firefighting. The Quality Assurance Representative ensures maintenance activities meet regulatory standards while driving safety, quality, and continuous improvement across operations.


What You’ll Do



  • Ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 145, RSQCM, and company policies.

  • Conduct audits, inspections, and surveillance of maintenance activities.

  • Review maintenance records and airworthiness documentation.

  • Verify parts traceability and certification.

  • Monitor work for adherence to approved data (AMM, SRM, IPC, STCs).

  • Support regulatory and customer audits.

  • Identify non-conformances and drive corrective actions.

  • Analyze trends to support continuous improvement.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance, Design, and Flight Operations.

  • Support return-to-service inspections and airworthiness determinations.

  • Oversee vendor and off-site maintenance activities.


What You’ll Bring



  • High School Diploma and FAA A&P License (IA preferred).

  • Experience in aircraft maintenance and quality inspection.

  • Knowledge of FAA 14 CFR regulations and audit processes.

  • Experience with maintenance systems (e.g., Prism, Camp, CALM, Corridor).

  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.


What’s In It for You



  • Work on specialized aircraft supporting aerial firefighting operations.

  • Competitive compensation based on experience.

  • Comprehensive health benefits: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for individual employees.

  • Retirement Security: up to 5% 401(k) match to help you build your future.


We support diversity, equity, and a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation through any element of the job application process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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