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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Billings Flying Service

A&P Mechanic

Billings, MT · On-site

$28.25 - $37.25/hr

Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a solutions provider for the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services. Leveraging 35+ years of experience with fixed wing ...

Billings Flying Service

Crew Supervisor

Billings, MT · On-site

Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a solutions provider for the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services. Leveraging 35+ years of experience with fixed wing ...

Billings Flying Service

Crew Supervisor

Billings, MT · On-site

Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a solutions provider for the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services. Leveraging 35+ years of experience with fixed wing ...

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All JobsAerial Firefighting JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs in Montana

Aerial Firefighting information

See Montana salary details

$26.2K

$54.7K

$91.8K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Montana is $54,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $63,300.00 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.

More about Aerial Firefighting jobs

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

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

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

What cities in Montana are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs?

Cities in Montana with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:

Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,709 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

A&P Mechanic

Billings Flying Service

Billings, MT • On-site

$28.25 - $37.25/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Billings Flying Service rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 67 rated aviation services

Job description

Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a solutions provider for the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services. Leveraging 35+ years of experience with fixed wing and rotorcraft, BFS is positioned to solve the most difficult aviation problems.
Since 1997, BFS has operated fire-fighting helicopters across the world, including Chile, Indonesia, South Korea, and the United States. The BFS fleet of CH-47Ds, UH-60A, are capable of fighting wildfires by either bucket or tank. Aircraft are supported through BFS's FAA 145 repair station and talented staff. .
BFS owns and operates a FAA 145, AS9110, and Boeing certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for the CH-47 Chinook. Established in 2019, the MRO facility supports the BFS Chinook fleet, commercial CH-47 customers, the United States military, and foreign militaries. The facility focuses on CH-47 drivetrain, dynamics, hydraulics, actuation, and flight controls.
About the Role
We are seeking an A&P Helicopter Mechanic to support our CH-47 fleet operations. You will be required to be out of town for extended periods of time, with employer paying lodging and per diem.
Please call or text Bridger Blain, President at 406-697-5499.
Requirements
What You'll Do
• Maintain a close liaison with the crew supervisor to provide current status of aircraft maintenance activity and planning for upcoming maintenance events.
• Perform and document maintenance and alterations of aircraft airframe, engines, and appliances in accordance with the procedures published in the BFS MPM, approved inspection program, manufacturer's maintenance manuals and associated service documentation, acceptable and approved data as applicable, and 14 CFR Regulations.
• Ensure company aircraft are maintained in accordance with the airworthiness standards prescribed by the applicable 14 CFR regulations.
• Provide after-hours maintenance on-call support for the assigned aircraft as directed.
• Ensure aircraft discrepancies are accurately documented and addressed while aircraft are in revenue service and during major inspection events.
• Ensure all aircraft maintenance records and associated documents to include all BFS forms and AIP checklists, equipment manufacturer's forms and checklists, and parts approval documents are completed, processed and maintained in accordance with the BFD MPM SOP, applicable federal aviation regulations, and company policies.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of Federal aviation regulations, the maintenance procedures manual, the operations manual, operations specifications and other pertinent information.
• Ensure all company and personally-owned calibrated tools are within calibration time limits when used.
• Maintain company-owned local Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Your Required Qualifications
• Must be able to read and write English.
• Must pass airport security background checks and travel for work as required.
• Must have good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a current and valid Driver's License.
• Must have a current and valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant License.
• Frequently be required to stand, walk, continually utilize hand, and finger dexterity, climb, balance, bend, or crawl, occasionally from heights in precarious places.
• Frequently lift / push / carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Awareness that he / she will be working near and around moving mechanical parts, around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals and exposure to loud noises.
• Ability to operate equipment and read technical information.
• Exposure to weather conditions outside such as extreme heat or cold.
• 5+ years working on the CH-47D or other Boeing aircraft types (preferred).
• Required Qualifications: FAA A&P License, Rotorcraft experience
Benefits
• Full time employment with competitive compensation based on experience and credentials. Medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K with up to 4% company match.
• These benefits are available after initial waiting period.

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