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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

... tools, aerial ladder equipment, and emergency medical equipment. * Operate all types of BLS ... Firefighting and EMS Apparatus and equipment pertinent to the area or certification of expertise ...

... aerial drops; provide structural protection; and mop up and patrol fire areas to safeguard life ... Train volunteer fire departments, cooperative fire agencies, and various firefighting personnel ...

Applicants must be qualified as an NWCG Firefighter I (FFT1 or higher) and have an NWCG Single ... aerial drops; provide structural protection; and mop up and patrol fire areas to safeguard life ...

Aerial Firefighting information

See Nevada salary details

$29K

$60.7K

$101.8K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Nevada is $60,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $70,300.00 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 Nevada? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Nevada look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Nevada are:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,697 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Reserve Firefighter/Paramedic

GovernmentJobs.com

Mesquite, NV • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Firefighter/EMT

Respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical assistance to the public. Conduct fire prevention inspections; Perform general maintenance on fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities; Engage in fire code enforcement and public education.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.
  2. Operate all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, ventilation equipment, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
  3. Operate all types of ALS emergency medical equipment utilized by Mesquite Fire & Rescue Department.
  4. Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and administer emergency medical care until relieved by proper medical personnel.
  5. Transports sick and injured individuals from incident scene to the appropriate hospital when deemed medically necessary and provides appropriate medical care during transport.
  6. Preserve evidence at fire and medical scenes.
  7. Participate in fire station maintenance and housekeeping.
  8. Perform search and rescue of individuals in hazardous environments including collapsed buildings, auto accidents, hazardous material spills, and confined spaces.
  9. Attend special instruction in firefighting and emergency medical techniques; perform drills with other staff; become familiar with city layout, established response routes and hydrant system.
  10. Participate in school drills, provide public information on fire prevention, first aid, CPR and career opportunities.
  11. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
  12. Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing.

Materials and Equipment Used:

  • City vehicles
  • General office equipment
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Computers, electronic devices and related software
  • Firefighting and EMS Apparatus and equipment pertinent to the area or certification of expertise

Qualifications:

Knowledge:

  • Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency rescue.
  • Operation of Fire and EMS apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use.
  • Southern Nevada Health District Emergency Medical Services protocols and standards.
  • Familiar with the city's major cross streets and street numbering system.
  • Operation and basic maintenance of small motors.
  • Basic rescue techniques and procedures.
  • Basic techniques for handling hazardous materials.
  • Basic mathematical principles.
  • Rules, regulations, standard operating procedures, City of Mesquite policies and procedures.

Skills:

  • Principles and practices of firefighting and rescue methods and procedures.
  • Emergency medical assistance methods; hazards and safety precautions of the work.

Abilities:

  • Work under strict discipline and follow orders.
  • Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting.
  • Demonstrate physical aptitude as required by essential functions.
  • Read and understand technical materials, rules, regulations and procedures related to firefighting.
  • Operate and perform basic service maintenance procedures on all fire fighting equipment, both manually operated and motorized.
  • Learn to analyze emergency situations and quickly determine effective courses of action.
  • Learn to identify various hazardous materials.
  • Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
  • Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
  • Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
  • Operate and maintain voice radio equipment.
  • Work in adverse physical locations and conditions.
  • Perform heavy lifting and maneuvering.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Learn and use computers and tablets, along with related computer programs and software applications.
  • Meet the City's medical standard, including passing a bi-annual physical examination with an agency selected by the City.
  • Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties.

Competencies:

Communicativeness, Composure, Customer Service, Drive/Energy, Functional/Technical, Integrity, Initiative, Learning Agility, Positive Impact, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Sensitivity, Team Player

Special Conditions:

  • Prospective candidates for employment must pass the department's physical agility test within 3 months of hire or provide a current Candidate Physical Agility (CPAT©) card.
  • Candidates will also be required to submit to an extensive background investigation, and must pass a post-job comprehensive medical examination and a drug screen.

Working Conditions:

  • Work in emergency medical situations, including vehicle accidents and other types of medical and rescue emergencies; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, heights and noise.
  • Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping, and heavy lifting while wearing protective equipment; work in inclement weather conditions. Must be able to work any shift or days of the week. Regular and timely attendance is required.

Job Hazards/Risk Factors:

  • Employees risk physical hazard from bio-hazards such as blood borne pathogen, drug paraphernalia, fire, smoke adverse weather conditions, working with and around heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, heavy lifting, and other hazardous materials.

Special Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old. Must be willing to serve a minimum of 48 hours per month and attend mandatory training as determined by the department.
  • It is a condition of employment that any Fire & Rescue employee hired into the Fire & Rescue Department after March 1, 2004, not use tobacco both on and off duty for the duration of employment with the City.

Position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to drug testing.