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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Fleet Aircraft Mechanic

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

Our missions include search and rescue, short haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli ...

Airbus H145 Mechanic - Fleet

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerial Firefighting information

See Oregon salary details

$30.1K

$63K

$105.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Oregon is $63,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Oregon 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 $63,021 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Fleet Aircraft Mechanic

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain helicopters and components according to FAR's, manufacturer's programs, Hillsboro Aviation's AAIP, and repair station guidelines.

  • Perform inspection and repair of Airbus Helicopters AS350B3, Bell 407, 407HP, 206 series, Bell 205A-1++, Airbus H145D3, and turbine engines such as Turbomeca Arriel, Rolls-Royce 250, and Lycoming T53-17.

  • Work in remote field locations during fire season and in hangar environments as part of a maintenance team.


Job description

Eligible for sign-on bonus and relocation stipend 


About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunities and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s Contract & Charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, Department of Defense (DOD), large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a Fleet Aircraft Mechanic, you will work closely with the Fleet Maintenance team to maintain helicopters on Hillsboro Aviation's fleet. You will report to the Director of Maintenance and will be responsible for the following, including but not limited to:

  • Inspection and repair of helicopter and components according to the highest standards of the FAR's, manufacturer's programs, Hillsboro Aviation’s s AAIP, and repair station guidelines
  • USFS/DOI contract coverage as field mechanic
  • Ability to use computer databases and software programs to track ongoing maintenance.

Ideal candidates are able to work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision, value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude, maintain a critical eye for detail and organization, and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Ability to work a 12/12 (12 days on / 12 days off) or a 12/2 (12 days on, 2 days off) shift in remote field locations for the duration of fire season (typically April – October)
  • Ability to work in a hangar environment as part of a maintenance team for full-time employment outside of contract demands
  • Inspection and repair of helicopter and components to be maintained with the highest standards of the FAR's, manufacturer's programs, Hillsboro's AAIP, and repair station guidelines
  • Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 aircraft maintenance
  • Bell 407, 407HP, and 206 series aircraft maintenance
  • Bell 205A-1++ aircraft maintenance
  • Airbus Helicopters H145D3 aircraft maintenance
  • Turbomeca Arriel series (2D&2E) turbine engine maintenance
  • Rolls-Royce 250 series (C47, C30, C20) turbine engine maintenance
  • Lycoming T53-17 turbine engine maintenance
  • USFS/DOI contract coverage as a field mechanic
  • Ability to use computer databases and software programs to track ongoing maintenance

Qualifications/Licenses

  • Valid FAA A&P Certificate issued at least 24 months prior to the application date
  • Valid Class C Commercial Driver’s License with Hazmat endorsement – or ability to obtain quickly

Required Skills/Experience

  • Documented evidence of maintaining a Bell 407 series, Bell 205 Series, and /or Airbus Helicopters AS350B3E, H145 Series aircraft within the previous 10 years
  • At least 18 months out of the last 24 months must have been actively engaged in helicopter maintenance
  • At least 12 months experience as an A&P mechanic maintaining helicopters
  • At least 12 months experience maintaining one of the aircraft listed above.
  • At least 6 months experience as an A&P within the past 2 years
  • At least 1 full season of experience under “field” conditions within the previous 10 years
  • At least 3 months experience maintaining a helicopter away from an operator’s principal hanbase of operations
  • Ability to obtain a USFS / interagency mechanic card

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Bell and / or Airbus Helicopters factory training course (field maintenance, component overhaul, and / or electrical maintenance)
  • Management or shop lead level experience/desired
  • Willingness to adjust work schedule to be available for after-hour callouts as needed. This duty is shared with other mechanics
  • Willingness to learn and contribute to maintaining the other aircraft in Hillsboro Aviation's fleet as needed
  • CDL Class C with HAZMAT endorsement

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Wellness benefits, including alternative care and lifestyle discounts
  • 401(k) + match
  • Monthly team-building events, including BBQs
  • Exercise, shower facilities, and locker rooms at headquarters

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
 
 This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.