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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational ... Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather ...

Fill-in as a Firefighter as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Obtain and maintain ... Aerial DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard Driver Operator MWS KBR Benefits KBR offers a selection of ...

New

Knowledge of fire behavior and firefighting techniques. Knowledge of the geographical layout of the ... TCFP Aerial/Operator * A minimum of 2 years' experience as a Driver/Operator * Must obtain (TDHS ...

Knowledge of fire behavior and firefighting techniques. Knowledge of the geographical layout of the ... TCFP Aerial/Operator * A minimum of 2 years' experience as a Driver/Operator * Must obtain (TDHS ...

Aerial Firefighting information

See Texas salary details

$26.6K

$55.5K

$93.2K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Texas is $55,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $64,300.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Texas? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,532 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

$15.50 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

G.B. Aerial Fire Applications Inc. is a Texas-based aviation company specializing in aerial wildfire suppression and emergency fire protection, headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. Since 1993, the company has provided rapid-response firefighting support using single-engine air tankers that deliver water and fire retardant to combat wildfires. With a fleet centered on Air Tractor AT-802F aircraft, G.B. Aerial Fire supports federal agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other wildfire management programs across North America. The company is recognized for reliable, fast, and precise aerial operations and maintains a strong commitment to safety, advanced training, and community protection. Its mission is to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources through coordinated air and ground firefighting efforts.


Role Description

The Administrative Assistant is a full-time, on-site role based in Lubbock, TX. This role supports daily office operations by handling correspondence, managing phone calls, scheduling appointments, and organizing records and documents. The Administrative Assistant assists leadership with executive administrative tasks, prepares reports, coordinates meetings, and maintains office supplies and equipment. Additional responsibilities include data entry, basic recordkeeping, and communication with internal teams and external partners to ensure smooth workflow. The role requires a detail-oriented, organized professional who can prioritize tasks and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.


Qualifications

  • Strong Administrative Assistance and Clerical Skills, including scheduling, filing, data entry, and document management
  • Professional Phone Etiquette and Communication skills for interacting with team members, partners, and agencies

Proficiency with numbers, basic accounting skills.

  • Experience providing Executive Administrative Assistance, such as calendar management and meeting coordination
  • Proficiency with office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, email, and digital filing systems)
  • Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
  • High level of reliability, discretion, and commitment to supporting safety-focused operations
  • Prior experience in aviation, emergency services, or a similar high-compliance environment is an advantage
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or relevant certifications are beneficial