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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Manassas

Firefighter BLS

Manassas, VA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

... aerial devices in emergency situations. Minimum Required Qualifications This position does require current Virginia certification* as a: 1) Firefighter II 2) VA EMT-Basic or National Registry EMT-B ...

City of Manassas

Firefighter ALS

Manassas, VA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

This position may drive fire apparatus and operate fire pumps and/or aerial devices in emergency situations. This classification is distinguished from Firefighter BLS in that incumbents are certified ...

City of Manassas, VA

Firefighter ALS

Manassas, VA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

This position may drive fire apparatus and operate fire pumps and/or aerial devices in emergency situations. This classification is distinguished from Firefighter BLS in that incumbents are certified ...

City of Manassas, VA

Firefighter BLS

Manassas, VA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

This position may drive fire apparatus and operate fire pumps and/or aerial devices in emergency ... Firefighter II 2) VA EMT-Basic or National Registry EMT-B 3) VA Hazardous Materials Ops 4) VA ...

Constellis

Lieutenant-Fire

Reston, VA · On-site

Duties require full use of both arms, both legs and fingers to bend, turn, pull, crawl, kneel, and climb for such tasks as use of aerial ladders, firefighting equipment controls, arranging/connecting ...

Fairfax County

Firefighter (Firefighter/EMT)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $124K/yr

... from an aerial ladder or elevating platform Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows ... firefighting resources Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire ...

Constellis

Driver Operator

Reston, VA · On-site

Drives and operates firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, support vehicles, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. * Drives to the scene of the fire following a ...

Hanover County, VA

VOLUNTEER- Fire-EMS

Hanover, VA · On-site

... firefighting and emergency medical supplies and equipment; and performs related work as required ... Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform;

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All JobsAerial Firefighting JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs in Virginia

Aerial Firefighting information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$59.1K

$99.1K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Virginia is $59,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $68,400.00 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.
More about Aerial Firefighting jobs
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Virginia? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Virginia are:
Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,095 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Regional Firefighter Testing

City of Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description Regional Firefighter Testing Please note the following important information for individuals interested in the Regional Firefighter Testing for the Counties of Rockingham, Augusta, and Rockbridge and the Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro. Testing will be offered on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Certificates will be valid for one year from the testing date.

To be eligible to apply for an open position with the listed localities you must complete and pass the written test and physical ability test at the Regional Firefighter Testing event. Upon completion of the two tests, you will receive a certificate via e-mail indicating a numerical score on your written test and a pass/fail on your physical ability test. The certificate will be valid for one year from the testing date.

Each locality sets its minimum qualifications for its firefighter positions. As openings occur, the locality will advertise its position as deemed appropriate. To be considered, you must submit the locality's application and a copy of your certificate indicating your test scores.

Each locality will then select candidates based on their identified hiring process. Registration Process Information and online registration is available on the City of Harrisonburg Employment Website - visit www.harrisonburgva.gov and click on Employment. Online registration must be completed no later than 5:00pm EST on Thursday, September 24, 2026

The City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department is acting as the central registration point for all the participating localities. EOE. Testing Process Testing is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026: The test will be administered at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA.

Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall. It is imperative that you be at the Fairgrounds by 7:45 a.m. Please bring a picture ID for proper identification

The testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time of 8:00 a.m. Comprehensive written firefighter test: The written test will take approximately 2 hours to complete

The test is validated by PSHRA and will test for reading comprehension, interpreting tables, situational judgment, logical and mathematical reasoning ability, reading gauges, mechanical aptitude, spatial sense, map reading, and vocabulary. No prior training or experience as a firefighter is assumed of candidates taking the test. Physical ability testing: Candidates will be required to attend a practice session for the physical ability test to help acclimate them to the physical requirements and reduce the potential for injury/dehydration on the day of testing.

Participants must attend the practice session on Friday, October 23, 2026 between 4:00pm and 7:00pm at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA. Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall. Candidates are not expected to attend all three hours of the practice session.

The practice session is structured so that you may come/leave any time from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information on the physical ability test will be emailed to you after your application has been received and reviewed by the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department

Comfortable clothing should be worn, including long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe. A protective helmet and gloves will be provided. Recommended attire is fitness clothing (e.g., t-shirt, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirt, sneakers)

Supplemental Information NOTE: An Online Entry-Level Firefighter Candidate Study Guide is available for order from Public Safety Compass and details are provided below. The study guide is designed to help you, as a firefighter candidate, prepare to take the PSHRA entry-level firefighter written test that will be used during this process. Questions regarding the study guide, including online access, should be directed to Public Safety Compass using the ordering link below.

The goal of the study guide is to: Help candidates prepare to take the written assessment. Understand what the test assesses and the content and types of questions found in the test. Provide test-taking tips, a 100-item practice test, and explain the answers to 25 of the practice items.

The online format is structured as a course, to walk you through each section describing the knowledge areas of the test. The full 100-question practice test is integrated and can be taken online at your convenience. You can order online and gain immediate access at: https://www.publicsafetycompass.com/product/entry-level-firefighter-online-study-guide/

If you have questions after reviewing the information in this advertisement, please contact the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at 540-432-8920 or by email at Employment@HarrisonburgVA.gov. If your plans change once you have registered and you are unable to participate in the testing, please notify the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at the above phone number or email address as soon as possible.

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