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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Washington (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

$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 ...

Central Intelligence Agency

Firefighter

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$79K - $123K/yr

Summary As a Firefighter (non-supervisory), you will respond to and mitigate emergency incidents ... Driver Aerial Operator (DAO) (NFPA 1002) * Fire Instructor I (NFPA 1041) * Fire Officer I (NFPA ...

Metrea

Mission Network Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Program Security Manager

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$127K - $155K/yr

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

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 ...

Metrea

Classified Systems Administrator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Senior Treasury Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

SIGINT Geospatial Analyst

Annapolis, MD · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Strategic Relations Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Talent Acquisition Partner

Washington, DC · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Treasury Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Airborne SIGINT SME

Washington, DC · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

Metrea

Cyber Systems Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAerial Firefighting JobsAerial Firefighting Jobs in Washington

Aerial Firefighting information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$67.5K

$113.3K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Washington is $67,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,100.00 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:

Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,510 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Firefighter

Corporate Gray Newsletter - December Issue

Washington, DC • On-site

$79K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

As a Firefighter (non-supervisory), you will respond to and mitigate emergency incidents, to include fires, Haz Mat incidents, auto accidents, and provide emergency care to ill and injured persons.Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Fire/Rescue Certifications must be accredited by the Pro Board and/or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or recognized by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP). EMS certifications must be National Registry and/or recognized by the Virginia Office of EMS.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • Up to a maximum thirty-seven (37) years of age at time of appointment, unless the candidate has prior Federal service in a FERS-Special covered Firefighter or Law Enforcement position
  • Firefighter Level I & II (NFPA 1001)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
  • Three (3) years of Fire and EMS experience
  • - Physically and psychologically fit with the ability to lift, carry, and otherwise move and utilize heavy fire/rescue/emergency medical equipment and individuals; must be able to lift and carry 125 lbs. per OSHA requirements
  • NFPA 1582 physical
  • Experience as an attendant-in-charge of an ambulance or medic unit
  • Ability to apply judgment and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
  • Ability to utilize basic computer software to document activities and information
  • Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to perform basic administrative activities
  • Ability to think clearly; respond immediately; and act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations
  • Ability to work from heights
  • Ability to wear breathing apparatus; climb ladders; and work in confined spaces, toxic atmospheres, and extreme heat
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel at the station, other firefighters, volunteers, and the public
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications

  • Regional Fire Academy
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, S-3 (NFPA 1451)
  • Driver Pump Operator (DPO) (NFPA 1002)
  • Driver Aerial Operator (DAO) (NFPA 1002)
  • Fire Instructor I (NFPA 1041)
  • Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021)
  • Fire Inspector I (NFPA 1031)
  • Vehicle Rescue Level 1 / Operations (NFPA 1006)
  • HTR Rope Rescue 1 / Operations Phase 2 (NFPA 1006)
  • HTR Confined Space Rescue II / Technician (NFPA 1006, OSHA CFR 1910.146))
  • Hazardous Materials Technician (NFPA 472, OSHA CFR 1910.120)
  • FEMA ICS 300, 400
  • Airport Rescue Firefighter (NFPA 1003-15)
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic
Education:
  • High school diploma or GED
Employment Type: OTHER

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