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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Bozeman, MT (NOW HIRING)

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line ...

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

About Bridger Aerospace Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and ...

Aerial Firefighting information

See Bozeman, MT salary details

$29.1K

$60.8K

$102K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Bozeman, MT is $60,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $70,400.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Bozeman, MT?

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

What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Bozeman, MT look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Bozeman, MT are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Bozeman, MT 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 $60,828 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Maintenance Planner

Bridger Aerospace

Belgrade, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Bridger Aerospace

Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. We have grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack and the largest Super Scooper fleet in the U.S. in less than eight years.Bridger is a leader in fighting wildfires, specializing in Air Attack, Fire Suppression, and Aerial Fire-Mapping technologies. Our focus is to provide the most effective and modern capabilities to fight fires from the air. Meeting the needs of the growing threat of economic and environmental damage caused by wildfires and supporting ground-based firefighters is our priority.

About the Role

The Maintenance Planner develops and maintains detailed aircraft maintenance plans that support safe, compliant, and reliable fleet operations. Working under the direction of the Maintenance Planning Manager, this role converts maintenance requirements into executable schedules, coordinates the resources needed to complete the work, and keeps stakeholders informed of progress, constraints, and emerging risks.

The ideal candidate combines practical aircraft maintenance knowledge with strong planning and organizational skills. Maintenance experience, an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, or equivalent maintenance planning experience is highly valued. This position works closely with Maintenance, Flight Operations, Supply Chain, Technical Records, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.

This position is based at Bridger Aerospace HQ in Belgrade, MT and is full-time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain short, mid, and long-range maintenance schedules for assigned aircraft, components, and major maintenance events.
  • Work with the Maintenance Leadership to confirm work priorities, staffing needs, aircraft access, and realistic return-to-service dates.
  • Ensure scheduled inspections, overhauls, life-limited components, Airworthiness Directives, NDT, and other regulatory requirements are included in the maintenance schedule.
  • Monitor aircraft hours, cycles, calendar limits, and projected utilization to identify upcoming maintenance requirements and compliance risks.
  • Build and maintain work packages, task lists, milestone plans, and supporting planning documentation.
  • Load labor requirements into the schedule and identify resource constraints that could affect execution.
  • Coordinate with Supply Chain and Stores to identify required parts, materials, tooling, outside services, and component maintenance.
  • Update maintenance plans when work scope, engineering requirements, aircraft utilization, parts availability, or operational priorities change.
  • Maintain accurate planning information in company maintenance tracking and scheduling systems.
  • Participate in maintenance planning and status meetings and provide updates on schedule performance, constraints, action items, and aircraft return-to-service forecasts.
  • Provide the Maintenance Planning Manager and Director of Maintenance with timely information on schedule risks and recovery options.
  • Support winter maintenance planning, year-round fleet readiness, and continuous improvement of planning processes.

Job Requirements

  • Two or more years of aircraft maintenance, maintenance planning, production planning, technical records, or related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate preferred.
  • Aircraft maintenance or maintenance planning experience preferred.
  • Working knowledge of aircraft maintenance practices, inspection programs, technical publications, and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Ability to read and interpret maintenance manuals, inspection documents, task cards, engineering instructions, and component records.
  • Experience with maintenance tracking systems; WinAir and Veryon experience is preferred.
  • Experience building maintenance work packages, labor-loaded schedules, forecasts, or return-to-service plans.
  • Experience supporting 14 CFR Part 135 operations, Part 145 repair stations, aerial firefighting, special-mission aircraft, or mixed-fleet maintenance programs preferred.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products and scheduling tools.
  • Must be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across maintenance and operational departments.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to be insured to drive company vehicles.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and work in office, hangar, ramp, and outdoor environments.
  • Must pass required pre-employment background checks and drug screening.

Benefits and Perks:

  • Competitive salary and growth opportunities
  • Company performance-based bonus plan
  • Equity stock-based compensation package
  • Employer funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and their dependents.
  • Employer funded life and disability insurance coverage
  • Company HSA, FSA, Dependent Care, and 401k
  • Continuing education reimbursement

This position is subject to pre-employment background check and drug screening. Additionally, this position requires attainment of an AOA Badge issued by Bozeman-Yellowstone Int'l Airport.

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates.