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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Firefighting information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$28.4K

$59.4K

$99.7K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Gilbert, AZ is $59,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $68,800.00 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.

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Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Gilbert, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,416 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Airtanker Base Manager)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

These positions are located at USDA Forest Service Units.
Incumbent serves as Airtanker Base Manager. Responsibilities include: management of aerial retardant base in support of wildland fire suppression activities, oversight and support to various types of aircraft assigned to the base, and management of airtanker base facilities.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-07 grade level in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Inspected, mixed and loaded retardant chemicals to assure quality control and not to exceed aircraft limitations; Dispatched fixed and rotor wing aircraft after determining flight information; Kept records of incident and accident reporting, retardant deliveries, consumption levels, and/or retardant costs per operation; Completed daily flight invoices and contract daily diaries.
For the GW-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-08 grade level in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in planning, scheduling, and monitoring all flights out of a base for resource and fire related projects; Assisted in providing facility maintenance oversight and procurement for repairs and improvements; Assisted in managing the safe and efficient loading of properly mixed retardants into airtankers; Assisted in preparing and directing the implementation of airtanker base operational plans; Assisted in administering aircraft and retardant contracts.
Selective Placement Factors:
Incumbent is required to have and maintain Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) qualifications as an Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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