Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Large Airtanker Pilot – C-130 Initial Attack

Coulson Aviation

When wildfires ignite, you’re among the first in the air.

Coulson Aviation is seeking exceptional C-130 Initial Attack Airtanker Captains to join our world-class aerial firefighting team. If you bring prior C-130 PIC experience or are USFS Initial Attack (IA) carded as an Airtanker Captain, this is your opportunity to fly one of the most powerful and capable aerial firefighting platforms in service today.

This is a mission-critical role supporting rapid initial attack wildfire suppression, complex fire environments, and large-scale coordinated aerial operations. If you thrive in high-tempo operations, precision low-level flying, and dynamic multi-aircraft environments, this is where your experience truly matters.

Why This Role Matters

Initial attack saves forests, communities, and lives.
As a C-130 Initial Attack Pilot, your decisions and execution in the first hours of a fire can change the outcome entirely. You’ll be entrusted with one of the most capable firefighting aircraft in the world, operating at the sharp end of wildfire response. Supporting ground firefighters is our passion, and we need you to help us help them—so together, we can protect our communities and our state and national forest lands, not only here at home, but internationally as well

The Mission

Conduct time-critical wildfire response missions delivering retardant with our specialized water/retardant dropping tanking systems in the most challenging terrain and congested airspace environments you’ll see as a professional aviator. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Air Attack, ground resources, and agency partners to slow fire growth when it matters most.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision, discipline, and professionalism
• Operate at low level in mountainous and high-threat environments in accordance with approved SOPs and tactics
• Coordinate closely with Air Attack to manage complex, congested fire traffic areas
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational hazards while actively supporting the Safety Management System (SMS)
• Maintain aircraft and crew readiness for rapid deployment during peak fire activity
• Complete flight logs, mission records, and required operational documentation
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of wildfire tactics, SOPs, and operational procedures

Qualifications

Required

• FAA ATP, or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating appropriate to C-130 operations
• 2,000+ hours total flight time
• 1,000+ hours of multi-engine experience
• 500 hours of IFR experience

Preferred

• 4,000+ hours total flight time
• Previous C-130, LAT, or VLAT experience
• Initial Attack aerial firefighting experience
• Low-level tactical flying in complex or mountainous terrain
• Multi-crew, crew-resource-management–intensive cockpit experience

What Sets You Apart

• Exceptional CRM, threat and error management, and sound aeronautical decision-making
• Calm, decisive communicator under pressure
• High situational awareness in rapidly evolving fire environments
• Safety-driven, mission-focused, and ready for on-call deployment during peak fire seasons

Ready to be first over the fire?

Apply now and join the front line of aerial wildfire suppression with Coulson Aviation.