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Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Special Air Missions Group - US (SAM - US) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's ISR, Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM oversees the integration of new ...

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

Special Air Missions Group (SAM)is responsible fordeveloping and deliveringMetrea'sIntelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities.

Airworthiness Operations Specialist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $65K/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 ...

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

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

Senior Technical Records Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$107K - $147K/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 ...

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

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

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

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

AME Structures Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Coulson Aviation is a global aerial firefighting company that supports Emergency Service efforts through the delivery of specialized aircraft and highly trained team members. Coulson Aviation ...

Showing results 21-40

Aerial Firefighting information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs?

Cities with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:

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

The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs are:

What states have the most Aerial Firefighting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Firefighting jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Maintenance Training Manager

Bridger Aerospace

Belgrade, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Bridger Aerospace

Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and sustainable firefighting methods primarily throughout the United States and Canada, as well as airframe modification and integration solutions for governmental and commercial customers. Our mission is to save lives, property and habitats threatened by wildfires, leveraging our high-quality team, specialized aircraft and innovative use of technology and data. We are meeting an underserved and growing need for next-generation full-service aerial firefighting platforms.

About the Role

Bridger Aerospace is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Maintenance Training Manager. This position is responsible for managing all training activities within the maintenance department, ensuring that training requirements are identified, documented, coordinated, and fulfilled in accordance with regulatory, contractual, and internal standards.

While not expected to personally deliver all training, the manager must be capable of preparing and mentoring internal instructors through structured "train-the-trainer" efforts. A background in instructional methodology, technical education, or maintenance leadership is valuable to ensure training is effectively developed and delivered.

This role collaborates closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), external vendors, and maintenance leadership to facilitate the planning, creation, and execution of training programs, while maintaining accurate records and continuously improving program quality and effectiveness.

Reports to: Director of Maintenance.

Responsibilities:

  • Program Ownership & Compliance
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for all maintenance training and compliance-related activities.
    • Maintain the Maintenance Training Program Manual, ensuring alignment with FAA Part 145, internal policies, and audit-readiness.
    • Collaborate with the Director of Maintenance, Director of Quality, and the Accountable Manager to keep all documentation and training requirements current.
    • Collaborate with maintenance leadership and HR to integrate training with employee progression tracks and career development.
    • Perform comprehensive needs assessments on a continuous basis.
    • Develop maintenance standards and performance expectations for critical tasks with the help of SMEs.
    • Coordinate with Director of Safety to help track and assign training as required.
  • Training Development & Delivery
    • Define and track required training for all maintenance personnel, including:
      • Technical training (e.g., avionics, airframe/structures, engines)
      • Operational training (e.g., engine run, forklift, WinAir, FlightDocs)
      • Regulatory training (FAR Part 43, 91, 65, 145)
    • Conduct or coordinate others to conduct initial and recurrent training workshops, either directly or through internal SMEs and approved third-party providers.
    • Coordinate and schedule contract required OEM training with appropriate vendors.
    • "Train the trainer" to build and mentor maintenance instructors for specific subjects as needed.
  • Scheduling & Recordkeeping
    • Schedule and manage all training events and ensure coverage across required training intervals.
    • Track training completions, due dates, expirations, and participation through LMS (learning management system) and maintenance systems.
    • Maintain accurate digital training records and produce required documents during audits or requests from customers per contract requirements.
  • OJT Program Oversight
    • Define On-the-Job Training (OJT) structure and ensure proper delivery and documentation of OJT training and logging.
    • Collaborate with maintenance leadership to ensure OJT is aligned with personnel development and regulatory expectations.
  • Continuous Improvement & Key Performance Indicators
    • Evaluate training effectiveness, close feedback loops, and recommend improvements.
    • Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for training participation, completion rates, audit performance, safety outcomes, and overall maintenance task reliability and efficiency.
    • Continuously improve content, delivery methods, and program structure based on performance and organizational needs.

Job Requirements:

  • Experience with adult learning principles or instructional design
  • Background in training, compliance, technical writing, and/or instructional design
  • Preferred aviation maintenance, flight ops, manufacturing, or industrial background
  • Experience coordinating and documenting training events across multiple departments or teams
  • High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to work independently across teams
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Previous experience in aviation administration preferred
  • Familiarity with IT systems and software, with the ability to quickly learn and manage internal systems
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
  • Reliable transportation and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Report
  • Flexibility to work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays if required
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Willingness to perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits and Perks:

  • Industry competitive compensation package
  • Company performance-based bonus plan
  • Equity stock-based compensation package
  • Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverage
  • Heath Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options

This position is subject to pre-employment background check. 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME