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Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metrea Management LLC

Senior Field Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

Metrea Management LLC

Engine Fleet Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM)  is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

Metrea Management LLC

Engine Fleet Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM)  is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

Metrea Management LLC

Liaison Officer

Washington, DC · Remote

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation.  Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability - designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let ...

Metrea LLC

Engine Fleet Manager

Tampa, FL

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

Metrea Management LLC

Senior Technical Records Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

$107.30K - $147.90K/yr

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability--designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

Metrea LLC

Airworthiness Manager

Tampa, FL

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability-designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers ...

Metrea Management LLC

Maintenance Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF ...

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Aerial Firefighting information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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, and why are they important?

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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs are:
Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Hazmat CDL Driver (seasonal)

Hazmat CDL Driver (seasonal)

Billings Flying Service

Billings, MT • On-site

Per diem

Posted 24 days ago

Billings Flying Service rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 52 rated aviation services

Job description

About Billings Flying Service

Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a solutions provider for the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services. The BFS fleet of Eight CH-47Ds, one UH-60A, are capable of fighting wildfires by either bucket or tank.

About the Role

Billings Flying Service is hiring truck drivers to deliver fuel and/or supplies and tooling to various locations in support of aviation operations. You will be required to be out of town for extended periods of time, with employer paying lodging and per diem.

Requirements

What You'll Do

  • Responsibly drive and manage a fuel tanker and/or truck and trailer to support aviation operations.
  • Work hand in hand with the flight crew to facilitate aircraft sustainment and operation.

Your Required Qualifications

  • Must have a valid Class A-1 CDL with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements.
  • Must have DOT medical exam certification.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment screening.
  • Must be able to be on-call.

Benefits

seasonal openings are available. Wage and benefits depend on qualifications.