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Aerial Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weyerhaeuser Company

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

FMS Aerospace

Systems Integration Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$168K/yr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

FMS Aerospace

Systems Integration Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$168K/yr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

Bridger Aerospace

Avionics Technician II

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$30.75 - $40/hr

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 ...

Bridger Aerospace

Facilities Support Technician

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

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 ...

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FMS Aerospace

Systems Integration Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$168K/yr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

Apply Early

FMS Aerospace

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · Hybrid

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

FMS Aerospace

Aircraft Stress Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$59 - $81/hr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

Apply Early

FMS Aerospace

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Operate helicopter role equipment, including external rescue hoists, mapping tools, cameras, and aerial firefighting systems such as fixed water tanks, hydraulic snorkels, buckets, and sling loads.

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FMS Aerospace

Aircraft Stress Engineer

Huntsville, AL · Hybrid

$59 - $81/hr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

FMS Aerospace

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

Apply Early

FMS Aerospace

Aircraft Stress Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$59 - $81/hr

Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 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, 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.
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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:
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Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Structures Mechanic II - Rotational

Structures Mechanic II - Rotational

Bridger Aerospace

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Bridger Aerospace
Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at 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
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who can work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines with little outside guidance and supervision to fill the Structural Mechanic II - Rotational role. In this role, you will be responsible for maintenance, repair and overhaul of our fleet of aircraft. Travel will be to Belgrade, MT with the possibility of traveling anywhere in the US and internationally if needed to support the aircraft. This position is a year-round 12 day on / 12 day off rotational position.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Structural repairs and modification on Bridger Aerospace's aircraft fleet.
  • King Air, Pilatus, Kodiak and CL215T airframes.
  • Read and interpret Engineering Repair Orders, Engineering drawings, Structural Repair Manuals, and other technical documents.
  • Prepare for upcoming repairs and modifications to include research and ordering of required parts, materials, consumables, and tooling.
  • Perform complex structural fabrication.
  • Use various tooling and fabrication machines not limited to brakes, shears, band saw, drill press, grinders, forms, etc.
  • Assist the maintenance team with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to include airframe, engine, flight controls, hydraulics, fuel systems, and other aircraft systems.
  • Perform fastener installation and removal, drilling, reaming, tapping, and die cutting. Hi-Lok, Hi-Lite, Jo-Bolt, Cherry Max, Cherry Lok and solid rivets.
  • Determine bend radius, angles, pitch, etc. using mathematics.
  • Work with materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, stainless steel, and titanium.
  • Familiar with corrosion prevention processes.
  • Use various chemicals, glues, and sealants as determined by procedural requirements.
  • Complete logbook entries and maintain work order task status using Winair or other maintenance tracking software.
  • Maintain work area and tool control in accordance with company standards and procedures.

Requirements:
  • A&P license is preferred
  • 3-5+ years structures / sheet metal experience
  • 2-3+ years aircraft maintenance
  • Valid Driver's license and passport
  • Ability to Pass a DOT drug screening
  • Ability to be insured on company vehicles
  • Ability to Travel to Canada, Europe, or other international locations, as needed
  • Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations (FAR)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under no supervision and high pressure
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Personal tools required when working in Belgrade, MT only. Company tools are provided for any work away from home base
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check

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.

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