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Air Tanker Base Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... air lines or respirators. What does it take to work for HPC-Industrial? * High School diploma or ... In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and ...

... air lines or respirators. What does it take to work for HPC-Industrial? * High School diploma or ... In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and ...

... air lines or respirators. What does it take to work for HPC-Industrial? * High School diploma or ... In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and ...

Tank Cleaning Technician

Hammond, IN · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Monitoring and operation of special equipment such as pumps, breathing air equipment, and tools to ... In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and ...

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Air Tanker Base information

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How much do air tanker base jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for air tanker base in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air tanker base?

An Air Tanker Base job involves supporting aerial firefighting operations by coordinating aircraft logistics, refueling, loading fire retardant, and ensuring safety at the base. Personnel manage communications, track aircraft movements, and assist pilots with mission preparations. These roles are crucial in wildfire suppression efforts, requiring teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

What does a typical day look like for an employee working at an air tanker base?

A typical day at an Air Tanker Base involves coordinating air tanker dispatches, monitoring operational readiness of equipment and crews, and maintaining regular communication with pilots, ground teams, and fire incident commanders. Employees may review weather and fire behavior reports, oversee fueling or loading of aircraft, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols. The role often requires multitasking and rapid decision-making during emergency wildfire response periods. Teamwork is essential, as staff work closely with other base personnel, aviation professionals, and fire management agencies. This collaborative, action-oriented environment provides unique challenges and the opportunity to make a significant impact on wildfire suppression efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the air tanker base position, and why are they important?

To excel at an Air Tanker Base, you should possess strong operational management skills, knowledge of aviation logistics, and experience in emergency response, often backed by relevant certifications such as wildfire or hazmat training. Familiarity with specialized software for resource tracking, air traffic communication systems, and incident command protocols is crucial. Excellent teamwork, adaptability under pressure, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated air tanker operations, particularly during high-stakes wildfire response situations.

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Infographic showing various Air Tanker Base job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

A&P Mechanic - MD87 Tanker Crew Chief

Aero Air

Madras, OR

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

We are Aero Air – A People Centered Aircraft Service Company. A premier, mission driven organization who employs high performing, dedicated professionals. Where our team members are committed to apply their talents to a purpose greater than the task at hand. We want to make a difference in the lives of people in our communities and on a national and global level. Whatever your career passion, when you choose to work at Aero Air, you'll be joining a team that is supportive, collaborative and everyone is treated like family.

Aero Air is the parent company of Erickson Aero Tanker (EAT). EAT operates year-round firefighting operations in support of our government contracts.

We invite applicants for A&P Mechanic - MD87 Tanker Crew Chief job openings located in Madras, Oregon!

We offer a very competitive wage and excellent benefits package! Annual compensation ranges from $90k-$120k, DOE (includes standard hourly rate plus scheduled assigned overtime). This position is assigned a 3 week on/1 week off (paid) schedule during Mandatory Assignment Periods. Our benefits include relocation reimbursement, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) plan with an automatic 3% employer provided safe harbor contribution upon hire, healthcare coverage including medical, dental, vision, employer funded health reimbursement arrangement, employee paid life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, pet insurance, corporate discount program on things like travel, gym memberships and more!

Position Summary

The Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic – MD87 Tanker Crew Chief performs routine aircraft troubleshooting, inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance while maintaining a constant focus on safety and quality for the Erickson Aero Tanker fleet of MD-87, US government, and foreign government contracted aircraft. The position ensures company operational goals and objectives are met, while guaranteeing all aircraft maintenance documentation is maintained within applicable federal regulations, company policies and manufacturer requirements.

Required Duties and Responsibilities - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties and responsibilities.

  • A&P Mechanics/Crew Chiefs are primarily assigned to the Erickson Aero Tanker fleet of government-contracted aircraft – US Forest Service, Mandatory Assignment Period (USFS-MAP) where dates can fluctuate from year to year based on allocations and fire conditions.
  • During non-Mandatory Assignment Periods Crew Chiefs are assigned to home base work in Madras, Oregon. Routine and non-routine tasks are performed to maintain fleet readiness.
  • Perform the required maintenance, troubleshooting and or repairs needed for aircraft anywhere in the United States in which the aircraft is located. To include locations which could include remote areas where modern conveniences may not always be available.
  • Coordinate and manage the adjustment, repair, or replacement of malfunctioning components or assemblies, including the assembly of components such as switches, electrical controls and junction boxes using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Coordinate all 'AOG' activities, the troubleshooting of instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, voltmeters, or other test equipment.
  • Adhere to all FAA Regulations, the Aero Air Repair Station Manual, Operations Manual and all other Quality Manuals and or Regulations, ensuring that all documents are signed off completely, properly, and timely in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Coordinates all activities with Maintenance Control and management team and other crew chiefs as necessary. Update manager as to aircraft status. Responsible for tasks, orders parts, assures accurate documentation, inspects completed work, completes operation tests and preliminary post-work inspections, and completes work order forms.
  • Accountable for tracking and accurately reporting all time worked and expenses incurred on a weekly basis with no exception. Failure to comply with accurate tracking requirements may result in the technician's removal from the crew. Ability to occasionally pre-book travel for reimbursement.
  • Our contract with the USFS requires 2 days off in any 14-day window with a duty day of no more than 16 hours on during a 24-hour period. Crew members may relocate to different Tanker bases daily. Other government contracts may vary.
  • Must be willing and able to work outdoors for long periods of time, utilizing various types of equipment, stands, ladders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, tugs, forklifts, etc.
  • Scheduled maintenance is accomplished during non-flying hours, sunset to sunrise.
  • During flying hours Crew Chiefs can be required to help with fueling, retardant loading, cleaning windshields.
  • Maintain reliable, regular, and predictable attendance.
  • Successful completion and favorable results of pre-employment drug screen and criminal history background check.
  • Adhere to all Aero Air/Erickson Aero Tanker policies and standards of conduct.
  • In addition to the duties listed, A&P Mechanics will be required to perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to use text messaging for maintenance reporting.
  • Required ability to follow verbal instruction.
  • Must be willing and able to work outdoors for long periods of time, utilizing various types of equipment, stands, ladders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, tugs, forklifts, etc.
  • Ability to interpret and apply technical data relating to position.
  • Reading comprehension required understanding of written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Ability to operate applicable equipment; ability to work without supervision required.
  • Ability to travel up to 65+% of the time.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience preferred.
  • Experience with MD-80 series aircraft desired but not required.
  • FAA A&P License in good standing required, or ability to qualify, test, and pass within a short period of time.
  • Additional background in sheet metal and systems a plus.
  • Ability to organize and plan work, adhering to deadlines; attention to detail.
  • Mathematical skills required.
  • Service-oriented and able to build productive professional relationships.
  • Experience with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required.
  • Corridor and maintenance/parts manual access software is desired.
  • High School Diploma/GED and required certifications listed above.
  • Must maintain a valid U.S./state issued driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Valid U.S. Passport..

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds with assistance.
  • Requires the ability to read, hear, talk, stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb all day.
  • Accurate hand/eye coordination.
  • Finger dexterity is required as well as hand strength, with the ability to grasp, lift, push and pull.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasionally required to climb on a ladder.
  • Ability to wear and utilize personal protective equipment.

Under the Department of Transportation-Federal Aviation Administration (DOT-FAA), the above listed position is categorized as a safety sensitive role. DOT-FAA regulations require Aero Air to inform applicants of the five (5) drug categories tested for during the post-offer, pre-employment drug test and while employed if selected for a random drug test; they include marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, and phencyclidine.

Aero Air is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any person for any reason. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, familial status, parental status, protected veteran status, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

As an equal opportunity employer, Aero Air is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If interested in applying with Aero Air and need special assistance or accommodation, please contact us at HR@aeroair.com


DISCLAIMER: This position requires having a valid U.S./state issued driver's license with clean driving record and successful results from pre-employment drug test and criminal background check.