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Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pitkin County, CO

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aspen, CO · On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter: * Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience. * 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience * IFSAC*/ProBoard ...

Pitkin County

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aspen, CO

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter: Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience. 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience IFSAC*/ProBoard/Colorado ...

Constellis

Firefighter

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY Provide Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), Emergency Medical (EMS), and Hazmat services to Chennault International Airport and its surrounding areas. RESPONSIBILITIES * Respond to ...

Constellis

Firefighter

Lake Charles, LA

POSITION SUMMARY Provide Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), Emergency Medical (EMS), and Hazmat services to Chennault International Airport and its surrounding areas. RESPONSIBILITIES * Respond to ...

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How much do aircraft rescue firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft rescue firefighter in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, you need specialized training in firefighting, emergency medical response, and hazardous material handling, usually supported by relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and ARFF certification. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, rescue tools, and radio communication systems is essential for effective emergency response. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure rapid, coordinated, and effective responses to aircraft emergencies, protecting both lives and property.

What are Aircraft Rescue Firefighters?

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters are specialized emergency responders trained to handle aircraft emergencies, such as crashes, fires, and fuel spills, primarily at airports. Their main duties include rescuing passengers and crew, extinguishing fires, and preventing further hazards by containing dangerous materials. They also conduct regular inspections, participate in emergency drills, and maintain firefighting equipment specific to aviation needs. Their training covers both firefighting and medical response, making them crucial for airport safety and rapid incident response.

What are the most common challenges faced by Aircraft Rescue Firefighters during emergency response situations?

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters often encounter intense pressure when responding to emergencies, as situations can escalate rapidly due to the presence of jet fuel and the potential for mass casualty events. One of the main challenges is coordinating with various airport personnel and emergency agencies to ensure a swift and efficient response. Additionally, navigating complex airport layouts and adapting to changing conditions, such as weather or hazardous materials, requires quick thinking and strong teamwork. Continuous training and readiness are essential to meet these demands and ensure passenger and crew safety.

What is the difference between Aircraft Rescue Firefighter vs Airport Firefighter?

AspectAircraft Rescue FirefighterAirport Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) certificationFirefighter I & II, ARFF certification
Work EnvironmentAirports, aircraft rescue zones, aircraft emergenciesAirports, terminal areas, ground emergencies
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airports, aviation industryAirports, transportation sector

Both Aircraft Rescue Firefighters and Airport Firefighters are trained to handle airport emergencies, including aircraft fires and rescue operations. The main difference lies in their specific focus: Aircraft Rescue Firefighters specialize in aircraft-related incidents, requiring specialized ARFF training, while Airport Firefighters handle broader airport emergencies. Both roles require similar certifications and work in airport environments, but Aircraft Rescue Firefighters focus more on aircraft-specific rescue and firefighting techniques.

More about Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs
What states have the most Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs are:
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Rescue Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Pitkin County, CO

Aspen, CO • On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: $35.35 - $50.40 Hourly
Location : Airport-Aspen/Pitkin County, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, hourly
Job Number: 202300387
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 12:00 AM Mountain
Bilingual Stipend: Yes
Hiring Minimum: $35.35
Hiring Maximum: $50.40
Pay Grade: P103
Hiring Range Description: This position is on a step pay plan, which is a structured pay system that determines employee pay. Employees progress through predetermined pay levels ("steps") based on specific criteria, such as years of service, performance, or additional qualifications/milestones. Each step corresponds to a higher pay rate, providing predictable, incremental raises.
** Early applications are encouraged**
*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary
Protects lives and property by responding to alarmed and declared aircraft emergencies, structural fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other calls for service for the Aspen Airport, implements the Airport Emergency Plan, and coordinates mutual aid response to ensure life safety of passengers and employees.
Job Responsibilities
  • Manages fire response to alarmed and declared Airport emergencies in accordance with Federal guidelines outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 (FAR Part 139) and other applicable federal regulations; interprets and applies all information from FAA Advisory Circulars.
  • Ensures safety of Airport for aviation users by observing runway and airport conditions, familiarization in commercial and general aviation aircraft, to ensure safe and timely response to airfield incidents.
  • First responder with full responsibility to manage aircraft alerts, emergencies, accidents, and hazardous materials incidents in the capacity of ARFF on scene.
  • Implements Airport Emergency Plan and coordinates mutual aid response with prescribed procedures.
  • Dons and employs full personal protective equipment. Performs initial fire suppression on and in the area of burning aircraft. Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by normal and emergency means with or without rescue equipment.
  • Operates specialized equipment to apply various types of fire-extinguishing agents. Drives, positions, and operates large Airport fire apparatus in established response areas.
  • Facilitates and maintains fuel farm and fuel truck inspections on a scheduled basis to ensure facility and equipment meet local, state, and federal standards.
  • Complies with rigorous ARFF training standards, protocols, and expectations; performs daily inspection of ARFF apparatus and fire compliant personal protective equipment.
  • Performs snow removal duties including, but not limited to, clearing snow from Airport roadways, pedestrian walkways, runways, taxiways and aprons, operating snow removal equipment and cleaning/maintaining snow removal equipment.
  • Performs ancillary security duties by assisting with the Airport Worker Screening Program.
  • Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
This position follows a sequence:
  • Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter:
    • Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience
    • IFSAC*/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter 1.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado HAZMAT Operations.
    • NREMT or Colorado EMT (NREMT transferred to Colorado within one month).
    • ARFF 40-hour certificate within first two months of hire.
    • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • Level II - Senior Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level I):
    • 3-6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter II.
  • Level III - Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level II):
    • 6+ years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • Minimum 3 years of service with the Sardy Field Fire Department.
    • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter certificate.
    • ARFF Driver/Operator certification.

*International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Knowledge Of:
  • County policies and procedures.
  • State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.
  • Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

Skill In:
  • Applying governing rules and regulations.
  • Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.
  • Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Work environment is dictated by the activities at the Airport. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur as a result of emergency conditions or inclement weather. Work is frequently performed outdoors with potential exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, and fumes. The position is subject to work outside traditional hours, emergency callout, holidays, nights and extended operating days. The position occasionally involves working in a hazardous environment. There is some travel required for mandatory training.

  • Physical Requirements: Firefighting is a demanding and dynamic job that requires the ability to perform physically demanding work. Firefighters will be required to:
    • Operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments.
    • Pull, charge, relocate and effectively employ hand lines and supply lines up to 5" in diameter.
    • Perform strenuous activity with the ability to occasionally lift and transport 75 pounds.
    • Transport a 170 pound person one-hundred feet or more by dragging, carrying or other manual means.
    • Transport extrication tools and other fire and rescue equipment weighing 75 pounds 100 feet or more.
    • Coordinate hands, eyes, feet, and limbs in performing skilled movements.
    • Exert required physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
    • Recognizing and identifying similarities or differences between colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Residency Requirement
In times of emergency and when deemed operationally necessary by the Aircraft Rescue Captain or Airport leadership, firefighters may be recalled for duty at any time. Within sixty days of hire, firefighters must maintain a primary residence within a two-hour response time of Sardy Field Fire Dept. Station 71.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide in English. To review the version in Spanish, click

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