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Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

AIRFIELD FIREFIGHTER

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$19.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... aircraft. Rescue personnel from motor vehicles. Perform confined space and hazardous materials ... Firefighting techniques concerning jet fuel, munitions, gas, oil, solvents, cleaning chemicals ...

Job Page

Marana, AZ · On-site

$19.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities include: • Fight Aircraft/Wildland fire & standbys using various firefighting equipment and various chemicals as required for different situations: Operate fire and crash rescue ...

FIREFIGHTER

Yuma, AZ · On-site +1

$50K - $82K/yr

... aircraft). * You will inspect hazardous material equipment and supplies for operational readiness. * You will perform structural firefighting and rescue duties in buildings, housing units, or ...

FIREFIGHTER

Yuma, AZ · On-site +1

$47K - $91K/yr

... aircraft crashes and hazardous materials incidents. * You will fight fires and conduct fire ... rescue, fire prevention and communications. * You will perform engine inspections and building pre ...

FIREFIGHTER

Yuma, AZ · On-site +1

$46K - $67K/yr

... aircraft). * You will administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external ... Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) ...

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Aircraft Rescue Firefighter information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$17

$25

How much do aircraft rescue firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft rescue firefighter in Arizona is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft rescue firefighter?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft rescue firefighter?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs in Arizona?

For Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Rescue Firefighter job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,273 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

AIRFIELD FIREFIGHTER

The State of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$19.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

AIRFIELD FIREFIGHTER

Apply now Job No: 542830
Work Type: Full-time
Location: TUCSON
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources, Skilled Trades/Crafts, Misc/Other/Not Applicable

DEPT OF EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS The Department of Emergency & Military Affairs (DEMA), led by The Adjutant General, provides emergency management and military capabilities to the citizens of Arizona and the nation. The Emergency Management Division consists of three sections-operations, preparedness, and financial administration. Each section works collaboratively across the agency and with external partners to manage emergency responses and reduce the impacts of disasters. Additionally, DEMA is the headquarters for the Arizona National Guard, the primary combat reserve of the United States military. The Arizona Army and Air National Guard provide military forces and equipment to accomplish community, state, and federal missions.
AIRFIELD FIREFIGHTER
Job Location:

Work Location: 162ND AIR WING/CES TUCSON, AZ

Posting Details:
Salary: PAY RATE: UP TO $19.2350 PER HOUR (DOE) 
Grade: 13
Closing Date: August 13, 2025
Job Summary:

At the operations level, under general leadership of a lead firefighter and supervision of Assistant Chief perform prevention, control and extinguish all types of fires. Coordinate and perform related rescue, first aid, and property conservation. Includes fires or potential fires involving structures, wildland, aircraft, missiles and separate component weapons or other materials. Perform operations and operator maintenance of all types of firefighting and related rescue vehicles, equipment systems, and devices in support of overall base emergency contingency operations. A 56-hour shift type work week schedule will be followed. Overtime may be required depending on mission requirements. This position is NOT available for remote work (including virtual office arrangements). Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement of workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.

Job Duties:

Responsibilities include:
Fight fires and conduct standbys using various firefighting equipment and various chemicals as required for different situations: Operate fire and crash rescue tools and equipment. Control, extinguish and overhaul related fires. Perform required standbys (emergency and routine). Perform hazardous materials operations level duties involving hazardous spills or leaks. Shall review and follow all state, installation and department policies.
Perform on-the-job-training: Receive and participate in initial and continuing education in work-related crash, fire and rescue subjects, to include career development courses, formal schools and in-house training programs. Participate in education and practice sessions on a continuing basis to ensure correct methods and expected performance levels to meet regulatory requirements. Participate in Physical training/Skills testing, (practical drills) during shift.
Inspection and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment: Conduct inspections and minor maintenance on firefighting vehicles and related equipment, maintain cleanliness and serviceability of personal protective clothing and uniforms, maintain fire station facilities, maintain assigned vehicles and firefighting equipment, conduct inspection, serviceability and operator maintenance on fire department compressed air systems.
Perform emergency medical care: Provide emergency medical care to patients at the EMR, EMT or Paramedic, in accordance with individual held certification level and local Standard of Care Medical Protocols. Ability to accurately complete patient care reports in accordance with department policy. Conduct inspection, serviceability, and operator maintenance on specialized medical equipment used by the department.
Fight structural, vehicle and miscellaneous fires: Perform hose, vehicle relay, ground ladder and pump operations. Evacuate/rescue personnel from structures, protect exposures from fire spread, operate tools and equipment. Control, extinguish and overhaul aircraft, structural, vehicle and miscellaneous fires.
Perform communication and administrative duties: Monitor, receive and record information from non-emergencies or emergency communication systems. Perform administrative and clerical duties. Prepare computer generated reports, records and emails. Enter data into the fire department Information Management Systems (IMS) databases.
Perform rescue operations: Use tools and equipment in support of rescue operations. Gain entry and perform extrication of personnel by normal and emergency means. Shutdown aircraft engines and operate seats to remove crew members and passengers from aircraft. Rescue personnel from motor vehicles. Perform confined space and hazardous materials incident duties in accordance with department policy.
Perform fire prevention and inspection duties: Identify and report fire hazards found to the fire prevention office. Assist in conducting building evacuation drills, fire extinguisher training, and fire prevention briefings.
Contingency Responses: Provide damage control/standbys in response to bomb threats, hijacking, active threat incidents and perform duties as directed.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Recognizing aircraft, structural firefighting, and fire prevention methods and practices.
Equipment, chemicals and techniques used in fighting fires.
Hazardous material incidents to the operations level.
Firefighting techniques concerning jet fuel, munitions, gas, oil, solvents, cleaning chemicals, metals, etc.
Practices, principles, methods, and legal responsibilities of emergency medical services.
Standard first aid methods and practices, including CPR.
Pre-hospital care.
Skilled in:

Basic Life Support emergency medical skills (EMR/EMT) and Advanced Life Support skills if Certified Paramedic level.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Basic computer skills.
Specialized skills also include experience as member of an organized military or other governmental fire department in controlling and extinguishing fires; rescue operations; detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; operation of fire communications equipment; controlling hazardous materials incidents; developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
Ability to:

Make sound decisions and maintain composure during high-stress emergency situations.
Read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Perform heavy lifting and have physical dexterity to climb and maneuver in tight spaces.
Work harmoniously under a team concept.
Operate all firefighting tools and equipment.
Detect, identify and document fire hazards.
Detect, identify and document equipment defects.
Suppress, control, extinguish, salvage and overhaul fires.
Don and wear personal protective equipment for firefighting and medical actions.
Perform NFPA 1582 essential job tasks for firefighters.

Selective Preference(s):

Desired qualifications include any combination of experience, education, and training that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities as described.
General knowledge of aircraft firefighting as it applies to location.
National Registry Certification EMT-Basic.
Fire Science associates degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Special Job Requirements:
Must comply with pre-placement and annual firefighter physical in accordance with NFPA standard.
Certificates/Qualifications required prior to employment: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (PROBOARD) Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazmat awareness certification, Current Arizona or National Registry certification for EMR or higher (EMT or Paramedic). Current CPR card.
Certificates/Qualifications required within 12 months of employment: Airport Firefighter, Driver/ Operator-Pumper, Driver/Operator-ARFF, HAZMAT operations.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid Arizona state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) In/out of State travel required.
Candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background investigation as well as possess the ability to achieve a favorable Tier 3 investigation for the purpose of obtaining/maintaining a Common Access Card (CAC) within one year of hire.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

Contact Us:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer

Advertised: 06 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 13 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912