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Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Northridge, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Chico, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Arcata, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Merced, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 ... Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ...

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Barstow, CA · On-site +1

$65K - $93K/yr

  • Retirement

... rescue responses. * You will respond to on-site accidents and other emergencies involving injury ... You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. * GS ...

... rescue responses. * You will respond to on-site accidents and other emergencies involving injury ... You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. * GS ...

Airport Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting). Or: 2. Three years of full-time paid supervisory level experience or higher, at an airport or in the aviation industry. Or: 3. Three years of full-time paid ...

Airport Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

... Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting). Or: 2. Three years of full-time paid supervisory level experience or higher, at an airport or in the aviation industry. Or: 3. Three years of full-time paid ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

TBD - Will depend on candidate and OCFA Aircraft availability * Fire Chief's Interview: TBD ... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ... Fire Authority aircraft and have the final authority for all safety-of-flight aspects of the ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... firefighters, and operators within the US Department of Defense. Our purpose is to build ... across rescue personnel, medical personnel, aircrafts, and the operations center led to an ...

Showing results 41-60

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do aircraft rescue firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft rescue firefighter in California is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Rescue Firefighter jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Rescue Firefighter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,474 per year, or $19 per hour.

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

U.S. Navy

Northridge, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 Olympic swimming pools. As an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuel, better known as a “Grape,” you’ll ensure that high-quality fuel is distributed to every part of the ship—from refining fuel below deck to gassing up the jets on the flight deck. Your job keeps our aircraft in the sky and the Navy’s engines running no matter the mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel (ABF) Sailors are responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship. Specifically, your responsibilities as an ABF may include:

  • Fueling aircraft and operating and maintaining aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems
  • Enforcing safety and handling precautions
  • Refining fuel for quality
  • Supervising fuel farms and fueling equipment
  • Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to fuel and lubricating oil spaces
  • Operating purging and protective systems aboard ships

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Most of the work in this rating is performed outdoors on the aircraft carrier flight deck, in all climates and conditions. The work is fast-paced, and ABFs typically work closely with others in aviation ratings. You will not spend your entire career at sea; you may also work with an aircraft squadron during a shore duty rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Aviation Boatswain’s Mates in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
  • For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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