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Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$30.17 - $37.29/hr

... duties as fire fighting, aircraft crash/rescue, snow removal, etc. 4. Perform other duties as ... May perform duties as a crew member (Flight Mechanic or Flight Engineer) during assigned missions ...

$35.88 - $41.87/hr

Complies with safety, fire, security, environmental and housekeeping regulations. * Performs other ... mechanical and pneudraulic systems on an aircraft during overhaul or modification. Experience ...

Fleet Aircraft Mechanic

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

As a Fleet Aircraft Mechanic, you will work closely with the Fleet Maintenance team to maintain ... fire season (typically April - October) * Ability to work in a hangar environment as part of a ...

Showing results 41-60

Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic information

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$18

$32

$44

How much do cal fire aircraft mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire aircraft mechanic in the United States is $32.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic?

A Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing the aircraft used in wildfire suppression and emergency operations. They inspect, troubleshoot, and service fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Mechanics follow strict FAA and Cal Fire regulations, perform routine maintenance, and respond to urgent repairs as needed. Their work is critical in keeping firefighting aircraft mission-ready to protect lives, property, and natural resources.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic?

To succeed as a Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic, you need comprehensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, often supported by an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification from the FAA. Familiarity with specialized tools, aviation diagnostic equipment, and maintenance management systems is crucial for performing technical work efficiently. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help mechanics work effectively in high-pressure, emergency-response environments. These competencies ensure the operational readiness and safety of firefighting aircraft, which is vital for supporting Cal Fire's mission.

What is the typical work environment for a Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic?

Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanics typically work in dynamic settings that include hangars, maintenance facilities, and sometimes field locations at airbases or wildfire incident sites. The role often involves collaborating closely with pilots, other mechanics, and firefighting personnel to ensure aircraft are safe and ready for urgent deployment. Shift work, overtime, and responding to emergency calls during wildfire season are common aspects of the job. This fast-paced and mission-critical environment requires adaptability, attention to safety procedures, and a strong sense of teamwork. It's a rewarding career for those who thrive in hands-on, high-impact roles supporting public safety.

More about Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs are:
What states have the most Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Aircraft Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,131 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

$30.17 - $37.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a AIRCRAFT MECHANIC (Title 32), Position Description Number D0483000 and is part of the AR ARNG AASF, National Guard.
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED- If you are not currently a member of any military service (Branch/Status), please provide a letter stating intent to join.
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Duties
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WG-10 Duties:
1. Perform inspections, functional checks, and preventive maintenance on assigned aircraft to include pre-inspection, daily inspection, pre- and post-flight inspections and such special inspections as required, including fuel contamination checks, oil sampling, an inspection of onboard emergency equipment. Conducts checks on hydraulic, electrical, transmission, power systems, etc.
2. Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and performs unscheduled maintenance on assigned and transient aircraft. Performs the full range of repair and testing of aircraft system, assemblies, and surfaces. Using a variety of methods involving test equipment, visual checks and instruments, diagnoses and identifies problem areas and determines the extent of repairs required. Removes components and assemblies, repairs or replaces defective parts and components and reassembles repaired items into the aircraft. Installs, aligns, and makes needed adjustments to major components and assemblies such as engines, propeller /rotors, transmissions, hydraulic systems, etc., assisting Specialists as required. Accomplishes adjustments to related systems which may be affected by repairs. Conducts ground functional tests of all aircraft systems. Services aircraft with oil, de-icing fluid, fuel, and hydraulic fluid. Launches and recovers assigned and transient aircraft; performs inspections prior ot takeoff. Inspects for conditions such as oil, fuel, and hydraulic leak, cut lines, tires and loose panels.
3. May be required to perform such additional duties as fire fighting, aircraft crash/rescue, snow removal, etc.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.
WG-11 Duties
1. Performs Crew Chief duties with full maintenance responsibility for assigned aircraft. Number of aircraft to be assigned to an incumbent is predetermined by taking into account such factors as the complexity, size, and maintenance requirements of aircraft, the unit mission requirement to have Flight Mechanic or Flight Engineer on board during missions, etc. Diagnoses problems with all aircraft system and components, perform required repairs and accomplishes required preventive maintenance. Serves as a point of contact for assigned aircraft, receiving written and verbal discrepancies from pilots and diagnosing problems. Documents deficiencies, malfunctions, and the repairs required to return aircraft to serviceable condition. Contacts Allied Shops personnel to perform specialist work in such areas as sheet metal, avionics, propeller-rotor, engine, etc., and oversees the work performed. Assigns and directs the work of one or more subordinate air- craft mechanic(s) to include less than journeyman level. Accompanies pilot during flights to locate discrepancies that are not evident during ground operation. May perform duties as a crew member (Flight Mechanic or Flight Engineer) during assigned missions on aircraft with that requirement.
(2) Performs the full range of preventive maintenance, repair, and ground testing of aircraft system, assemblies, and surfaces. Using a variety of methods including test equipment, visual checks, and instruments diagnoses and identifies problem areas and determines the extent of repairs required. Removes components and assemblies, repairs or replaces defective parts and components, and reassembles repaired items into the aircraft. Installs, aligns, and makes needed adjusts to major components and assemblies such as engines, propeller/rotors, transmissions, hydraulic systems, etc. Accomplishes adjustments to related systems which may be affected by repairs. Conducts ground functional tests of all aircraft systems. Accomplishes or monitors the performance of periodic inspection, daily inspections, refueliug/defueling of aircraft, and all servicing operations.
3. Plans and conducts a flight training program for drill status crew chiefs to include maintenance instruction for assigned aircraft, the use of hand and arm signals used, ground handling of aircraft, use of ground equipment, aircraft loading, hoist operations, emergency procedures, etc. Performs duties as a Flight Mechanic/Flight Engineer Bas required to carryout the unit mission, and as such carries out pre-flight, inflight, and post flight duties.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership in the military grade listed below. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
Military Grades: Enlisted
Minimum Grade - E1/PV1
Maximum Grade - E6/SSG
Compatible Military Assignments: Selectee must be a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard.
IMPORTANT NOTES (AS APPLICABLE): Upon selection for this position, individual must possess or initiate a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation. A favorable determination based upon investigative results is mandatory for this position. Failure to meet these requirements will result in termination of employment. A pre-placement physical is required if not already current. Upon selection, must complete mandatory Full-Time Support (FTS) Training at the Professional Education Center (PEC) within six months of assignment (if applicable, training will be coordinated by the supervisor). Individual must meet all military requirements of the position without creating a grade inversion, as determined by the Human Resources Office (HRO). Technicians will not be militarily senior to their full-time supervisor or wage leader (Grade Inversion). Enlisted members currently at a higher grade than allowed by the position (see Military Grade Requirement above) may apply; however, they must administratively reduce prior to appointment and provide confirmation of the reduction to HRO.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience or training that has provided the candidate with the skill to remove and replace aircraft parts, accessories, and components, and to make adjustments and settings according to established specifications. Must be skilled in the use of hand tools and test equipment.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
WG-10:
Experience or training installing, adjusting, aligning, troubleshooting, and functionally testing the various major and minor mechanical and pneudraulic systems on an aircraft during overhaul or modification. Experience coordinating the work of other mechanics, and scheduling maintenance to ensure completion of critical actions and optimum workflow. Must have the ability to instruct lower graded mechanics, military and other personnel in the disassembly and re-assembly of crash damaged engines, transmissions, gearboxes, hydraulic components, and fuel controls sufficient for the exhibit to be returned to its shipping container.
WG-11: In addition to journey-level experience or training equivalent to or exceeding the WG-10 grade level, positions at this grade level may include performing duties as a dedicated crew chief. Other positions may include responsibility for performing, coordinating, and/or overseeing the work and any periodic inspections to be done on an aircraft whether it is alone, or with the assistance of other mechanics and/or workers. Some positions may include coordinating the work of other journey-level workers in other trades to work simultaneously on the aircraft. Other positions may include serving as the technical authority to advise on, examine, and approve all airframe, mechanical, electrical, and pneudraulic repairs of assigned aircraft.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. (Statement updated to align with current policy)
  • The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US