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Cal Fire Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cal Fire Aviation information

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$31.5K

$97.3K

$194.5K

How much do cal fire aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire aviation in the United States is $97,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cal Fire Aviation?

To thrive in Cal Fire Aviation, you need expertise in aviation operations, wildfire suppression tactics, and emergency response procedures, supported by relevant pilot licenses or aviation mechanic certifications. Familiarity with specialized aircraft (such as air tankers and helicopters), wildfire mapping systems, and adherence to FAA and Cal Fire safety protocols are crucial. Strong communication, situational awareness, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this high-stakes environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safety, effective aerial firefighting, and seamless coordination with ground and air crews during emergency situations.

Does Cal Fire Aviation pay well?

Cal Fire Aviation personnel, including pilots and support staff, typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills and the demanding nature of wildfire suppression. Pay rates vary based on experience, certifications, and rank, with additional compensation often provided for overtime and hazardous duty conditions.

What is a typical work environment like for Cal Fire Aviation personnel?

Cal Fire Aviation personnel often work in dynamic and challenging environments, responding rapidly to wildfire incidents throughout the state. You may be stationed at air attack bases, ready to deploy to remote or rugged terrain with little notice, especially during peak fire season. The role involves close collaboration with flight crews, ground firefighters, dispatch, and incident command teams to ensure coordinated aerial operations. Schedules can be demanding and require readiness for extended shifts, but the work is fast-paced, mission-driven, and critical to wildfire management efforts.

What is a Cal Fire Aviation?

A Cal Fire Aviation job involves operating and supporting aircraft used in wildfire suppression and emergency response. Positions include pilots, aerial firefighters, and maintenance crews who work with helicopters and air tankers to control wildfires. These professionals coordinate with ground crews to drop water, retardant, and provide aerial reconnaissance. Training, experience, and certifications in aviation and firefighting are typically required.

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Cities with the most Cal Fire Aviation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Aviation jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Aviation jobs are:

What states have the most Cal Fire Aviation jobs?

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Cal Fire Aviation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,347 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician II - C130

Pae

Sacramento, CA

$59.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Definition: This is the journey and second working level for certificated Airframe & Powerplanttechnicians. Incumbents at this level work independently and inspect and repair aircraft, engines,
components and systems and assess for damage, condition and method of repair, and work off site
at outlying field locations, which may include assignment as a base mechanic. This position may
be assigned other duties and tasks in the program as directed.

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of the following certificates: FAA Airframe & Powerplant
Technician's Certificates and a valid Class-C Driver's License and three years of aerospace industry
work experience as a certificated A&P Technician and two years' experience working on type
specific aircraft. Military experience may qualify if the level of work and responsibility was equal
to that of a certificated A&P Technician. Prior OEM or other outside training and experience on C-
130 variant aircraft may satisfy the one-year of CAL FIRE specific aircraft requirement. Current
CAL FIRE Aviation Program Aircraft Maintenance Technician II who obtain one year ofexperience and current CAL FIRE Aviation Program Aircraft Maintenance Technician I who obtaintwo years of experience working on C-130 aircraft and successfully complete Original EquipmentManufacturer or other certified outside vendor for line and intermediate level training specific tothe aircraft may be eligible for promotion to this position.

Knowledge and Abilities: FAA federal aviation regulations pertaining to the maintenance and
repair of aircraft; FAA-approved maintenance practices, techniques, and procedures; aircraft shop
maintenance operational procedures and fleet aircraft structure, systems, controls, engines and
components. May perform Confined Space Entry maintenance to include aircraft fuel tank repairs.
May be required to become engine/taxi-run qualified and demonstrate proficiency in their
respective program(s) aircraft ground operations. Work independently in a central aviation
maintenance facility or work unsupervised off site at outlying field locations; perform depot level
and field maintenance to aircraft, engines, propellers, rotors, components and systems in accordancewith approved procedures; have a thorough working knowledge of all fleet aircraft, engines, andairframe systems; and ability to inspect and determine problems and correct deficiencies, inspectaircraft and systems for continued airworthiness, and return aircraft to service after major and minormaintenance and repair.

Compensation & Benefits

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $59.03 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education,

experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant internal equity, and alignment with market

data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. For more detailed information on our Benefits and what it is like to work for Amentum: please visit our careers site: www.amentumcareers.com

Compensation Details:

59.03

Original Posting:

05/13/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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