Helicopter Pilot Department of Forestry & Fire Protection JC-518471 - Helicopter Pilot FORESTRY ... CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will ...
Helicopter Pilot Department of Forestry & Fire Protection JC-518471 - Helicopter Pilot FORESTRY ... CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will ...
Chief Forestry Fire Pilot
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will ... helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft ...
Chief Forestry Fire Pilot
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will ... helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft ...
Helicopter Pilot
$82K - $102K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$82K - $102K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$89K - $110K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$89K - $110K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$78K - $97K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$78K - $97K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$76K - $94K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$76K - $94K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$86K - $107K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$86K - $107K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$77K - $96K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$77K - $96K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$84K - $105K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$83K - $103K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$83K - $103K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$89K - $110K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$89K - $110K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$83K - $103K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$83K - $103K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$85K - $106K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$85K - $106K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$86K - $107K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$86K - $107K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Quick apply
Helicopter Pilot
$87K - $95K/yr
... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...
Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information
See salary details
$71.5K - $76.2K
0% of jobs
$76.2K - $81K
4% of jobs
$81K - $85.7K
12% of jobs
$85.7K - $90.4K
8% of jobs
$92.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.4K - $95.1K
3% of jobs
The median wage is $98.6K / yr.
$95.1K - $99.9K
31% of jobs
$104.5K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$99.9K - $104.6K
17% of jobs
$104.6K - $109.3K
2% of jobs
$109.3K - $114K
4% of jobs
$114K - $118.8K
15% of jobs
$118.8K - $123.5K
3% of jobs
$71.5K
$100.2K
$123.5K
How much do cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How much do helicopter pilots make?
Helicopter pilots, including those working as Cal Fire helicopter pilots, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Firefighting pilots often receive additional compensation for emergency response and hazardous conditions.
What is a Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job?
A Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response missions. They transport crews, equipment, and water or fire retardant to combat wildfires across California. Pilots must have extensive flight experience, knowledge of fire suppression tactics, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments. They work closely with ground crews and incident commanders to support fire suppression efforts safely and efficiently.
How to become a CAL FIRE helicopter pilot?
To become a CAL FIRE helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, relevant flight experience, and specialized training in firefighting operations. Applicants must also meet physical fitness requirements and pass background checks, with some positions requiring additional certifications such as a Class B or Class A license and experience in emergency response environments.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a strong understanding of wildfire behavior, and extensive flight experience—typically supported by a commercial helicopter pilot license and relevant flight hours. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, GPS navigation systems, and radio communication is required, along with completion of specific CAL FIRE and FAA certifications. Exceptional decision-making, calm under pressure, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These capabilities help ensure operational safety, precise coordination during emergencies, and the successful execution of critical firefighting missions.
Is 40 too old to become a helicopter pilot?
Cal Fire helicopter pilots typically need a commercial pilot license, flight experience, and physical fitness, with many entering the field in their 20s or 30s. While age requirements vary, becoming a helicopter pilot at 40 is possible if the individual meets the necessary certifications and health standards, as experience and skills are highly valued in the profession.
What are the typical work hours and conditions for Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots?
Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots often work long shifts that can include weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak wildfire seasons. The role involves rapid response to emergencies, which means pilots must be ready to mobilize quickly and operate in variable weather and challenging terrain. Work is typically team-oriented, partnering closely with ground crews, air attack supervisors, and dispatch operations. While demanding, the dynamic environment offers a rewarding sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety and environmental protection.
How much do helicopter pilots for CAL FIRE make?
Cal Fire helicopter pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and seniority. They often work in demanding environments and require specialized training in aerial firefighting and navigation tools.
More about Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
$7.9K - $10K/mo
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO
Posted 17 days ago
State Of California rating
8.0
Based on 116 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
9th of 50 rated states
Job description
Job Posting: Helicopter Pilot
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
JC-518471
-
Helicopter Pilot
FORESTRY FIRE PILOT
FORESTRY FIRE PILOT
$7,948.00 - $10,488.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026
Job Description and Duties
Please see the attached duty statement for details on this position.
Contact Battalion Chief Matt Lane at (831) 330-2542 or by email at Matt.Lane@fire.ca.gov for questions related to the duties of the position.
Candidate may be selected by resume review.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum RequirementsYou will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- FORESTRY FIRE PILOT
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-518471
Position #(s):
542-419-1046-506
Working Title:
Helicopter Pilot
Classification:
FORESTRY FIRE PILOT
$7,948.00 - $10,488.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Benito County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
San Benito-Monterey Unit
Department Information
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft- helicopter rating.
Possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
Valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
Valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Application Instructions
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
Attn: 542-419-1046-506
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA93710
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
Attn: 542-419-1046-506
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA93710
08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Other - Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299):https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
- Other - Class II Airman's Medical Certificate
- Other - Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotocraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certifficate with a rotocraft-helicopter rating.
- Other - Official Flight Record indicating at least 50 hours as a Pilot in Command in Helicopters in the past year.
Benefits
Forestry Fire Pilot (1046)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:
$7,948 - $10,488 Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,701 - $3,564 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$130,489 – $172,188 Annual Compensation
In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Contact Information
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lauren Ray
(559) 243-4116
Lauren Ray
(559) 243-4116
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Required Documentation
You must submit a completed State Application (STD. 678) [please include WORKING TITLE and POS#], Resume, Copy of a valid Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Commercial Airman Certificate with rotocraft-helicopter rating or a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating, Copy of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate, Official Flight Record indicating at least 50 hours as Pilot in Command in Helicopters in the past year and Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299).
Submit the required documents to the following address:
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
POS#: 542-419-1046-506
1234 E. Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93710
Applications/Resumes postmarked after the final filing date may not be considered.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete an OPTIONAL Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
Bargaining Unit 08 Consideration
The Bargaining Unit 8 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In-Class Transfer Policy (Inter-Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Transfers may require a two-year commitment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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About State of California
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
State of California is not a company but the governmental organization that oversees the operations and welfare of the U.S. state of California, with its headquarters located in Sacramento, CA. Its industry encompasses a broad spectrum of public services and operations, including education, public safety, healthcare, and environmental protection, among others. Founded as a state in 1850 as part of the United States, the State of California operates under a constitution that was ratified in 1879. It holds the mission of improving the lives of its residents through efficient and innovative public services and policy-making. The State of California has been recognized for its notable achievements in environmental stewardship, technological innovation in public services, and for having one of the largest economies globally.
Industry
Public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Sacramento, CA, US
Year founded
1927