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Fire Fighting Pilot Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Fighting Pilot information

What is a fire fighting pilot?

Fire fighting pilots are specialized aviators trained to operate aircraft in support of wildfire suppression and emergency response. They fly planes or helicopters equipped to drop water, fire retardant, or transport firefighters and equipment to affected areas. Their work is critical in containing and controlling wildfires, especially in hard-to-reach locations. Fire fighting pilots often work for government agencies, private contractors, or firefighting organizations and require advanced piloting skills and rigorous safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire fighting pilot?

To thrive as a Fire Fighting Pilot, you need an advanced pilot’s license (such as a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate), extensive flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with firefighting aircraft systems, GPS navigation, and fire suppression technologies is critical, along with certifications like the FAA Part 137 for agricultural aircraft operations. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork skills set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring safety, effective fire suppression, and coordination with ground crews during high-risk emergency missions.

What are some common challenges faced by fire fighting pilots during wildfire operations?

Fire fighting pilots often face rapidly changing weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and unpredictable fire behavior during wildfire operations. Navigating mountainous terrain and flying at low altitudes require strong piloting skills and constant vigilance. Effective communication and coordination with ground crews and other aircraft are crucial for safety and mission success. Additionally, pilots must manage fatigue and stress, especially during extended fire seasons with long hours.

What is the difference between Fire Fighting Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectFire Fighting PilotHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, various helicopter ratings
Work EnvironmentFirefighting missions, often in remote or hazardous areasVarious industries including transport, construction, tourism
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesPrivate companies, airlines, construction firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding firefighting-specific helicopter rolesGeneral helicopter operations

Fire Fighting Pilots specialize in aerial firefighting, requiring specific firefighting training and certifications. They operate primarily in emergency scenarios to combat wildfires. Helicopter Pilots have broader roles across various industries, often with different certifications. While both roles involve piloting helicopters, Fire Fighting Pilots focus on emergency response in hazardous environments, whereas Helicopter Pilots may work in transportation, construction, or tourism sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighting Pilot jobs in Colorado?

For Fire Fighting Pilot jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighting Pilot job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Durango, CO • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Conducted training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods; Performed many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning independently; Communicated critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers.
For the GW-08 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Planned and coordinated complex fire and aviation operations at a temporary or fixed base work location; determined helicopter load limits, takeoff and landing sites, and estimated time requirements; analyzed fire conditions and determined attack methods and resources required; conducted hands-on training pertaining to program and personnel needs related to fire and aviation.
Selective Placement Factors
Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB) and Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4). In addition, successful completion of the Secondary NWCG Core Requirements of Helibase Manager Trainee (HEBM(t)).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) or (MODERATE) or (LOW) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER