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Fire Fighting Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract. Ideal candidates are ...

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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 Oregon?

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Fighting Pilot jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Fighting Pilot jobs in Oregon are:

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

Firefighting Pilot/H60 Pilot In Command

MHM Publishing Inc

La Grande, OR • On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

OAS Carded S70/H602500 hours PIC in helicopters.100 hours PIC in helicopters preceding 12 months100 hours in type100 hours in weight classFire fighting experience

Job Description

Columbia Basin Helicopters currently has H60 PIC positions available for the 2026 fire season.
CBH operates UH60L and UH-1 Airframes.
Seasonal, and full time positions available.

Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits after 30 days of employment, as well as dental, and vision.
Qualified candidates include those with experience flying safely in the Fire Fighting environment and experience in the UH-60/S-70. Only applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be considered.

BlueSky Helicopters in Los Angeles currently has a PIC position open for our H60 fire/utility contracts. The company operates H-60L, A+, AS350 and Bell 407 airframes. Aircraft are based in the Los Angeles area. Living in Los Angeles is not mandatory, but is preferred. We offer a competitive full-time compensation...

Vertical Reference ( Long Line) lift work Crew transport Power line patrol Wildland Fire Suppression And various other mountain helicopter operations. Central Copters, Inc. is an FAA approved Air Carrier (FAR Part 135), Certified External Load Operator (FAR Part 133), and contracted with the USFS for Wildland Fire Suppression. We...

Firehawk Helicopters has openings for S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk SIC/co-pilot positions. This is a full time position with a 12/12 schedule. Competitive Pay and Benefits with profit sharing/401K, extended, travel, lodging, per diem, as well as health Insurance. Applicant can live anywhere in lower 48, must be within 90 minutes of...

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