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Fire Fighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Flagger

Roseburg, OR · On-site

$17.25 - $17.94/hr

Operate pilot car/light duty vehicle through traffic work area. * Mark/paint culverts, dig ditches ... or fire fighting including emergency protocol procedures. Required * Regular and consistent ...

Operate pilot car/light duty vehicle through traffic work area. Mark/paint culverts, dig ditches ... or fire fighting including emergency protocol procedures. Required Regular and consistent ...

... customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times. * Other duties as may be ... Fire Fighting Training * Valid TWIC card * Z drive/Twin Screw Tugboat Experience * Must pass pre ...

... customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times. * Other duties as may be ... Fire Fighting Training * Valid TWIC card * Z Drive Tugboat Experience * Must pass pre-employment ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

... and Fire Fighting trucks, service vehicles, and command trucks. Our products are designed to ... Provide technical assistance for prototype, pilot, or production build. * Analyze space ...

... customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times. * Other duties as may be ... Fire Fighting Training * Valid TWIC card * Z Drive Tugboat Experience * Must pass pre-employment ...

$37.03 - $49.10/hr

May be required to perform such additional duties as fire fighting, aircraft crash/rescue, snow ... Accompanies pilot during flights to locate discrepancies that are not evident during ground ...

... customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times. * Other duties as may be ... Fire Fighting Training * Valid TWIC card * Z drive/Twin Screw Tugboat Experience * Must pass pre ...

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Fire Fighting Pilot information

What are fire fighting pilots?

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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Fighting Pilot, and why are they important?

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.
More about Fire Fighting Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Fighting Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Fire Fighting Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Fire Fighting Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Fighting Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Fighting Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL FLIGHT EQUIPMENT REPAIRER

AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL FLIGHT EQUIPMENT REPAIRER

Air National Guard Units

South Burlington, VT • On-site, Remote

$25.30 - $38.85/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Air National Guard rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 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 Survival Flight Equipment Repairer, Position Description Number D1729000 and is part of the 158th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Shop of the Vermont Air National Guard.
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Duties
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The position provides diagnostic, analytical, calibration, investigative research, troubleshooting, in-depth inspections, quality control inspections, certification, testing, evaluation, and maintenance or overhaul of all aircrew life equipment and chemical defense equipment.
(1) Ensures all flight equipment meets strict airworthiness criteria and that it will sustain combat operations/readiness by inspecting, testing, calibrating, certifying, diagnostic evaluating, troubleshooting, repairing/replacing, assembling and disassembling all aircrew life support equipment, aircrew chemical/biological defense equipment, and aircraft ejection/non-ejection systems.
(a) Aircrew Equipment includes the following items: Specialized Flying Helmets with sophisticated Helmet-Mounted devices such as Flying Helmet-Mounted Display Unit with a built in electronics Heads-up-Display System which requires diagnostic evaluations, calibrations and inspections on the entire system to ensure daily mission and combat readiness is sustained; Integrated cueing system, with an advanced forward-looking electronics and cathode package supporting the pilots look down/shoot down capability; multiple Laser Eye Protection Systems.
(b) Utilizes a variety of complex state of the art diagnostic testers/systems/specialty tools to include: Helmet Head-Up Display Unit Test Set; Combined Aircrew System Test Set; Electronic Radio Testers TS-4317 and TS-24/B.
(c) Conducts in-depth and quality control inspections to diagnose the nature and extent of equipment malfunction and to determine whether equipment may be economically repaired or declared unserviceable.
(d) Complies with safety, fire, security, and housekeeping regulations. Ensures material and equipment are properly stored, protected and maintained.
(2) Conducts formal academic classroom and technical instruction for all pilots, aircrew, passengers (aircraft maintenance personnel, dignitaries, civilian search and rescue agencies, etc.) on: Global Survival, Combat Search and Rescue Training; Water Survival Training; Ejection/Non-ejection Seat Egress Training; Emergency Parachute Procedural Descent Training.
3) Utilizes, maintains, and updates multiple computer main frame programs/data bases to analyze, troubleshoot, schedule, and maintain inspection and accountability reports/documentation on all aircrew/aircraft flight equipment and aircrew chemical-biological defense equipment.
(4) Utilizes Equipment and Financial Processing Systems. Reviews Allowance Source Codes and Fedlog and initiates and sends supply documents.
(5) Orders Technical Orders (T.O.'s), receives/updates T.O. changes, files and distributes T.O.'s, performs inventories and checks, orders compliance and modification items, performs Interim Time Compliance Technical Order (ITCTO), Operational and Safety Supplement changes to all affected equipment, performs T.O. Familiarization, records and documents appropriate forms.
(6) Inventories and monitors Precision Maintenance Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) equipment, prepares equipment for pick up and delivery, prepares appropriate documentation, coordinates with inspection or maintenance activities, picks up and drops off equipment, unloads and loads vehicle, performs acceptance inspection, and annotates equipment record.
(7) Manages, monitors, and conducts inventories of all flight equipment munitions/ammunition assets, forecasts time change requirements, removes and installs all munitions, and transports via Military/Commercial Aircraft and/or vehicles.
(8) Maintains certification and remains proficient in handling, shipping, storing, and ordering multiple hazardous materials.
(9) Manages a comprehensive Aircrew Flight Equipment package required to sustain bare base operations under surge type conditions.
(10) May be required to perform additional duties such as structural fire fighting, aircraft fire/crash/rescue duty, security guard, snow removal, munitions loading and handling, heavy equipment operation, maintenance of facilities and equipment, or serve as a team member on boards to cope with natural disasters or civil emergencies.
(11) Performs other duties as assigned.
**REFER TO PD FOR FULL LIST OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES**
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Air NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a Vermont Air National Guard recruiter at (802) 652-8054 prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition 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.
  • Incumbent is required to acquire and maintain a secret security clearance.
  • Must be able to obtain materials handling license(s) for equipment utilized in the assignment.
  • Must be certified and remain current in Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA).
  • In order to be eligible, applicants must have a current military status. Prior service or non-prior service applicants are not eligible.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

Qualifications
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Vermont Air National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the Vermont Air National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a Vermont Air National Guard recruiter at (802) 660-8058 prior to applying for this position.
Open Areas of Consideration
Area I: All current On-board Permanent and Indefinite Dual Status 32 and Title 5 (Competitive and Excepted) Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) - Only those Vermont National Guard members who are in permanent or indefinite technician status as a result of being competitively hired within that National Guard component applying for a position within the component which they are currently employed.
Area II: All Members of the Vermont Air National Guard.
Area III: Currently assigned service members in other branches of the military outside of the VTNG, to include those assigned to Active Duty, Reserve or other state's National Guard.
Military Grades: Individually addressed up to TSGT/E-6
Minimum Requirements: Experience or training which demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of materials and equipment used in the line of work (helmets, torso harness assemblies, parachutes, survival equipment). Ability to understand written instructions and to use reference materials and manuals.
Specialized Experience:WG-08 -12 months experience or training which has demonstrated knowledge of aviation life support equipment. Experience reading and interpreting military manuals. Experience in supply procedures and property accountability.
WG-09 and above - 18 months experience or training which has demonstrated knowledge of aviation life support equipment. Experience reading and interpreting military manuals. Experience in supply procedures and property accountability. Experience collecting information and presenting it to various sized groups. Experience in planning a functional shop maintenance program is essential.
Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated based on duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Knowledge and understanding of all flight equipment and chemical/biological defense equipment utilized by the units aircrew to ensure life support equipment/components meet airworthiness criteria, operate within specified tolerances and in the proper sequence, and are mission ready to support the requirements of day-to-day operation as well as sustained critical combat operations.
Ability to inspect, test, calibrate, certify, evaluate, troubleshoot, disassemble, repair, overhaul, assemble, replace, as necessary, and issue flight equipment parts and equipment.
Ability to install, remove, and inspect all flight equipment on the unit aircraft.
Ability to utilize a variety of complex, state of the art diagnostic testers/systems/specialty tools to test, troubleshoot, and repair all flight equipment utilized by the unit.
Ability and certification to plan, organize, develop, direct, implement, conduct, and evaluate formal academic classroom and technical instruction on a wide variety of flight equipment topics to provide initial and recurring training for all aircrew and passengers.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize multiple computer main frame programs/data bases.
Knowledge of materials handling, inventorying, and supply procedures to store and maintain adequate supplies of life support parts and equipment.
Knowledge of and certification in handling, shipping, storing, and ordering multiple hazardous materials to include munitions/ammunition assets.
Skill and ability in the operation of materials handling equipment utilized in receipt, storage, and shipment of the unit flight equipment supplies and equipment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- The position requires the incumbent attend water and land survival schools, the classroom instructor course, and the aircraft accident reporting course. Incumbent is required to acquire and maintain a secret security clearance. Also the incumbent must be able to obtain materials handling license(s) for equipment utilized in the assignment. Must be certified and remain current in Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA).
-This position is subject to the Lautenberg amendment to the gun control act of 1968 which makes it a felony for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. Civilian personnel of the Department of the Defense are not exempt from this provision. 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.
-For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.
-For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.
Please be advised:
1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.
DO NOT copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.
Education
There are no specific educational requirements for this position.
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 (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
Vermont Air National Guard personnel who are bonus recipients/student loan repayment program recipients may have their benefits terminated and/or recouped if selected as a Permanent Military Technician. Applicants should contact the VTARNG Incentive Manager to determine any possible termination and/or recoupment actions that may result from accepting this position.
Pre-Employment Physical Examinations: Individual selected must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 339 and Technician Personnel Regulation 355.
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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.
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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 ab...

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