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Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary: We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition ...

Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary: We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition ...

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 ...

Sheriff's Helicopter Pilot

Ventura, CA · On-site

$125.95K - $176.57K/yr

Fire/Sheriff's Pilot BENEFITS/INCENTIVES: * Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options) * An educational incentive of 2.5%, 3 ...

Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits pageto learn more about ...

Pilot

Watson, IL

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Pilot

Watson, IL

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Summary or Purpose Serves as Pilot-in-Command or Second-in-command in Borough aircraft; safely ... to fire and rescue emergencies. Must have the ability to occasionally reach and lift 35 lbs. above ...

Helicopter Pilot

Watson, IL

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Helicopter Pilot

Dallas, TX

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits pageto learn more about ...

Helicopter Pilot

Watson, IL

$87.02K - $95.72K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Fire Pilot Do?

As a fire pilot or air tanker pilot, you respond to wildfires by providing water drops, fire retardant, and other fire suppression materials from your aircraft. In most cases, you spend the bulk of your day standing by and waiting to respond to an alert that indicates the probability of wildfire. Depending on probability, you may need to stay on-site or remain within a specified distance of the base. When the call comes, your responsibilities include completing the pre-flight checklist, loading the details in your GPS, and then completing the flight according to the directions received.

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

To thrive as a Fire Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot’s license, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with aircraft like air tankers or helicopters, navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient support for firefighting teams while minimizing risk during high-stress, unpredictable wildfire missions.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Fire Pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and challenging terrain when flying over wildfire zones. Coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft is essential to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Additionally, Fire Pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as sudden wind shifts, updrafts, and the risk of engine overheating during extended low-altitude flights. These challenges require strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure.

What are Fire Pilots?

Fire Pilots are specialized pilots trained to operate aircraft in support of firefighting operations. They fly planes or helicopters to drop water or fire retardants over wildfires, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct aerial surveillance of fire zones. Their work is critical in controlling and suppressing large-scale wildfires, often requiring quick decision-making and flying in challenging and dangerous conditions. Fire Pilots typically work for government agencies, firefighting services, or private contractors.

What is the difference between Fire Pilot vs Firefighter?

AspectFire PilotFirefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentAircraft, firefighting helicopters or planesFire stations, emergency scenes, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, aerial firefighting companiesMunicipal fire departments, rescue services

Fire Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires from the air, requiring pilot licenses and specialized firefighting training. Firefighters work on the ground, handling rescue and suppression tasks, and need firefighting certifications. Both roles are vital in firefighting but differ significantly in work environment and required credentials.

What cities are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Fire Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs are:
Fire Boss Chief Pilot

Fire Boss Chief Pilot

Wipaire Inc

South Saint Paul, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Position: Fire Boss Chief Pilot
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried
Benefits Summary:
We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition reimbursement, life, short & long term disability insurance and other benefits such as PTO (starting at 15 days) and holiday pay, all while working with great people, first shift, and in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The benefits noted above are subject to availability and eligibility requirements.
We have been engineering and manufacturing aircraft floats for the last 60 years and have become an aviation industry leader of diversified aviation services. Our products are used to convert existing airplanes into sea planes. We support passenger service, tourism, and fire-fighting operations all over the world. Our core values are simple, a win-win mindset, technically adept, work/life balance, do the right thing and have fun. If these values speak to you, we want to connect! Join this growing company that is proudly producing products made in the USA.
Position Summary: The Fire Boss Chief Pilot provides flight instruction, pilot services, pilot management and training program oversight in accordance with all applicable FAA regulations and AFT&L syllabi and customer needs specific to Wipaire Fire Boss aircraft. Establishes and maintains Wipaire course curriculums, standards for quality of service and flight safety programs. This position manages AFT&L and Wipaire Fire Boss pilot qualifications and manages a matrix of these pilots to ensure cross training and availability to meet internal and external needs.
Primary Responsibilities:1. Overall responsibility for Advanced Flight Training and Leasing Fire Boss operations and training programs.
2. Ensures all departments and external customers have appropriate and sufficient pilots to meet their needs and are utilized by the following priority order:
a. Flown by Fire Boss Chief Pilot or AFT&L pilot
b. Internal secondary pilot resources
c. Contract resources
3. Develops and maintains training materials appropriate to AFT&L client needs. These aircraft specific training materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Program syllabus
b. Classroom materials such as Power Point presentations
c. Computer Based Training (CBT)
d. Reference handouts
e. Simulator training programs
4. Provides training services to Wipaire and AFT&L employees and customers on AT-802 and 802A Fire Boss Aircraft.
a. Quotes and schedules client lessons and test flights
Ground training including, but not limited to: aircraft systems and operation, amphibious aircraft operations and aerial firefighting techniques
b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft flight characteristics, amphibious operations, seaplane operations, water scooping and dropping, aerial fire fighting techniques
c. Provides client endorsements as necessary
d. Provides currency training, insurance check outs, Flight Reviews and IPCs for those that are approved to fly for the company
e. Provides flight training to Wipaire employees and customers as necessary.
5. Provides flight services to Wipaire and AFT&L customers.
a. Ferries aircraft from Wipaire to customer locations or from other locations to customer locations.
* Complies with FAA regulations for VFR and IFR flight as appropriate.
* Files instrument flight plans as appropriate with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic
* Coordinates flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control and informs crew members of flight and test procedures
* Conducts in-flight tests and evaluations at safe altitudes and in adverse weather, in order to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems
* Responds to and reports in-flight emergencies and malfunctions
* Records in logbooks information such as flight times, cycles, distances flown, and fuel consumption
* Tests and evaluates the performance of aircraft released from Maintenance or engineering test flight
* Checks passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts, to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met
b. Maintains flying currency, including flight reviews and IPCs necessary to operate aircraft owned or maintained by Wipaire and external clients.
6. Performs maintenance, test flights, and performance of aircraft that have released from Wipaire maintenance or in support of the Wipaire engineering department.
a. Provides test flight documentation as required
7. Performs administrative duties related to Flight Services.
a. Provides customers information and quotations for flight training and other services.
b. Supports Fire Boss aircraft sales team through development of mission profiles and other information to support successful aircraft sales.
c. Coordinates with Human Resources regarding contract resources.
d. Maintains long-term relationships with customers for the benefit of the Company.
Experience and Skills
Education, Experience and Credentials
  • Possess and maintain certified Flight Instructor Certificate, single engine & instrument required; multi engine preferred
  • Possess a current United States passport
  • Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred
  • 3,000 hours total flying time required
  • 400 hours in airplane single engine sea (ASES)
  • 200 hours Fire Boss experience required
  • 200 hours of low-level flight in airplanes (below 500 feet above ground level (AGL)); including at least 100 hours dispensing fire retardant, water on fires, or agricultural materials preferred
  • Airtractor 802 Instructor Certification
  • Complex, and high performance, tail wheel endorsements required
  • Seaplane rating required
  • Type certified in applicable aircraft
  • Instrument rated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience.
  • Able to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of an aircraft to exact positions.
  • Able to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
  • Able to know one's location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to oneself.
  • Able to time movements or the movement of an aircraft in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
  • Able to assess and understand the learning styles of individuals, present complex information to them at appropriate levels, and evaluate their levels of understanding.
  • Develop training and other materials using Microsoft and other tools as required.
  • Able to display high levels of customer service, responding promptly and thoroughly to the inquiries and needs of individuals both internal and external to the organization.
  • Able to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage own work in a fast-paced environment. Able to work unsupervised and solve problems effectively and creatively.
  • Work as an effective and proactive team player; exhibit flexibility and switch priorities in work duties while maintaining a positive attitude; understands the importance of supporting the organization, customers, and other employees.
  • Able to develop and give oral presentations to small and large groups of individuals inside and outside the organization.
  • Understand and maintain confidential nature of organization, employee and customer information, including and in accordance to HIPAA regulations.
  • Show professional knowledge, proficiency and initiative in achieving goals and meeting standards.
  • Able to identify, evaluate, problem solve, and give direction regarding problem resolution for Department or customer issues.
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and their applications.
  • Perform occasional lifting of supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Hear, speak and effectively verbally communicate in the English language, including following oral and written instructions, in order to communicate with people inside and outside the organization.
  • Stand for extended periods of time in an instructional or industrial setting.
  • Sit for extended periods of time and perform long hours of work piloting an aircraft.
  • Apply manual dexterity and visual acuity for operating an aircraft and to review detailed reports and information.
  • Move around the hangar, shop, and office area repeatedly throughout the day.
  • Primarily domestic travel, with the potential of international travel, to customer and company locations approximately 40% of the time.
  • Pass FAA 2nd class medical physical exam.
  • Comply with drug testing requirements in compliance with federal regulations.

AFT&L and Wipaire are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any other applicable legally protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply online at www.wipaire.com/careers.