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Fire Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

University of Arizona

R&D Engineer/Scientist I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

... pilot-scale production. Works to improve synthesis and processing methods to enhance ... Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the ...

Leidos

UH-60- Simulator Instructor Operator

Marana, AZ · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

All Instructor Pilots and Simulator Instructor Operators operate under DCMA INST 8210‑1D ... Serve as an RFMSS Fire Desk Operator, scheduling and closing out simulator periods within required ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.33 - $20.53/hr

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal ... pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion). * Vacation time accrued at 4.00 ...

The State of Arizona

FORESTER

Chino Valley, AZ · On-site +1

$21.14 - $29.50/hr

Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT Manage and ... Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits ...

Arizona Department of Administration

Forester

Lakeside, AZ · On-site

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership ... pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion). * Vacation time accrued at 4.00 ...

New

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Payson, AZ · On-site

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal ... pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion). * Vacation time accrued at 4.00 ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people ... pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion). * Vacation time accrued at 4.00 ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Chino Valley, AZ · On-site

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people ... Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here . For a complete list of benefits ...

ANTELOPE POINT HOLDINGS LLC

Dock Hand

Page, AZ · On-site

$15/hr

Assisting pilots, cleaners, and mechanics with daily tasks; * Assistance as required in general ... Knowledge or ability to be trained in fire extinguisher operation; * Knowledge or ability to be ...

Antelope Point Marina

Dock Hand

Page, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

Assisting pilots, cleaners, and mechanics with daily tasks; * Assistance as required in general ... Knowledge or ability to be trained in fire extinguisher operation; * Knowledge or ability to be ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17.96/hr

We offer a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Pilot Program, where ... fire, medical emergency, bomb threat, flooding, water discharge, elevator emergency, hazardous ...

The State of Arizona

SECURITY OFFICER

Phoenix, AZ

$17.96 - $19.08/hr

We offer a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Pilot Program, where ... fire, medical emergency, bomb threat, flooding, water discharge, elevator emergency, hazardous ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Arizona

Fire Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do fire plane pilots make?

Fire plane pilots, also known as aerial firefighters, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often require specialized certifications and operate aircraft such as airtankers or water bombers during wildfire suppression efforts.

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 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.

Can an epileptic be a firefighter?

Firefighters must meet medical and physical standards, and epilepsy can disqualify candidates depending on severity and control of seizures. Medical evaluations and clear seizure management are typically required, and individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy may be ineligible for firefighting roles due to safety concerns. Each department's requirements can vary, so consulting specific agency policies is recommended.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Firefighters, including those in specialized roles like fire pilots or aerial firefighters, can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, overtime, and in high-cost-of-living areas. However, typical firefighter salaries vary widely depending on location, rank, and department size, with many earning less than this amount.

How long does it take to become a fire pilot?

Becoming a fire pilot typically requires several years of aviation experience, including obtaining a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and specialized training in firefighting aircraft operations. Many fire pilots have at least 1,500 flight hours and relevant experience in fixed-wing or helicopter flying before qualifying for firefighting roles, which can take 3 to 5 years or more depending on training pace and opportunities.

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.

More about Fire Pilot jobs
What are popular job titles related to Fire Pilot jobs in Arizona? For Fire Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,999 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

UH-60- Simulator Instructor Operator

Leidos

Marana, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 488 rated business services

Job description

UH-60 Simulator Instructor Operator
Marana, AZ | Army National Guard (ANG) ATSOS Program
The Intelligence and Operations Solutions Division within the Airborne & Mission Solutions Business Area of Leidos is seeking a UH-60 Simulator Instructor Operator to support the Army National Guard (ANG) Aviation Training Services and Operational Support (ATSOS) program in Marana, AZ. This is a rare opportunity to bring your aviation expertise into one of the most respected and mission-critical training environments in the world - the Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS).
As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers world-class flight and simulation training, classroom instruction, and schoolhouse support, including One Army School System (OASS) integration and Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) maintenance. In this role, you will directly shape the readiness, confidence, and capability of Army National Guard aviators preparing for the demanding operational environments they face.
You will serve as a key technical expert, conducting simulation training, supporting advanced Programs of Instruction (POIs), and ensuring aviators receive the highest-quality instruction in accordance with AR 95-1, TRADOC POIs, UH-60 L/M dATM, and AATS SOPs. All Instructor Pilots and Simulator Instructor Operators operate under DCMA INST 8210-1D requirements. This is a chance to make a measurable impact on Army aviation readiness while working with cutting-edge simulation technology.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Deliver high-fidelity simulated flight training with emphasis on aircraft systems, emergency procedures, and instrument flight operations.
  • Develop and maintain mission-focused training scenarios for regional users.
  • Provide instruction and evaluation to student pilots in accordance with approved Training Support Packages.
  • Conduct Aircrew Coordination Training-Enhanced (ACT-E) instruction.
  • Operate UH-60L and UH-60M model simulators to support formal and regional training requirements.
  • Maintain accurate training records for formal course students and readiness-level progression trainees.
  • Conduct academic instruction for multiple courses, including Instructor Operator, Instrument Flight Examiner, and Aviation Qualification programs.
  • Lead pre-mission planning and after-action reviews for all simulation events.
  • Complete all Aircrew Training Program (ATP) requirements in accordance with DCMA INST 8210-1D, AR 95-1, and applicable dATMs.
  • Develop, update, and publish schedules using electronic systems; lead annual simulation scheduling conferences.
  • Track schedule changes and prepare monthly simulator utilization and maintenance reports.
  • Coordinate daily with WFFC/ATMP simulator maintenance teams to track system status and service requests.
  • Work with course managers to allocate simulation time for formal training.
  • Coordinate with regional users, NGB, and PEO-STRI to ensure proper utilization of allocated hours and devices.
  • Verify and correct contractor device performance reports and submit to the COTR.
  • Maintain and review a comprehensive publication library for all simulators.
  • Serve as an RFMSS Fire Desk Operator, scheduling and closing out simulator periods within required timelines.

Basic Qualifications
  • High School Diploma with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Bachelor's Degree with 4+ years of experience.
  • Qualified as an Instructor Pilot in the respective aircraft simulator and as an Instrument Flight Examiner, or three years of documented experience as an Aviation Simulator I/O in the required device.
  • Prior Army Aviation (or military equivalent) training or operational experience.
  • USAACE/AATS-qualified Instructor Pilot in the applicable airframe or minimum 3 years of I/O experience in the assigned device.
  • Instructor Training Course (ITC) or ABIC qualified, or ability to complete AATS-provided ABIC within 12 months.
  • Must meet instructor qualification requirements per TR 350-10 and TR 350-70.
  • Qualified as a unit trainer, instructor pilot, or maintenance test flight examiner with simulator operations experience.
  • USAACE-qualified Instrument Flight Examiner.
  • Ability to complete unit aircrew training program within 3 months if not already an Instructor Pilot.
  • Must possess a favorable background investigation or security clearance appropriate to the information accessed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 23, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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