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Fire Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Seneca

UAS Flight Test Technician

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

This is a ground operations role working closely with test pilots. You'll apply strong mechanical ... Perform routine fire-safety operations: Conduct controlled fire-ignition tests, operate fire ...

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Fire Pilot information

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$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a fire pilot?

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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Fire Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Fire Pilot jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Pilot jobs in California? For Fire Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

UAS Flight Test Technician

Seneca

Sausalito, CA • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Job:
As a UAS Flight Test Technician, you'll support Seneca's flight test program by preparing aircraft, managing ground equipment, running checklists, and keeping test sites safe, functional, and ready for operations. Your mission is to ensure every flight test is executed smoothly and that the team captures reliable, high-quality data.
This is a ground operations role working closely with test pilots. You'll apply strong mechanical intuition, field judgment, and disciplined procedures to keep hardware, batteries, tools, and test environments in top working condition. You'll have full stop authority during tests and clear, structured support from experienced engineers.
What You'll Do:
  • Deliver reliable aircraft readiness: Run pre/post-flight checks, assemble vehicles to required test configurations, spot mechanical/electrical issues early, and perform repairs or retrofits.
  • Maintain batteries and ground equipment: Track health and usage, charge and organize equipment, and support basic repairs.
  • Ensure safe, compliant test operations: during flights, maintain observation, monitor weather, enforce limits, and call aborts when needed.
  • Capture and report accurate test data: Operate cameras/instrumentation, upload footage and logs daily, and post-flight test reporting.
  • Perform routine fire-safety operations: Conduct controlled fire-ignition tests, operate fire extinguishers, and follow safety protocols. On-the-job training will be provided for this.
  • Keep the test site functional and hazard-free: Maintain cleanliness and organization, manage consumables, and surface facility needs promptly. Manage test site vendor relationships as needed.

What You Bring:
  • Strong mechanical aptitude: confident with power tools, hand tools, fasteners, and mechanical inspection. Understand how physical systems fail and how to prevent it.
  • Experience in hands-on environments such as technician work, fabrication, field operations, maintenance and repair.
  • Safety-first mindset with rigor around checklists, logs, and procedures.
  • Technical literacy: Two-way radios, cameras, web-based software.
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs, work outdoors in variable conditions, and travel to regional test sites (incl. early mornings/weekends).

Nice to have:
  • Electrical basics: continuity checks, connectors, crimping, soldering
  • First-aid certifications
  • Fire-safety training

Beyond technical skills, we value:
  • Ownership mentality - identify issues, follows through, closes the loop
  • Balance of velocity and quality - move fast, but with rigor and attention to detail
  • Efficiency & follow-through - keeps operations unblocked and organized
  • Iterative problem solving - breakdown complex problems, prototype, and refine
  • Kindness and humility - thrive in collaborative, mission-driven cross-functional teams that value open communication

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Salary - Reflective of your skills and experience
  • Equity Compensation - Be a part-owner in the company's future
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
  • Unlimited PTO - Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us
Seneca is eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI-powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We're combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion-dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.
This is more than a job-it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you're a builder, an innovator, or a problem-solver, you belong here.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply - you may still be the right fit for our team.

Apply