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Fire Pilot Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Laukoa

Laboratory & Pilot Maintenance

Panama City, FL · On-site

LAUKOA is seeking a Laboratory & Pilot Plant Technician to maintain, configure, and support AFCEC ... Verify building mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems operate correctly per the ...

Laukoa

Laboratory & Pilot Maintenance

Panama City, FL · On-site

LAUKOA is seeking a Laboratory & Pilot Plant Technician to maintain, configure, and support AFCEC ... Verify building mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems operate correctly per the ...

LAUKOA

Laboratory & Pilot Maintenance

Panama City, FL · On-site

LAUKOA is seeking a Laboratory & Pilot Plant Technician to maintain, configure, and support AFCEC ... Verify building mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems operate correctly per the ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc.

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

This includes but is not limited to proper use of lights, signs, flags, fire extinguishers, etc ... One-year pilot/escort or CDL driving experience required. * Must meet Latham Pool Product driving ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

This includes but is not limited to proper use of lights, signs, flags, fire extinguishers, etc ... One-year pilot/escort or CDL driving experience required. * Must meet Latham Pool Product driving ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc.

Pilot Driver

Zephyrhills, FL · On-site

$19.29 - $22.43/hr

This includes but is not limited to proper use of lights, signs, flags, fire extinguishers, etc ... One-year pilot/escort or CDL driving experience required. * Must meet Latham Pool Product driving ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Florida

Fire Pilot information

See Florida salary details

$37K

$97.8K

$150.2K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Florida is $97,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,700.00 and $115,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do fire pilots get paid?

Fire 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 training and certifications, such as a commercial pilot license and firefighting qualifications, which can influence salary levels.

Is it hard to become a fire pilot?

Becoming a fire pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, gaining experience in aviation, and often specialized wildfire or aerial firefighting certifications. The process is demanding and competitive, requiring strong flying skills, safety knowledge, and physical fitness.
More about Fire Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Pilot jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Fire Pilot jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Pilot jobs in Florida?

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

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Fire Pilot job openings:

Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,833 per year, or $47 per hour.

Laboratory & Pilot Maintenance

Laukoa

Panama City, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Mahalo for your interest in this role! Please see the full position description below and click Start Your Application when ready.
LAUKOA is seeking a Laboratory & Pilot Plant Technician to maintain, configure, and support AFCEC laboratory and pilot-scale facilities, equipment, systems, and processes in Building 1117 at Tyndall Air Force Base. The position performs preventive maintenance, minor repairs and modifications, calibration coordination, property accountability, facility support, tool control, glassware and workspace maintenance, and equipment setup and operation.
  • Job Description / Summary of Duties:
    • Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment that is not highly complex RDT&E equipment: cleaning, lubrication, component testing, and replacement of faulty mechanical, electronic, and electrical components; complete minor modifications to instruments and equipment; apply established repair, testing, and alignment techniques
    • Track PM and repairs of highly complex equipment (e.g., mass spectrometers) and all other equipment as part of PMEL duties by updating the Inventory Management program
    • Prepare laboratory equipment and facility configurations; move and assist with moving equipment, materials, hazardous materials, and waste; initiate and document repairs, deficiencies, alterations, and new construction using AF Form 332 and MS Office; serve as alternate Facility Manager, coordinating vendors, custodial, security, fire, safety, health/environmental, grounds maintenance, and network infrastructure support; assemble and operate laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, systems, and processes
    • Manage, update, inspect, and maintain laboratory equipment records and CA/CRL inventory: turn-ins, inventories, data entry, record keeping, and interface with work center monitors, logistics personnel, sub-custodians, and users
    • Ensure periodic TMDE calibration per DAF requirements, and manufacturer manuals; schedule and document calibrations; coordinate with AFCEC logistics POCs and base PMEL;
    • Maintain work center tool control per AFCEC/CXA policy; maintain laboratory supply inventories; maintain and update documents and records in automated systems
    • Verify building mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems operate correctly per the Planned Maintenance Inspection (PMI) lists; inspect and service laboratory, safety, and non-permanent facility equipment including fire extinguishers, AEDs, and eye-wash showers; perform general facility maintenance (minor repair, light bulb replacement, cleaning work surfaces, glassware, and lab/prep room floors, reconfiguring laboratory and modular office furniture); use and maintain hand and power tools safely

  • Required Qualifications:
    • High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 3 years of related experience
    • Able to perform routine calculations; proficient in computer use in performance of duties
    • Knowledge of material storage and retrieval processes per AF, DoD, and local instructions; of preparing, cleaning, and maintaining glassware for wet chemical experiments; of security and safety regulations, practices, and procedures; and of laboratory policies and procedures
    • Skill in using and maintaining hand tools; ability to complete minor modifications to instruments and equipment and apply established repair, testing, alignment, and calibration techniques
    • Experience determining compliance with Planned Maintenance Inspection lists for building mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems
    • NACI; DoD CAC; valid state driver's license; U.S. person only

*This Position is Contingent Upon Award.
LAUKOA is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LAUKOA offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.
LAUKOA gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.

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