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Fire Pilot Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... pilot programs. What your day-to-day will look like: Manage, oversee, and coordinate daily facility operations including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life/safety systems, landscaping, pest ...

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 ...

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 ...

Regional Terminal Manager

Rocky Top, TN · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... pilot vehicle operators. This role is accountable for overall terminal performance, including ... Lead weekly rapid-fire reviews with leadership to drive accountability and performance improvement

Regional Terminal Manager

Rocky Top, TN · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... pilot vehicle operators. This role is accountable for overall terminal performance, including ... Lead weekly rapid-fire reviews with leadership to drive accountability and performance improvement

Showing results 21-38

Fire Pilot information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.9K

$118.8K

$182.4K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Tennessee is $118,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $140,700.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,822 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Maintenance Call Center Coordinator

Pilot Company

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Pilot Company rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 531 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Company Description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Job Description

Are you great with troubleshooting and problem solving? Do you have excellent customer service skills? Do you thrive when getting to make a difference? This is the position for you! 

What you will do: 

  • The purpose of this job is to provide troubleshooting support and repair coordination for routine facility-related issues at travel center locations. 
  • Liaise with store employees and vendors to ensure timely repair of facility issues at company sites in a cost effective manner 
  • Compile and evaluate information about each facility repair issue to determine whether repair or replacement, based upon cost parameters, is the most appropriate and cost-effective solution 
  • Calculate total job costs; manage the work order process to include creating purchase orders (P.O.), dispatching vendors, and approving work orders and cost revisions within authorized financial limits 
  • Determine the most cost-effective means of sourcing parts and equipment 
  • Coordinate with PFJ Regional Maintenance Technician and Service Technician dispatch teams to resolve issues in-house and minimize downtime and costs 
  • Develop and maintain relationships with vendors to ensure competitive pricing and quality services 
  • Provide training on basic facility maintenance procedures to store personnel using videos and other training materials 
  • Model behaviors that support the company’s common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest level 
  • Ensure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent certificate required  
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred  
  • Minimum one year’s experience in retail facility support preferred  
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills with intermediate skills in Excel  
  • Basic knowledge of building systems (e.g., HVAC, fire systems, plumbing, electrical)  
  • Basic knowledge of facility management and Energy Management Systems (EMS) 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills  
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service and follow-up  
  • Strong attention to detail, organization and follow-up  
  • Ability to prioritize, multitask and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment  
  • Ability to analyze and make decisions  
  • Ability to collaborate with other team members and departments 
  • General office work requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time 

Additional Information
  • Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Weekly pay
  • 401K match
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Adoption Assistance
  • PTO
  • Fuel Discount

What Pilot Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Pilot Company

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pilot Flying J is an American-based company situated in Knoxville, TN, USA. Founded in 1958, it falls under the travel-center industry, providing comprehensive services to professional drivers, recreational travelers, and road users. Pilot Flying J offers amenities such as refueling facilities, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, and trucking supplies services, positioning itself as a crucial part of America's interstate highway system.

Industry

Gasoline stations, petroleum and petroleum products wholesalers and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Knoxville, TN, US