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Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cintas

Pilot

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Requisition Number: 229954 The Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of ... fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the ...

Cintas

Pilot

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Requisition Number: 229954 The Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of ... fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

Pomona, MO · On-site

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 about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

O Fallon, MO · On-site

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 about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

Granbury, TX · On-site

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 about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

O Fallon, MO · On-site

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 about ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS

Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher ... Big Valley Pilot Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Chattanooga, TN

$87K - $95K/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 sitebenefits pageto learn more about ...

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All JobsFire Pilot Jobs

Fire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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 Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Ergon, Inc

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Ergon Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Harbor Boat Pilot
Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location.
If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be proud of the physical work that you accomplish, then this might be a job that you would enjoy. EMIS services vessels and tows and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.
Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Memphis, TN, and Wood River, IL.
Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing
The Harbor Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations and federal, state, and local laws. Assist Fuel Boat Pilot in overseeing EMIS operations when upper management is not available.
Harbor Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:
  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.
  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.
  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.
  • Inspect all areas of vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.
  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.
  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.
  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.
  • Assist other operations as required by management.
  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment while documenting fleet check once every six hours or according to MARSEC levels.
  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.
  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.
  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.
  • Order supplies as needed.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.
  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.
  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.
  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.
  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.
  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.
  • Complete Towing Vessel Record in TowWorks each shift which includes the following:
    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Harbor Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.
    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Harbor Boat Pilot Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing
  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company
  • Must be able to swim
  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.
Position: Harbor Boat Pilot
Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

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