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Firefighting Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Bay City, MI

Public Safety Officer

Bay City, MI · On-site

$32.77/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Drone Pilot, Firearms Instructor, and many other specialty jobs and community outreach positions ... Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification (if certified) Optional Documents: Veteran, DD214 ...

The City of Bay City, Michigan

Police Officer

Bay City, MI · On-site

$28.76 - $38.22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Drone Pilot, Firearms Instructor, and many other specialty jobs and community outreach positions ... S. license/ equivalent out-of-state cert. if licensed Firefighter I and Firefighter II ...

All JobsFirefighting Pilot JobsFirefighting Pilot Jobs in Michigan

Firefighting Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighting pilot?

A Firefighting Pilot operates specialized aircraft to combat wildfires by dropping water or fire retardant on flames and creating containment lines. They work closely with ground crews and emergency responders to suppress fires and protect lives, property, and natural resources. These pilots fly in challenging conditions, including low visibility, turbulent air, and high heat. Extensive flight training, aerial firefighting certification, and experience in low-altitude operations are typically required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a firefighting pilot?

To thrive as a Firefighting Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive hours of flight experience (especially in challenging weather and low-visibility conditions), and a valid commercial pilot’s license with the required ratings. Familiarity with specialized firefighting aircraft, GPS navigation, and communication systems is essential, as is certification in aerial firefighting operations. Critical thinking, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for making quick decisions in dynamic and hazardous environments. These skills and qualifications ensure mission safety, successful coordination with ground crews, and the effective containment of wildfires.

What challenges do firefighting pilots face during wildfire season?

Firefighting Pilots often contend with rapidly changing weather conditions, unpredictable fire behavior, and limited visibility due to smoke, which can make every flight uniquely challenging. Missions require precise maneuvers at low altitudes, as well as close coordination with ground crews and other aircraft to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety. The job also involves extended hours during peak wildfire season, with possible deployments to remote or rugged locations. Adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety are essential for navigating these challenges and successfully supporting firefighting operations.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighting Pilot jobs in Michigan?

For Firefighting Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighting Pilot jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighting Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

Firefighting Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighting Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Great Lakes Piloting Mate

Grand River Navigation Company

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!
If you are looking to become part of our team that strongly values safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, come sail with us! Grand River Navigation has one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes. With unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry we can guarantee you will enjoy a career with us!
Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime. We are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessels that provide service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
Competitive total rewards package including income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best-in-class rotation. We have many education opportunities and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.
"We can go where the big ships go and also where they can't!"
Our Company is searching for qualified candidates for the position of Mate / First Class Pilot aboard our US flagged self-unloading vessels.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the senior deck officer and principal assistant to the Master in the safe navigation and operation of the vessel.
  • Direct and maintain safe navigational watches, ensuring compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and established maritime practices.
  • Lead, coordinate, and oversee all Deck Department personnel, promoting a culture of safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.
  • Plan, supervise, and ensure the effective maintenance, preservation, and upkeep of the vessel's hull, decks, superstructure, and deck machinery.
  • Manage all cargo operations, including the safe loading, unloading, stowage, and securing of cargo while ensuring compliance with vessel stability and safety requirements.
  • Ensure all lifesaving, firefighting, emergency, and pollution prevention equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and ready for immediate use.
  • Coordinate deck maintenance programs, vessel inspections, and regulatory compliance activities to meet company, U.S. Coast Guard, and industry standards.
  • Manage the procurement, inventory, and control of deck stores, equipment, and supplies to support efficient vessel operations.
  • Conduct crew training, safety meetings, and emergency drills to ensure preparedness and adherence to the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Maintain accurate records, logs, maintenance reports, and regulatory documentation as required.
  • Assume command responsibilities in the absence of the Master, as directed.
  • Perform additional duties and special assignments as delegated by the Master.

Benefits
  • As an employee you are part of the Mainstay Maritime family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, vision, company paid long-term and short-term disability and life insurance, 401K with company match.
  • Excellent safety record
  • Company paid training and education opportunities

Requirements
  • TWIC Card - Transportation Worker Identification Credential
  • United States Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)
  • Endorsement as Mate of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (minimum)
  • First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
  • Unexpired US Passport or Enhanced Driver's License and allowed entry into Canada
  • Legally authorized to work in the US, without restriction
  • Excellent communication and ability to multi-task
  • Experience working as a team and desire to working together as a team player
  • Experience and desires to align to our Values: Creating a Positive Customer Experience, Health/Safety/Environment focused, High Integrity and Teamwork

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act.

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