Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
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Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
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Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary ... Previous experience with low level disbursement / aircraft firefighting experience. * Able to ...
Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)
Ely, MN · On-site +1
$92K - $144K/yr
Perform as pilot in command of light single engine aircraft configured for land or sea equipment ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)
Ely, MN · On-site +1
$92K - $144K/yr
Perform as pilot in command of light single engine aircraft configured for land or sea equipment ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...
Firefighting Pilot information
See Minnesota salary details
$48.5K - $62K
10% of jobs
$62K - $75.5K
7% of jobs
$75.5K - $88.9K
3% of jobs
$99.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$88.9K - $102.4K
6% of jobs
$102.4K - $115.9K
7% of jobs
$115.9K - $129.4K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $137.8K / yr.
$129.4K - $142.9K
17% of jobs
$150.5K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$142.9K - $156.4K
33% of jobs
$156.4K - $169.9K
5% of jobs
$169.9K - $183.4K
3% of jobs
$183.4K - $196.9K
2% of jobs
$48.5K
$128.2K
$196.9K
How much do firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?
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 Minnesota?
For Firefighting Pilot jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Firefighting Pilot jobs in Minnesota look for?
The top searched job categories for Firefighting Pilot jobs in Minnesota are:

$92K/yr
Full-time
Retirement
Posted 5 days ago
Job description
The purpose of this position is to provide the agency as a fully qualified single engine land or seaplane pilot supporting aerial supervision missions, aviation fire suppression, natural resource aviation support, fuels reduction, search and rescue and law enforcement support.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jeremy Harmon at jeremy.harmon@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
To receive consideration for these positions, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the time of applicant submission date.Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement: Certificates and Ratings:
Must possess an FAA Airplane Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings, an Instrument Rating or an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings.
Medical Certificate: Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate.
Must possess proof of a tail wheel logbook endorsement post April 15, 1991. Pre-April 15, 1991, proof of PIC Tail Wheel time will be required via logbook entry, as appropriate to the position held.
Must possess all necessary certificates and ratings and flight hours in the appropriate Category and Class (Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings) as required.
Minimum Flight/Flying Experience:
GS-11: Must meet all the following flight requirements and all minimum hours must be in Category (Airplane): possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours with 500 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum PIC time of 200 hours in Category and Class to be flown (Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea); possess minimum PIC flight time of 50 hours performing Instrument Flight Rules(IFR) flight; Possess minimum PIC flight time of 75 hours performing Night Flight; and possess minimum PIC flight time of 100 hours in the preceding 12 months.
GS-12: Must meet all the following flight requirements and all minimum hours must be in Category (Airplane): possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours with 1200 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum of 200 hours in Category and Class to be flown (Airplane-Single Engine Land and Sea); possess minimum PIC time of 500 hours performing Cross Country flight; possess minimum PIC time of 200 hours performing low-level operations in mountainous terrain (flight at 2500 AGL and below terrain identified as mountainous in 14 CFR 95.11, and as depicted in the Aeronautical information Manual figure 5-6-3); possess minimum PIC flight time of 75 hours of actual or simulated Instrument time with 50 hours in flight; possess minimum PIC time of 100 hours performing Night Flight; possess minimum PIC time in Category of 100 hours (preceding 12 months) and 10 hours (preceding 60 days).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors:
Under age 40 -OR- less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Age Requirements: For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 40; less than age 40 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 40 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no education substitution for this position.Employment Type: OTHER