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Firefighting Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ... Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ... Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential ...

All JobsFirefighting Pilot JobsFirefighting Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Firefighting Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Firefighting Pilot jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

Firefighting Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighting Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Mate

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description


The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.
Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.
McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Mate:
Description/Job Summary:
The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.
Preferred Experience:
  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:
  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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