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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Helicopter Firefighting information

What is helicopter firefighting?

A helicopter firefighting job involves piloting or assisting in aerial operations to combat wildfires and other large-scale fires. These professionals use helicopters to drop water or fire retardant, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct reconnaissance of fire-prone areas. Pilots and crew members must have specialized training in wildfire behavior, aviation safety, and emergency response. The job requires physical endurance, quick decision-making, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Helicopter firefighting is a critical part of wildfire management and often demands long hours in challenging conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in helicopter firefighting?

To excel in Helicopter Firefighting, you need a strong background in aviation, emergency response, and firefighting procedures, often requiring a commercial pilot’s license and specialized fire suppression training. Familiarity with helicopter avionics, water-dropping systems, and safety protocols is crucial, along with certifications such as FAA ratings and wildfire firefighting courses. Superior teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this demanding field. These qualifications ensure operational safety, effective fire suppression, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing wildfire conditions.

What are the typical challenges faced by helicopter firefighting crews?

Helicopter firefighting crews often work in rapidly changing and hazardous environments, facing challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and difficult terrain for navigation. Team members must coordinate closely with ground firefighting teams and follow precise communication protocols for safety and mission success. Long shifts, physical demands, and heightened stress levels during active wildfire seasons are also common. However, many find the role deeply rewarding due to its critical impact on protecting communities and natural resources.

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California?

For Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Firefighting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Helicopter Firefighting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Helicopter Firefighting job openings:

Helicopter Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Shipboard Damage Control Firefighting Instructor

San Diego, CA • On-site

Prevailance, Inc.
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Prevailance, Inc.external

$40K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

This position is currently filled, but we are accepting applications for Ready Replacement Pool consideration.


Prevailance is seeking a mission-focused professional to support the Surface Warfare Engineering Schools Command (SWESC) as a Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor. The instructor will deliver technical and military training, including instruction, testing, remediation, curriculum updates, administration, and safety services for formalized naval training.


Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical and military training to Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, including U.S. Navy and Allied Forces officers and enlisted personnel
  • Support curriculum updates and maintenance, testing, and remediation
  • Utilize training aids, electronic podiums, lab equipment, and other instructional tools effectively
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols during training evolutions

Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (CIN: A-012-0077) or equivalent (NEC 9502)
  • At least three (3) years of technical experience in Damage Control
  • At least two (2) years of experience in a Military Training Environment
  • Strong knowledge of learning principles, presentation methods, testing, remediation, and training equipment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, shipboard firefighting, and damage control procedures

Specific Qualifications:

  • Former Senior (E5-E9) Surface Ship Damage Controlman or similar rating
  • Graduate of at least seven (7) of the following courses:
    • General Shipboard Firefighting Training - SCBA (A-495-0416)
    • Shipboard Firefighting Integrated Team Trainer (A-495-0018)
    • Shipboard Firefighting / Damage Control Emergency Team Member (A-495-0021)
    • Shipboard Aircraft Firefighting (J-495-0413)
    • Air Capable Ship Helicopter Firefighting (J-495-0414)
    • Advanced Shipboard Firefighting (J-495-0419)
    • Damage Control Repair Party Team Leader (K-495-0040)
    • Shipboard Damage Control Team Trainer (K-495-0045)
    • Damage Control Petty Officer (K-495-0440)
    • AFFF Foam Generation (K-495-2179)
    • Gas Free Engineering (K-495-0051)
  • Capable of performing all high-risk training evolutions, including ascending/descending ladders, navigating narrow passageways, enduring extreme heat, and lifting up to 50 lbs

Desired Qualifications:

  • Navy Damage Controlman Chief Petty Officer (CPO) or Engineering Department Leader (e.g., EN, GS, EM) preferred
  • Experience with ATG or holding the NEC 9502 Basic Instructor designation
  • Shipboard firefighting experience
  • Current Basic EMT qualification or higher

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • NEC 9502 Navy Instructor or equivalent certification

Clearance:

  • Must be able to obtain a favorable background clearance

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today!

At Prevailance, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our employees and their families.

  • Medical + Dental + Vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Health Benefits 
    • Accident Insurance
    • Critical Illness Insurance
    • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • TRICARE Supplement Insurance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Computing Device Reimbursement Program  

Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.  

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